Book motivational speaker Daniel Smrokowski—award-winning self-advocate, Founder of Special Chronicles, podcaster, and former Special Olympics Sargent Shriver Global Messenger—for your next conference, school, or community event.
Speaking Topics: Daniel customizes each talk, speech and presentation to connect with your audience. Common topics include overcoming obstacles related to developmental delays, the origin story of Special Chronicles, experiences with Special Olympics, and the Inclusion Revolution movement.
High Praise for Daniel’s Speaking: Daniel has received outstanding praise for his powerful speaking engagements from influential leaders including Timothy Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics, and Anthony K. Shriver, Founder, CEO, and Chairman of Best Buddies. His inspiring message has also been commended by award-winning journalists and deeply resonated with conference audiences nationwide. Click here to read the high praise!
Biography and Headshot: Access speaker Daniel’s speaker media kit here.
Speaking Fee: Click here for Daniels speaking rates to invite Daniel to speak to your group or event.
Sample Talks: Click here to listen to DanTalks, an audio collection of speeches by acclaimed disability advocate and award-winning podcaster Daniel Smrokowski. Hear inspiring and empowering talks presented to audiences nationwide and around the world.
Complete the contact form to book Daniel to speak at your event:
Speaking Fee:
Alternatively, you can pay via check (message our team for mailing address)— Checks can be made out to: Special Chronicles.
DanTalks Series
DanTalks is an audio collection of speeches presented by acclaimed disability advocate and award-winning podcaster Daniel Smrokowski. Click PLAY on each episode below and listen to the full speeches Daniel has presented nationally and internationally.
LISTEN to DanTalks, an audio collection:
DanTalks is an audio collection of speeches presented by acclaimed disability advocate and award-winning podcaster Daniel Smrokowski. Click PLAY on each episode below and listen to the full speeches Daniel has presented nationally and internationally.
Daniel’s Bio:
Founder, Special Chronicles
Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning disability advocate, journalist, podcaster, and public speaker dedicated to advancing inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He is the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a long-running and internationally recognized media platform that shares stories, interviews, and podcasts highlighting the achievements, experiences, and voices of people with disabilities.
In 18 years, Special Chronicles has produced more than 1,000 episodes, reached over 100,000 website views, and achieved more than 50,000 podcast downloads, using storytelling and journalism to promote inclusion, accessibility, and disability awareness. For his commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices through media, Daniel received the Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice.
In addition to his media work, Daniel serves as a Service Ambassador at United Airlines based in Chicago and is a longtime Special Olympics athlete leader. He has held one of the movement’s highest athlete leadership positions as a Sargent Shriver Global Messenger, representing Special Olympics through public speaking, leadership, and international advocacy.
Through his work in media, advocacy, and leadership, Daniel inspires audiences to see disability inclusion not as a limitation, but as an opportunity to build stronger, more connected communities.
Speaking Praise:
“An honor to have you also leading the Inclusion Revolution, as you’re doing with Special Chronicles and so many other parts of your life. Showing people giftedness, strength, compassion, humor, and in always proving that we all deserve a place and you’re making that possible for millions of people. So, thank you for all you’re doing. … You are a role model for many, many Special Olympics athletes, but you’re a role model for the rest of us too, & never underestimate the good you’re doing. It’s hard work what you’ve chosen to do. It takes a lot of determination, persistence. But the world, people notice & you’re teaching people powerful lessons about the best of humanity & I thank you for it.” – Tim Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics | Dr. Timothy Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics, at the U.S. Business Meeting of Special Olympics North America CEOs in Chicago, Illinois on July 18, 2018
“Congratulations to you for having Special Chronicles, working so hard, being so diligent and so focused and passionate and committed to raising your voice and raising awareness about the enormous talents and abilities of people with special needs like yourself. You’re demonstrating time and time again that everybody who has a passion, a vision, and a dream can fulfill those dreams and passions. You’re a great inspiration to me, to everybody at Best Buddies, to my family. . .” – Anthony K. Shriver, Founder/Chairman/CEO-Best Buddies International | Best Buddies International Leadership Conference 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana on July 22-23, 2017
“Thank you for speaking today! What you guys do is amazing!” – Tessie Gonzalez tweet at Best Buddies Leadership Conference 2017
“It’s amazing to hear what Daniel Smrokowski is doing with @SpecialCPodcast #BBLC2017” – Buddy Morales tweet at Best Buddies Leadership Conference 2017
“Learning about the global impact of @SpecialCPodcast its creating community & promoting inclusion to bridge the gap of ppl of all abilities!” – Best Buddies Massachusetts tweet at Best Buddies Leadership Conference 2017
“Thank you Daniel for sharing your story at the 2015 LDA Conference! We appreciate the work that you do to bring such a positive voice to those with disabilities!” | 2015 Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) Conference in Chicago, Illinois on February 19, 2015
“What a wonderful presentation. I was honored to be here!!!” | 2015 Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) Conference in Chicago, Illinois on February 19, 2015
“Excellent Resource example. Great work! Congratulations & Keep it up.” | 2015 Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) Conference in Chicago, Illinois on February 19, 2015
“Dan did a wonderful job. I admire his courage & effort to share his background and be a voice to the special community for the world.” | 2015 Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) Conference in Chicago, Illinois on February 19, 2015
“Well Done! I will check out Special Chronicles for sure.” | 2015 Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) Conference in Chicago, Illinois on February 19, 2015
“Daniel you are an inspiration. Thank you!”| 2015 Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) Conference in Chicago, Illinois on February 19, 2015
“Excellent presentation yesterday, thorough and interesting. I think you touched some hearts and opened some minds. Thanks so much!” – John W. Fountain, Award-winning Chicago Sun-Times columnist | Roosevelt ur University in Chicago, Illinois on April 23, 2013 and on April 3, 2014
