Alvin Law is an inspirational speaker, born under conditions that people doubted he would survive, only to defy the odds and thrive. Suffering from birth defects caused by the use of Thalidomide, Alvin’s story is one of mental resilience, physical ambition and the power of positivity, as he has become one of the most successful internationally renowned speakers in the world. An award-winning, certified speaker, Alvin tells stories about growing up without arms and learning to use his feet for hands, demonstrating that resilience is born from struggle, not from a pain-free existence. Motivating the audience with his emotive speeches, Alvin wants people to believe that no matter what you face in life, you can still live a life filled with gratitude and hope.
One of over thirteen thousand babies born with birth defects due to the dangerous morning sickness pill, Alvin’s parents believed he would face a life of prejudice, abjection and suffering, which led them to place him up for adoption. Undeterred by the obvious disability Alvin suffered, being born without arms, his adoptive parents championed him to success, supporting him with unfaltering hope his entire life. Despite being born without arms, Alvin's perseverance and determination saw him learn to use his feet to write, draw and paint; he attended mainstream schools at a time when most disabled children were confined to institutions and graduated from university with honours.
In 1981, Alvin realised the power of his story and the strength it may give to others, and he became a motivational speaker. Founding AJL Communications in 1988, Alvin created a strong personal brand, and his reputation flourished. To date, Alvin has shared speeches on five continents, to over two million people. In addition to being a talented professional speaker, Alvin has also enjoyed time spent as a trained broadcaster, fundraiser, award-winning musician and bestselling author. In honour of his achievements, Alvin has earned the designation of Certified Speaking Professional and induction into the Canadian Association of Speakers Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into The Canadian Disability Hall of Fame, welcomed for his significant role in advocacy. He has also appeared on countless telethons and made numerous media features, along with raising over $200 million for charity.
Through over forty years of inspirational speaking, two award-winning films and a book, Alvin’s message has been clear, how we respond to adversity determines whether it will become a roadblock or a pillar of strength on our journey to success. For a truly unforgettable keynote speech, guaranteed to leave a long-lasting impression on your audience, Alvin Law is the inspirational speaker for you - hire Alvin Law via Champions Speakers as an official speaker agent. Alvin's uniquely customised presentations are designed to empower organisations and their people to turn obstacles into possibilities. Alvin's aim is to remind everyone that success begins with people, their strengths and weaknesses, and how together, anything can be accomplished. When hiring Alvin Law as a keynote speaker, audiences will have their belief in themselves reawakened.
Social Media
Books
Alvin's Laws of Life: 5 Steps to Successfully Overcome Anything
Reviews
Alvin Law received a 4 star rating across 5 events in 2023
Agent Recommendation
"Alvin Law, a globally renowned, award-winning motivational speaker, epitomises resilience and positivity. Born without arms due to Thalidomide, he overcame immense challenges, thriving academically and professionally. His empowering story and impactful speeches inspire countless individuals, proving adversity can be transformed into strength."
How to hire Alvin Law
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Alvin Law for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
Alvin Law's official speaking topics are listed below:
Step into Your Greatness
Be Inspired. Push Through Obstacles. Create More Possibilities
- Discover how to embrace an attitude of possibility & "Yes, I can!"
