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Mike Hingson- head shot photo for book.jpg

Michael Hingson, blind since birth, was born in Chicago to sighted parents who believed in raising their son with a can-do attitude. Treated like all other children in his family, Michael rode a bike did advanced math in his head and learn to read and write – Braille that is! Michael’s family relocated to the warm Palmdale area of California when he was five years old. It is here that Hingson had his first adventure with Guide Dogs for the Blind and received his first guide dog. He later went to college receiving a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Physics along with a secondary teaching credential from the University of California at Irvine. Michael then enjoyed a nearly-30-year career working for high tech companies spending most of his time in management roles.
Michael Hingson’s life changed dramatically on September 11, 2001 when he and his guide dog, Roselle, escaped from the 78th floor of Tower One in the World Trade Center moments before it collapsed. Soon after, Michael and Roselle were thrust into the international limelight where Michael began to share his unique survival story and 9-11 lessons of trust, courage, heroism, and teamwork.
Mike has served as The National Public Affairs Director for one of the largest Nonprofit organizations in the nation: Guide Dogs for the Blind; He has served as the vice president of the National Association of Guide Dog Users; Michael holds seats on other agency boards including the Fort Worth Lighthouse for the Blind, the Earle Baum Center for the Blind and the Colorado Center for the Blind; Michael is The National Ambassador for the Braille Literacy Campaign of the National Federation of the Blind. He is the Founder of the Roselle’s Dream Foundation – helping the blind obtain the technology they need to not only excel in school and at work, but to live out their dreams!
Until October 2019 he worked as the CEO of the Do More Foundation, the non-profit arm of Aira Tech Corp, a manufacturer of assistive technology which makes a revolutionary visual interpreter for blind people.
He is the author of the #1 New York Times Best Seller: “Thunder dog –The True Story of a Blind Man, a Guide Dog & the Triumph of Trust” – selling over 2.5 million copies Worldwide. In 2014 Mr. Hingson published his 2nd book “Running with Roselle”- which Is the first of its kind- A story for our youth shedding light on one of Americas Darkest Days.
Aside from his talents and advocacies, Mr. Hingson has traveled the Globe from Japan to New Zealand, the Netherlands to his hometown, Chicago. Speaking to some of the world’s most elite: from former President, George W. Bush to Larry King, to Fortune 500 companies and colleges and Universities Nationwide. After sharing his story of survival on hundreds of TV and Radio programs, Michael is now an Expert hired by many of today’s major corporations and organizations. Speaking and consulting on the importance of Teamwork and Trust, Moving from Diversity to Inclusion, as well as offering Adaptive Technology Training – spearheading innovation for ALL! – Thus, bringing organizations to the forefront of the ever-changing competitive modern world.
Currently Michael lives in Victorville, California with his wife, Karen, a professional quilter, Alamo, Michael’s eighth guide dog and their rescue feline, Stitch.

Media Pitch

Michael Hingson has been interviewed by print media, radio broadcasters, on television and podcasters thousands of time since escaping from the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Having gained his interviewer presence by running his own radio show while a student, he is extremely comfortable in any interview situation. Michael has been interviewed by the best including Larry King, Donahue, Bryant Gumbel and Joy Behar, to name a few.

Talking Points or Standard Questions

Please discuss your background.
What inspired you to pursue your profession?
What can’t blind people do?
What lessons should we learn from the terrorist attacks?
Where do you see yourself in the near future?
Can blind people be racists?

Links To Latest Interviews

KGO TV interview, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSnTaufjzJ8&feature=em-upload_owner#action=share
700 Club interview, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=939-osqR8DE&feature=em-upload_owner
Third interview with Larry King, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8toQOVLVsDk
Author Link interview, https://author Link.com/interview/blind-man-and-dog-escape-ground-zero-michael-hingsons-story/

Do you agree to promote your interview?
Mailing List, Social Networks
Social Reach
Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Reddit
Social Media
Available to conduct interviews via:
Landline Phone, Mobile Phone, Internet Voice, Skype, Facebook Live, Zoom
Available Equipment

Landline phone with high quality headset. High speed internet connection, good microphone and good quality camera. If video is in order, I have special lighting as well as a green screen to provide best quality videos.

Interview Availability
Sunday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm, Monday 6:00 am - 8:00 pm, Tuesday 6:00 am - 8:00 pm, Wednesday 6:00 am - 8:00 pm, Thursday 6:00 am - 8:00 pm, Friday 6:00 am - 8:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Time Zone
Pacific
Additional notes about availability or scheduling

When scheduling a video interview, if possible, Zoom works best as it is the most accessible conference platform for use by blind people with screen readers. Skype works, but it is a bit more awkward. Google Hangouts is the least accessible, but I probably can make it work.

My electronic press kit, https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fvkvohx3apuulvg/mbtx-ADJSJ. Reference letters from past speaking events, https://www.dropbox.com/sh/pu95we888mmq5rc/AAApO0O8kL167EIz-BuX9yBGa?dl=0.

Mike Hingson- head shot photo for book.jpg 4 years ago
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