Mickey Rowe

In this engaging keynote, Mickey shares his deeply personal story of growing up autistic and pushing beyond the restrictions of a special education classroom to shine on the Broadway stage. As an autistic and legally blind person, it was always made clear to Mickey the many things he was apparently incapable of doing. But Mickey did them all anyway—and he succeeded because of, not in spite of, his differences.

Rowe shows all of us that whether disabled or not, the things that make you different, or that you might even perceive as your weaknesses, actually make you unique and valuable and might even be your biggest strengths. Ensuring that everyone we come in contact with feels seen, heard, understood, and valued. And that sometimes just one small action can change the course of someone’s life. 

Learning Outcomes:

• CONFIDENCE: Increased sense of self-worth and self-confidence, knowing that they are more powerful because of everything that makes them unique and that they have agency!
• CULTURE: Seeing all of their classmates and colleagues differently. Especially those they have had the least interaction with.
• MOTIVATION & GOAL ACHIEVEMENT: Realizing that regardless of their goals, they can best succeed at all of their goals when they work with people who are very different from them.
• UNDERSTANDING: Understanding and empathy of autism and the disabled lived experience. According to the CDC, 20 – 25% of the population has a disability, so understanding and empathy are essential for everyone.

Mickey Rowe, Founding Artistic Director of the National Disability Theatre, helps make Universally Designed Instruction easy and fun.

20 – 25% of the population is disabled, according to the CDC. Therefore teachers already interact with students with disabilities, IDEA, and IEPs daily. Mickey empowers educators to make that aspect of every teacher’s day a little easier and less stressful.

When we think with an accessibility mindset, we help all of our students succeed, not just those with disabilities. Teachers change these students’ lives daily and deserve some thanks and appreciation straight from the source.

Learning Outcomes:

• OPTIMISM: Educators shape futures daily. Often without realizing it. Mickey’s life was changed by a teacher, Ms. Ritchie, who fought to get him his IEP. Ms. Ritchie doesn’t know she changed Mickey’s life or what he is accomplishing now. Every teacher changes students’ lives in ways they never get to see.
  
• FLUENCY: Mickey takes IEPs and IDEA from stressful obligations to fun, easy, and empowering frameworks.
• CONFIDENCE: Educators will become confident talking about disability. According to the CDC, 20 – 25% of the population has a disability, so this confidence will make every educator’s life easier daily.