Mike Lee
bio:
Michael Lee was severely burned in an explosion and fire that left him totally blind at age 13. After the accident, Michael experienced a temporary slump before emerging with amazing determination and zest for life that is absolutely unstoppable. A native of California, Michael was, and still is, the "All American Boy." Snow skiing, water skiing, surfing, bowling, "beep" baseball, and golf are only some of the sports in which he participates. He is also a single parent facing the challenges and enjoying the rewards of raising his young daughter, Robin, on his own.
Together with his faithful assistant, Miguel, a trained Guide Dog for the Blind, Michael has turned his blindness into a mere inconvenience. In his eyes, being blind is not so much a handicap as a challenge. His resilience in overcoming the limitations of blindness to become a successful speaker, stand-up comedian and single parent offers inspiration and hope to all who meet him.
Yes, Michael is blind, but he has an incredible vision to share! He knows that you don't have to see to believe -- but you have to believe to see.
programs:
Dare To Dream: Achieving Your Potential
(assemblies, conference keynotes for youth or adults)
By combining past experiences with his humorous point-of-view, Michael Lee shares his story and many valuable lessons he learned along the way. After Michael was burned and blinded at 13, it took great determination to rebuild his self-esteem and positive attitude toward life. Michael helps students find this same self-esteem and courage within themselves in order to face challenges without succumbing to the false solutions offered by alcohol and other drugs. Michael's unstoppable zest for life empowers young people to accept their challenges and move forward with strength and determination.
Leadership According to Miguel: The Canine Points of Leadership
(student leadership keynote, workshop)
Miguel is a trained Guide Dog with over 10,000 hours of leadership training! Through Michael, Miguel shares his secret Canine (K-9) Points of Leadership and gives advice on making responsible choices. YES, you can learn from The Amazing Miguel -- a true expert in the area of leadership! Student leaders come to see how important their role is to their school and the students they serve.
Better Understanding (student, adult workshop)
Michael presents a new perspective on facing life's challenges as a cultural diversity issue. He also explores the human side of physical challenges (tolerance and acceptance) and the true spirit of ADA (Americans With Disabilities.) This can be a very interactive workshop which includes a blind walk.
