Empowering tolive life tothe fullest

for work, home,and play.

J R H A R D I N GM E D I A K I T( 8 5 0 . 5 1 0 . 4 6 2 8 | w w w . J R h a r d i n g . c o m

“

”

According to the

U.S. Census Bureau,

the aggregate income of people with disabili-

ties tops $1 trillion. This includes $220 billion

in discretionary income.

$1 trillion

Learn from experience and lead

by example to be prepared for

“Now What?”

“Dr. “JR” Harding’s core mission is to empower

people with disabilities, seniors, and those with

special needs to live life to the fullest at work,

home, and play.

Through JR’s pioneering experience, he navigates

clients through the unfamiliar landscape of disabili-

ties, offers up-to-date disability rights information,

and resources. He further advocates for people liv-

ing with disabilities through speaking out on Capi-

tol Hill — by working with federal agencies such as

the Department of Justice to see that non-discrimi-

nation laws are implemented and enforced on both

the State and Federal level.

From Americans with Disabilities (ADA) compliance

to marketing to individuals with disabilities to

motivating employees of all abilities, JR

is a highly respected disability pro-

fessional. His capabiliites can

help create new opportunites

and fulfill corporate social re-

sponsibility within your busi-

ness, organization, or event.

This includes the possibilities for:

» REACH: With over a billion people, about 15% of

the world's population (World Health Organiza-

tion) and 57 million Americans, have some form

of disability the embracement of all is essential.

JR’s knows how to teach, speak, and build invit-

ing environments that reach all.

» MARKET: The disability community exhibits a

strong brand loyalty and presents significant

growth opportunities for companies in the mar-

ketplace. JR knows how to capture and sustain

the attention of consumers, policy-makers, com-

munity-leaders, and the public.

» IMPACT: Your statuary compliance to ADA goes

beyond compliance. JR leadership, experience,

and skills guides industries and fosters cred-

itability that goes further than impression but im-

pacts the bottom line.

about

expertise

Dr. JR Harding is an inspiration. A two-time U.S.

Presidential appointee, seven-time Florida Guber-

natorial appointee under four different governors,

author, and internationally recognized disability ex-

pert. He has made significant contributions to pub-

lic policy. He was a contributing author to the

Florida State University System Master Plan in

1998, which included persons with disabilities for

the first time. He was a contributing author to the

Volunteer Voting Systems Guidelines under the

Help America Vote Act of 2006, as well as the 2004

Accessibility Guidelines, which are now the 2010

accessibility standards.

He also happens to be a two-time quadriplegic. At

the age of 16, he was the victim of an assault that

left him permanently paralyzed. Rather than giving

up his hopes and dreams, he found a way to his

new profound challenges as a source of motiva-

tion to others. He graduated from high school, col-

lege, achieved Masters and Ed.D. degrees and has

since served as an advisor to leaders in business

and government.

Dr. Harding is the first person with a significant dis-

ability to graduate from both Leadership Tallahas-

see and Leadership Florida, creating a pathway for

others to follow. Through his community work, he

co-founded the Florida Disability Mentoring Day,

which is considered the best in the country. He has

Hotels Employment Edu

cation

Politics Real Estate

Tra

nsp

ort

atio

n

also personally secured nearly $1 million in corpo-

rate sponsorships to advance meaningful mentor-

ing experiences for Floridians with disabilities.

JR is married and works full-time in Tallahassee,

Florida. He is recognized for always having time to

help fellow disabled individuals find their way.

Moreover, as a building code expert and ADA stan-

dards expert, he frequently guides private busi-

nesses through the nuances of functional

accessibility and code compliance.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

» Hotels

» Real Estate

» Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

» Education

» Employment

» Transportation

» Politics

» Expert Witness

» Independence

In 1995, people

with disabilities

spent $81.7 billion on travel. This did not in-

clude significant expenditures by their fami-

lies, friends and escorts. Source: Society for

Accessible Travel and Hospitality

$81.7 billion

Because of his unique perspective, Dr. JR Harding

addresses issues such as employment, diversity,

advocacy, decision-making, and workplace

strategies. Not just for disability groups. His story

is timely, relevant, and inspirational. For employ-

ers, government organizations and community

groups there has never been a more important

time to understand Americans with disabilities —

their challenges, their potential and important

roles in the world.

He is a natural storyteller. JR is the personification

of balance, articulation, and a caring individual.

The unique “JR story” provides lasting inspiration

and education for audiences from all walks of life.

JR unfolds his personal tale of triumph with a dra-

matic style based on his infectious sense of humor

and zest for living. He has a charm that enables

him to speak to very serious topics. In doing so

draws on personal narratives and experiences that

punctuate his presentations with honesty, and

makes personal connection to empower children,

teenagers, parents, teachers and employers. He

J.R. is a friend and a tenacious

advocate for opportunities for

people with disabilities.

“— Jeb Bush, Former Governor of Florida

often stays after his presentation to facilitate these

connections or address individual concerns at no

extra cost.

He has been asked to speak and testify on numer-

ous occasions to the United States Congress and

the State of Florida Legislature. As he former Chair-

man of the Florida Commission for Transportation

Disadvantaged, he has personally helped shape

numerous pieces of legislation affecting the inde-

pendence and self-sufficiency of individuals with

disabilities. He has helped direct both federal and

state resources to programs that advance opportu-

nities for persons with disabilities.

Invite Dr. JR Harding to speak to your organization today!

Call 850.510.4628

email: jrfsu@comcast.net

www.JRharding.com

speaker

Life is full of unforeseen challenges, both big and

small. JR Harding has weathered unimaginable

stormy times, which include (two separate spinal

cord injuries), but, as he writes, life always hands

you the unexpected. In a world full of distractions,

choices, legal, and moral obligations. JR’s life has

been a series of rebirths—from high school gradu-

ation, substance abuse, and obtaining his doctoral

degree, and more.

“Now What?” is an inspiring, insightful, and down-

to-earth account of one man who defied the odds

and refused to give up. By trusting his gut and fol-

lowing his heart, JR turned an unconventional life

into an unparalleled triumph. This chronicle stands

as a honest exploration, discovery of what matters,

and enables you to go the extra mile to meet life’s

challenges from within, and to experience a sense

of genuine fulfillment and purpose.

In this intimate, straight-forward, and relatable

book, JR shows us how his unique life with a sig-

nificant disability offers wisdom to anyone who has

ever struggled in their own skin. He takes us be-

hind the scenes of his life and an unabashed

yearning for a better life. He shows how he rein-

vented himself as a recognized international

speaker and has testified on a number of occa-

sions to the United States Congress on national

public policy issues. Over the course of his career

his public service includes the United States Ac-

cess Board, Commission for the Transportation

Disadvantaged, The Able Trust, and several other

community not-for-profits. JR shows you how to

expand your awareness by rising to the level of the

solution in your own awareness, transform obsta-

cles into discovery and opportunities for a sustain-

able life.

JR provides solutions to a host of issues and intangi-

bles to empower disability issues for the “Now What”.

Get your copy today on Amazon or

for high volume inquires call:

850.510.4628

author

J R H A R D I N GM E D I A K I T( 8 5 0 . 5 1 0 . 4 6 2 8 | w w w . J R h a r d i n g . c o m

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