In the early 1960s, over 13,000 babies around the world were born with serious birth defects as a direct result of Thalidomide, a drug that was prescribed to relieve morning sickness in pregnant women. Alvin was one of them and in his case, just a couple of tiny pills caused him to be born without any arms. At a time when disabilities were less understood, throughout his life, those around him related to him and his disability with prejudice, abjection and led to considerable mental anguish. However, Alvin didn't let this destroy his dreams, and thanks to his courage and the caring and nurturing hand of his adoptive parents, Alvin has gone on to become one of the most impressive motivational speakers in the world.
Without arms, Alvin had learned to use his feet to write, draw, paint and even attended mainstreams schools at a time when most disabled children were confined to institutions, but he didn't let this stop him from pursuing his dream of education and he graduated from University with honours.
Later on in life, he went on to work in a variety of roles before finding his one true calling as a motivational speaker. Alvin has taken his story around the world, educating people on the importance of perseverance and determination when faced with adversity, quite simply - no task is too great. He is a trained broadcaster, fundraiser and musician. He has also worked for non-profit groups, in advertising and public relations, the civil service, and has even run for public office as a Saskatchewan Progressive Conservative Party candidate in the 1986 provincial election.
If that wasn’t enough, Alvin has dedicated his life to raising money for charity. Over the course of twenty years, he has raised not just millions, but hundreds of millions for a variety of charities. Alvin has also dabbled in acting, been the core focus of two award-winning documentaries, formed his own company - AJL Communications Ltd - authored a book entitled, Alvin's Laws of Life: 5 Steps To Successfully Overcome Anything, learnt to drive a car and earned over one million air miles with Air Canada. His life’s experience has shown Alvin that hard work, determination and positivity can help those even in the direst of circumstances, achieve their dreams. In recognition for his work, Law was inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame in 2018.
His work as a motivational speaker is genuinely inspiring; filled with personal insights and anecdotes his presentations tell the true story of his rise from hardship to the heights of global success.
