Wednesday

Connor Gifford – Wednesday Keynote 

When Opportunity Knocks, Make History!

10:30 - 11:45 | Hall E

Connor Gifford is an historian, writer, illustrator, and dreamer. Through hard work, self-advocacy, and a strong support team, Gifford has achieved personal success by recognizing his dreams, believing in himself, and preparing for the future. His 2009 book, America According to Connor Gifford (co-authored with Victoria Harris), received the 2009 IPPY Outstanding Book of the Year Independent Spirit Award. Gifford will share his life experiences – the joys and struggles – which have helped to make him who he is today.

Bio

Connor Gifford attended Perrysburg Public Schools in Northwest Ohio. In 2002, he and several friends became the first people with developmental disabilities to graduate with their peers from Perrysburg High School, having been fully included in all aspects of elementary through high school. He then attended Cape Cod Community College and in 2006 graduated from a specially designed education and living studies program called Project Forward. Since moving to Nantucket, MA, he fulfilled one of his biggest dreams – to write an American History book which he co-authored with Victoria Harris. With a bit of help from his mother, he also created illustrations for America According to Connor Gifford. He currently works at the Dreamland Theatre but has had many interesting opportunities in the work place such as a docent at Nantucket’s Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum, and remains on the Board for STAR, an innovative provider of sport related services to children with special needs. Gifford lives in Nantucket, with his Mon and Dad, Julie and Chuck, and his cats, Bert and Leddie.