THE PROGRAM

-  Some speakers restrict their travel to major urban centers or only large groups,
       does  Alvin have such rules?
-  How long is Alvin’s presentation?
-  What is a snare drum and where do we find it?
-  Will any piano work?
-  Does Alvin answer questions after his program?
-  How does one thank Alvin following a program?
-  What kind of audience is best suited for Alvin’s message?
-  Doesn’t he make his audience uncomfortable with his obvious difference?
-  Is there a religious tone to Alvin’s program?
-  Does Alvin speak to aboriginal, disability or other special groups?
-  Does Alvin have products for sale?

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

Q:  What special logistics are involved in bringing Alvin to our event?  
A:  Alvin requires nothing special. He normally travels alone and is completely self-contained. He has the good fortune of not requiring attendant care, is completely mobile and requires no assistance, although if he needs help, isn’t afraid to ask.

Q:  Is there extra cost involved because of Alvin’s physical challenges?  
A:  No. However, Alvin does prefer to rent his own vehicle and it is the only cost that people ever question. He drives with one foot on the wheel and the other on the pedals and does not use hand controls (no kidding), but he does require a bit bigger vehicle for the space required to drive. Alvin is not pretentious, but he is experienced and years of traveling have taught him the best way for him to operate. He does have a handicapped parking permit which he carries with him and is allowed to use anywhere he travels.

Q:  What are Alvin’s travel requirements?  
A:  Alvin tries to be as flexible as possible, especially regarding budgets. He does not insist on First Class or Business Class airfare. Flights are booked at the best available fare, must be a changeable ticket but not necessarily fully refundable. Alvin prefers to drive himself and must rent a full-size automobile in order to accommodate his needs. Finally, Alvin requests a hotel room at or near the event location. His preference is for a king size bed in a smoking room (Darlene doesn’t even try to talk him into quitting anymore) if it is available.

Travel outside Canada is more complicated so please check with his office before any arrangements are made. We prefer to book Alvin’s travel in-house. Clients may handle travel arrangements but only with Alvin’s approval and input. Important note: Alvin does not make airline policy or pricing…they do.

Q:  Does Alvin require any special travel assistance?  
A:  No. Alvin has adapted to carry his own luggage and care for himself all through the flight process. All people have a seating preference, but Alvin does require an aisle seat, preferably on the right side (facing forward). It allows him extra space to use his feet, but it’s also important if he requires any assistance from flight attendants, especially in case of emergency.

Q:  Does Alvin need an accessible hotel room?  
A:  No. In fact, rooms designed for the handicapped are less convenient, although if it’s the only room available, he can make due.

Q:  Can Alvin feed himself and does he have any preference of food?  
A:  Alvin can feed himself and requires no special diet. He does have a policy that is not related to his handicap. Alvin doesn’t like to eat just prior to speaking because of the potential for something to cause digestive challenges. He also believes that he should maintain a low profile before his program. If people see him even drinking a cup of coffee, it takes away from the impact on stage when he introduces the topic of his learning to use his feet. For that reason, he may also decline social events prior to his program as well, but not after. Alvin is very sociable and his participation in functions after his speech is encouraged. Important note: Alvin has a life outside speaking so if he chooses to depart for home, he may decline invitations and that is not a reflection of his commitment to the client. If his presence afterwards is expected, no problem. Please advise.

Q:  Is there any paperwork involved in bringing Alvin to the United States?  
A:  Alvin has an E-1 visa which allows him to enter the U.S. without any paperwork on the client’s part. Other countries like Australia have brought Alvin in with a minimum of paperwork.

Many U.S. organizations require a tax exemption form such as a W-8ECI. If such a form is required please advise Alvin’s office. Darlene has copies of this particular form available and would be happy to provide it, and any other necessary paperwork you require.

THE PROGRAM

Q:  Some speakers restrict their travel to major urban centers or only large groups, does Alvin have such rules?  
A:  Alvin will go anywhere for the right price!! (Ha! Ha!) Actually, he has no restrictions at all. He has spoken to audiences from seven people (the smallest) to 7,500 (the largest) and has been places you can’t even imagine.

Q:  How long is Alvin’s presentation?  
A:  Ideally Alvin’s presentation is never less than one hour, although he has given presentations as short as 10 minutes and as long as 2 ½ hours. Every presentation is unique and Alvin works closely with the client to ensure their needs are met to everyone’s satisfaction.

