Featured Speakers

Emily Colson

As an artist, author, and speaker, Emily Colson is passionate about inspiring others to persevere through their challenges and appreciate life’s gifts. In her book Dancing with Max, she and her late father, Chuck Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship, share the struggle and beauty of life with Max, Emily’s son with autism.  For most of the last 21 years, Emily, as a single mother, has learned many hard fought lessons in life through love and laughter.  Her book was recently named “Book of the Year” by The Autism Society of America.  In addition to speaking at disability events and churches across the country, Emily has also appeared on national programs like The Huckabee Show and Focus on the Family.

Clay Dyer

The Accessibility Summit is pleased to welcome Clay Dyer to the 2013 Summit.  Born without legs or a left arm and only a partial right arm, Clay has overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to become a professional bass fisherman. Born and raised in Alabama, he was blessed with parents and teachers who never allowed his physical disabilities to stand in the way of what he could accomplish. The book The View From Down Here is Just Fine by Scott Laney chronicles Clay’s amazing story of overcoming adversity, staying positive, and encouraging others.

Joe & Cindi Ferrini

Joe & Cindi Ferrini have been married 32 years and raised 3 children, including one with significant special needs.  They speak nationally at FamilyLife Weekend To Remember Marriage Conferences.  Co-authors of the book, Unexpected Journey: When Special Needs Change Our Course, they relate the honest story of their family’s experiences and provide practical information for keeping families strong.  Their new book, entitled No Regrets, will be released on March 1^st.  Joe and Cindi have been interviewed on various radio stations and television shows and written for popular on-line and hard-copy magazines like Familylife Today, Focus on the Family, and Thrive.