Mark E. Smith’s Books & Talks |
|
From facing the Insurmountable to Accomplishing the Impossible |
|
Mark and his daughter dancing |
|
Despite Mark’s childhood struggles of having profound cerebral palsy while growing up in a disintegrating family, he used facing insurmountable obstacles as an unlikely launching pad to accomplish the impossible, propelling himself into a life of passionate pursuits. Mark became one of the first severely disabled children successfully mainstreamed into California’s public school system, going on to attend Saint Mary’s College, and then San Francisco State University’s prestigious Creative Writing Program. At 24, Mark was among the most sought-after inspirational speakers in the country. At 25, his childhood autobiography Growing Up With Cerebral Palsy was published. At 26, he was an English tutor and workshop instructor at Diablo Valley College. And, at 27, Mark became a father. Before the age of 30, Mark’s life was fuller than that of many twice his age – an ironic twist for someone who the doctors originally insisted should be institutionalized.
Today, Mark is among the most known disability figures in the world, recognized by almost all within the mobility realm and beyond, including by such esteemed figures as the President of the United States.
As a Manager for Pride Mobility Products, a leading wheelchair manufacturer, Mark has maintained an inspired position within the mobility industry for the past 8 years, finding empowered roles geared toward fostering mobility for all. “A quest for enhanced mobility has always driven my life,” says Mark. “Without the ability to simply get around, one can’t pursue education, employment, family, or life. It’s been my goal since a young child to do whatever I can to ensure that others obtain the mobility that they need and deserve.”
In addition to his key position at Pride Mobility, Mark maintains his iconic role as Founding Editor of WheelchairJunkie.com, the premier disability-related website since 1997, recognized around the globe as changing the way consumers address mobility products, receiving over 3 million views in 2007.
As is unmistakable, writing and speaking remain cornerstones of Mark’s life work toward being a positive influence in the lives of others. 2008 welcomed the publishing of Mark’s third book, Making the Most of It: The 11 keys to mastering disability and life, in addition to his countless magazine articles and columns. As a speaker, Mark's messages of living an empowered, passionate life, no matter what challenges that we face, inspires thousands each year, of all ages and backgrounds. And, if you're like most who enjoy reading Mark's work and hearing his talks, his insights, wisdom, humor, and inspiration have likely impacted your life along the way.
Aside from his ever-inspired career pursuits, Mark, who lives in Pennsylvania, focuses on raising his teenage daughter, and their two beloved English bulldogs.
Indeed, it's a good thing that Mark's power wheelchair is fast, with big batteries – because he's a man on a mission! |
The Inspiration… |
|
Mark on TV supporting a charity |
|
A few of Mark’s credits
Books Growing up with Cerebral Palsy: A remarkable story by San Francisco’s impossible dream kid
Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul (Contributing Author)
Kids on Wheels (Chapter Author)
Too Fast: Selected true tales from the madman of WheelchairJunkie.com
Making the Most of It: The 11 keys to mastering Disability and Life
Magazines San Francisco Chronicle Smart Business Mobility Management HME News New Mobility (Columnist) Malevolence Sports ‘N’ Spokes Can Do LFP
|