Q:  What is a snare drum and where do we find it?  
A:  First, a snare drum is the most common drum and can be identified by the crimped metal “snares” across the bottom of the drum. Most music stores will rent them, although they are more accustomed to a long-term arrangement or renting the entire set. The costs vary and it is a piece of audio/visual that seems hard to justify, but it is as vital as any projector or power point equipment other speakers may require. Don’t hesitate to ask the simplest question if there is the least bit of confusion. It doesn’t have to be rented, it may be borrowed from a school or a musician, but it should be of sufficient quality to match the professionalism of Alvin’s ability and must be on a stand. He does bring his own sticks.

Q:  Will any piano work?  
A:  The piano is an important tool in Alvin’s program. He uses his toes, so a standard keyboard with weighted keys is his important. Many people own the portable, battery operated “Casio” brand keyboards and wonder if they will work – the answer is no! Key size and volume is vital. The keys on a small, portable, Casion keyboard are often too small for his toes and the entire audience needs to hear him. Visibility means the piano or keyboard should be on the stage but if that’s not practical (grand pianos are kinda heavy), please advise.

Q:  Does Alvin answer questions after his program?  
A:  He normally does not allow for Q & A during his sessions due to time constraints, but he will answer questions privately following his program. If time can be allowed and questions are a desired part of the whole session, that’s no problem. Alvin often says, “I’ve spoken to a lot of Kindergarteners, I’ve heard and answered any question you might imagine.

Q:  How does one thank Alvin following a program?  
A:  As Alvin discusses in his program, one of his most awkward moments is meeting people as the custom is to shake hands. Alvin can shake a person’s hand with his right foot but he also realizes not everyone is comfortable with that so whether it’s a pat on the back, a hug, or a kiss on the cheek, whatever is most comfortable for the thanker. By the way, Alvin never expects a gift but when one is presented, he can either take it under his chin or in his teeth. If it’s an awkward size or weight, Alvin will offer instruction. These moments can be very special, so prepping a thanker too much can take away from the spontaneity.

Q:  What kind of audience is best suited for Alvin’s message?  
A:  Alvin first started speaking to children as a project of the International Year for the Disabled in 1981. His focus was very much on disability issues and awareness. Since he began, students, especially teenagers, have benefited from a message related to self-image and challenge. Over the years, Alvin has altered his program to suit any age and any background of audience while still using his life as the foundation. As Alvin likes to say, “The message is about the power of humanity, something we all have in common”. One important point; Alvin’s program is not about what Alvin alone has achieved. He uses his stories as a foundation but it’s his ability to adapt his program to fit each client’s needs that is most impressive. Because his story is so real, it transcends age, race or status of the audience members. The best thing to do is to contact his office and ask because chances are , Alvin can work his magic with your group, no matter who they are.

Q:  Doesn’t he make his audience uncomfortable with his obvious difference?  
A:  The first thing you notice about Alvin is his own comfort level with himself. The next is his humour. Alvin’s most common comment from older students is he should do stand-up comedy. In fact, it’s Alvin’s difference that makes him so appealing. As Alvin has quite candidly stated in many speeches, you will never forget him as long as you live. If the goal of a speaker is to be memorable, Alvin is your speaker. Yet, as his wife Darlene likes to say, “There’s more to Alvin than what’s missing”. Many have said that after a short time you focus less on his differences and more on his similarities. One more point. Alvin believes in challenging every person present to think about their own attitudes so if they are at all uncomfortable, it’s a good thing. One sure way to grow is change our pre-conceived ideas and moving outside our comfort zones can be a great start.

Q:  Is there a religious tone to Alvin’s program?  
A:  No. However, Alvin is a very spiritual person and that does show, it’s not stated. In fact, it’s his ability to inspire people no matter what faith they do or don’t practice that makes him such powerful presenter. “No one person is better than another because we’re all just people who need to be more tolerant of each other’s beliefs”, is a quote of Alvin’s that may answer the question.

Q:  Does Alvin speak to aboriginal, disability or other special groups?  
A:  Yes. For a white guy, his message can be tremendously powerful. Again, Alvin is so real that all people relate to him. Imagine him talking to a group of first nations kids who feel like they have been cheated see a man without arms talk about how everybody faces challenge and true strength comes from within. With increasing suicide rates amongst teens, Alvin can reach high risk young people by providing a message of hope that anything can be overcome.

Q:  Does Alvin have products for sale?  
A:  Alvin’s first book, Alvin’s Laws of Life, 5 Steps to Successfully Overcome Anything is now available and a video/dvd is in the works. Arrangements for bulk purchases of the book can be made by contacting Alvin’s office.