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Wesley Hamilton

ADA & DEI Consultant; Inclusive Training Specialist and Founder of Disabled But Not Really

Wesley's story starts in the heart of Kansas City, where he's not just another entrepreneur. He's a beacon of resilience, a testament to the power of the human spirit, and an everyday man turned global speaker and change-maker as the Founder/CEO of 'The Disabled But Not Really Foundation.'

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Bio

Wesley Hamilton's story starts in the heart of Kansas City, where he's not just another entrepreneur. He's a beacon of resilience, a testament to the power of the human spirit, and an everyday man turned global speaker and change-maker as the Founder/CEO of 'The Disabled But Not Really Foundation.'

Wes's academic background, which includes an associate's degree in liberal arts and multiple certifications, is impressive. But his life experiences and mindset shifts truly set him apart. He's put his heart into making his hometown, Kansas City, more welcoming for everyone, advocating for accessibility everywhere, from local parks to the international airport. In 2020, with a renewed vision, he ventured into consulting, emphasizing the importance of diversity and accessible events.

Wes speaks of transformation across platforms, from TEDx stages to universities like Penn State. His talks are not just presentations but narratives of his perspective shift, overcoming challenging circumstances, and embracing a purpose-driven life.

His resilience hasn't gone unnoticed. Awards like the 2021 Craig H. Nielson Foundation Visionary Award Recipient and multiple features in outlets like Netflix's 'Queer Eye' and ‘CNN' have highlighted his journey. But behind the accolades is a profound story: At 24 a tragic shooting left Wes paralyzed. Instead of letting this define his life, Wes underwent a decisive shift in mindset. He leaned into fitness, reshaped his world, and eventually became an inspiration for countless others.

Today, with the 'Disabled But Not Really Foundation' and his consulting work, Wes continues to inspire. He's more than a speaker; he's a living testament to the idea that our circumstances don't define us—our mindset and actions do.

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Keynotes

Featured Keynote

From Paralyzed to Purpose Driven

Wesley Hamilton’s journey after surviving multiple gunshots in his abdomen will inspire every human on the earth. His quintessential stories of courage, strength and perseverance resonates with participants long after any talk he’s ever delivered. Wes instills the essential tools of positivity, self-awareness, empowerment, resilience, and acceptance in the face of any challenge. He believes “the highest human act is to inspire” – and that is exactly why he is profoundly affecting human hearts of all ages, races, lifestyles and backgrounds worldwide.

Mastering Your Potential

Mastering Your Potential

Are you ready to take control of your life? Become more aware of who you are? Learn better time management, and goal setting? This keynote is for you. Wesley takes his audience on a journey of learning who they are inside and out addressing wellness, nutrition, well-being and personal/professional development. Wesley shares his stories on how he started a successful non-profit organization; how he stays fit, even winning bodybuilding competitions; how he never lost hope or accepted failure – and teaches his listeners how to do the same. Wes also has a culinary passion, and shares his success secrets on how he lost over 100 pounds. This is a great keynote for all ages, and will leave you with key insights, tools & action steps so that anyone can master their full potential no matter their abilities or circumstances. People can relax and sit back, laugh, learn and feel supported.
Change the Way the World Sees Disabilities

Change the Way the World Sees Disabilities

Despite the attempts for many organizations to embrace inclusivity, there is still a lack of disability awareness training. During this session, Wesley will provide a breakdown of common misconceptions people have around disabilities. He will also share a number of accessibility challenges he faces every day, which may be impacting your business without you even knowing it. By the end, Wes will help enable your team to develop a more empathetic and understanding culture by removing any barriers that may exist. In turn, it will also create a working environment for your organization that welcomes and accommodates new and existing employees with disabilities.
Overcoming Any Obstacle By Allowing Disruption

Overcoming Any Obstacle By Allowing Disruption

Most people in life understand adversity but how many of us welcome it? In this keynote, Wesley will take you on a journey of how to overcome obstacles by truly embracing them. He will teach you how to accept things that may seem questionable; and how to find a positive lesson in all things. Our life is shaped by about 10% of what happens to us, and 90% of how we react to those happenings. In this incredibly inspirational talk, Wesley will also provide an understanding on how to value your life in a way that adversity becomes something we embrace because the rewards are endless!
Understanding the Black Perspective

Understanding the Black Perspective

After the death of George Floyd in 2020, many organizations and institutions started taking accountability of the racial bias that has kept people of color hindered for so long. During this public speaking talk, Wesley shares his experience of what it means to grow up in the inner-city, as well as embodying all the stereotypes that are projected upon a black community. Wesley also shares his story of who he was before the accident and why he was so willing to accept a life of death or imprisonment due to the lack of leadership and opportunities available to those living in underserved communities. This powerful keynote is meant to educate and provide a perspective to those who may not fully understand what it is like.