Presentation Locations: Ionia and Frankenmuth, Michigan

Impressive... Inspiring... tough to find a single word strong enough to depict Jon’s message! Upon recommendation from Matt Mahar I wanted to meet Jon in person before contracting with him to provide a Keynote Address at the 2003 Michigan Transition Services Association (MTSA) Annual Spring Conference in Frankenmuth.

Jon was the first student speaker ever to present at a MTSA conference. His skills and success have paved the way and now the MTSA Board is committed to continue to provide opportunities for conference attendees to learn from the very same students we serve. I sat in on a presentation Jon made in Ionia County for students who also have a disability and their parents. His ability to express himself was empowering! Jon’s experience of living with a disability has made him an expert. At the MTSA conference his message was similar but very well tailored to the audience of educators and community agency staff. Here he received a standing ovation! The beauty of Jon is his determination to live life to the fullest! Through his honesty and humor he addresses issues important to the lives of individuals with disabilities and to the lives of all who support them.