RIDER & MEDIA KIT

Download Wesley’s full Rider & Media Kit, or find select items in the options below. 

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 DEI 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.

For bookings head over to www.wesleyhamilton.life

 

Please join us in welcoming Wesley Hamilton, embodying resilience, hope, and self-love. Shortly after his 24th birthday Wesley sustained a spinal cord injury in a severe incident, resulting in him being paralyzed from the waist down.

However, Wesley’s journey is not one of despair but rather a powerful story of overcoming adversity and inspiring transformation. Adhering to his philosophy “Disabled, But Not Really,” Wesley has transformed what could have been a limiting experience into a life mission of inspiration and empowerment.

His extraordinary perseverance and commitment to inspiring others stand as a testament to his strength of character. Let’s welcome Wesley Hamilton, a true beacon of hope and an agent of positive change.

ASL INTERPRETER:

For all education, public and larger events Wesley speaks at, he requests you hire an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter for his presentation. The commitment to diversity and inclusivity is a core value for Wesley — and he wants to make sure every individual in his audience will have the same opportunity to hear his presentation no matter their disability or circumstance.

FOOD & BEVERAGE:

When traveling, if Wesley is picked up from his hotel (any time prior to 7:00 PM), he requests an hot chai latte with oak milk & 2 shots of espresso. If Wesley is speaking during (or close to) a meal time, please provide the following healthy snacks in the green room or available for when he is doing his audio & sound check: fruit (apples or oranges), rice cakes (caramel or chocolate) and chocolate covered almonds.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

TRAVEL COSTS – TWO OPTIONS:

• OPTION #1. REIMBURSED TRAVEL POST EVENT:

Travel will either be reimbursed post event (receipts included) for first -class airfare for two (2), meals for two (2), and any other reasonable incidentals. All ground transportation and lodging must be arranged and paid for by Client prior to event

• OPTION #2. TRAVEL BUY-OUT:

Client can pre-pay a travel buy-out of $2,500.00 USD plus lodging and ground transportation. Travel buy-out will cover airfare for two (2), meals & incidentals. All ground transportation in host city and lodging for two (2) must be arranged and paid for by Client prior to event.

AIRFARE:

For all continental USA flights, Wesley requires first-class airfare for two (2).

MEALS:

Meals to be covered for two (2) people.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION:

Client to arrange ground transportation by either picking up Wesley & guest at the airport or by hiring a car service. Wesley’s wheelchair does collapse down and fits into most trunks – but please allow for the additional room. He will also need ground transportation arrangements from the hotel to the venue if his lodging is off-site. We request to have these travel arrangements made and sent (along with confirmation numbers and instructions) at least two (2) weeks prior to the event date.

HOTEL/LODGING:

Please reserve two (2) hotel rooms per night. One (1) room must be an accessible room for Wesley. The second room can be a standard hotel room. Pending final travel arrangements, please make the room reservations for the amount of days Wesley will be in town (pending final agenda and travel schedule). Please also request a guaranteed late check-in for both rooms when making the reservations. We request the reservations to be made and sent (along with confirmation numbers) at least two (2) weeks prior to the event date. Hotel room should be charged to master bill.

AUDIO/VISUAL REQUIREMENTS

PLEASE NOTE WESLEY IS IN A WHEELCHAIR AND WILL REQUIRE ACCESSIBILITY

  • Ramp for stage – with accessibility throughout the room, stage & green room (if applicable)
  • Lavalier MicrophoneScreen
  • LCD Projector
  • Screen
  • PowerPoint Clicker
  • Wesley’s PowerPoint will need audio connection. There will also be videos played
  • Small table with 2-3 bottles of natural spring water

VIDEOGRAPHER:

Wesley travels with someone to help him, who also serves as his videographer. Wesley’s
presentation will be video recorded, but there will not be any additional audio-visual requirements – his videographer will bring all necessary equipment with them.

Wesley Hamilton – Business Logo – Blue & Gray on White

 

Disabled But Not Really Logo – Green & Blue on Transparent

Disabled But Not Really Logo – Black on Transparent

You can download headshots here.

 

Wesley Hamilton media photo  1

Wesley Hamilton media photo 2.

Wesley Hamilton media photo 3.

DISABLED BUT NOT REALLY  is a non-profit organization founded by Wesley Hamilton. It operates as a 501(c)(3) entity, committed to offering equal access to resources and opportunities for the underrepresented disabled community. The organization’s programs are tailored to enhance the quality of life for those they support, focusing on empowerment and inclusivity.

At Disabled But Not Really (DBNR), we champion the rights and needs of those with disabilities by highlighting Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) awareness, fostering mental and physical well-being, and connecting with various groups through events both locally and nationally. It’s important for people to realize that they are not defined by their challenges. As the founder of DBNR, I am actively working to transform how disability awareness and adaptive fitness are perceived. We aim to support and motivate individuals with disabilities to overcome their physical and mental obstacles, emphasizing that their aspirations are equally significant.

DBNR MISSION

Our mission is to empower and inspire individuals with disabilities to overcome challenges and reach their potential by fostering a mindset of courage, confidence, and competence.