- Accept the gift of learning by asking more questions & actually listening to the answers
- Start looking for the value in every person & every circumstance that you encounter
- Feed your imagination so you can unlock the power of your potential
- Commit to never giving up on yourself & your teammates
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events:
"Alvin’s life and experiences are truly one of a kind. There are many great motivational speakers out there, but Alvin makes such a powerful and positive impact that leaves us all with a truly lasting impression that you can overcome anything that life throws at you. We all face challenges and struggles in our lives, but Alvin’s example and authenticity speak to our souls that we can find a way to joy and success. I am forever grateful to know Alvin and his story!" - Eric, CEO, United AG & Turf NE
"Having Alvin with us at our annual Store General Manager conference to deliver a powerful, inspiring message of “I can”, had a resounding impact on our team. And, it fits nicely with our company's message and focus. We were all captivated by his story of perseverance and journey in overcoming adversity – a message that any business can align with. Alvin’s keynote not only captured our attention – it captured our hearts. At one moment you’re listening intently, then the next you’re laughing, but throughout you're provoked to think, gain perspective, and leave feeling more self-aware. We all went home greatly inspired, more motivated, and very humbled." - Chad, President, Sporting Life Group
"Alvin's message was so many things… inspiring, energetic, relatable, genuine, important, insightful, motivating - I could go on and on. Even though this year's conference was virtual, Alvin was on point. When you present virtually, the audience participation and feedback is lost. Alvin adapted perfectly and managed the "virtual-ness" with remarkable ease. We received several comments from our audience, here's just a couple … Alvin is such an inspiration!! An amazing presentation!!! Thank you! I felt such a positive vibe from Alvin and laughed that it makes me feel good. What an impact Alvin had on our audience! Thank you for that, and being part of our day making this year's conference one of the best yet!" - Susie, Co-Ordinator of Operations, ND Center for Persons with Disabilities
“CWB Financial Group was blown away by Alvin's presentation. Not only did he exceed our expectations but he gave us many powerful messages that we will remember for years to come. When we met with Alvin he was very professional and listened to what we wanted to present to our audience. Our audience was so captivated by his presentation that we wished we booked him for 2 hours! Thank you for making our experience so enjoyable.” - Lisa, Creative Services Advisor, Canadian Western Bank
"Alvin Law did an incredible job as the keynote speaker. Providers of services were exhausted, burned and traumatized from all the COVID ramifications. Alvin reminded us of both the value of the work we do and gave us a different perspective. Our President said she came to the meeting stressed out and Alvin’s keynote filled up her well of wellbeing that left her feeling grounded and renewed. He is remarkable.” - Lizette, Executive Director, Alaska Association on Developmental Disabilities
“I cannot express the appreciation I have for the time you spent to customize your message and ensure that it resonated with our audience. Having seen you in the past I was confident that you would be a great keynote speaker but how you connected with our audience surpassed my expectations.” - Kim, Portfolio Leader, SAFE Work Mantioba
"After a discussion about our campaign’s theme, Alvin delivered an engaging tailored presentation that helped encompass our theme through the power of storytelling! Alvin’s online presence was electric and folks learned more about both Alvin, and the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion at Shopify, and also outside of Shopify!” - Karina, Knowledge Management Specialist, Shopify
"I’m not a huge fan of motivational speakers – I firmly believe that you can’t impose motivation on others, it has to come from inside them. Alvin owns his own motivation, and ignites it in others because he models the behaviour he speaks about. He lives it every day. He doesn’t tell people to change – they want to change after seeing him." - Paul, CEO, Excellence Squared Ltd
"Each time he spoke, it felt like the first time he was saying any of it. After 3 times, his presentation still felt fresh and real, never canned or rehearsed. He crafted his story and his message directly to the specific audience, and each time they were in awe. Age, income level, background – none of that mattered. Alvin hit home with each and every one of them. Alvin is not your typical motivational speaker – he’s an experience, and one you remember long afterward. He bypasses all your usual resistance and speaks directly to your heart. He’s genuine, a human being telling a powerful, real story that you can’t help but recognize and relate to. He’s not promoting himself or promoting a book – he’s not promoting anything other than life. You’ll never get better value from a speaker, or a more genuine, impactful presentation." - Herb, General Manager, Oakdale Golf & Country Club
"There are tons of subject matter experts – it’s not difficult to find 10 speakers on conflict management or marketing, for example – but there’s only one Alvin. How many speakers can make a room full of CEO’s quit whining and get on with it? He is a powerful storyteller and although his circumstances are unique, his story is universal. He forces you to reflect on your own mental boundaries, and you end up thinking “well, what’s my excuse?” He takes away any excuse you’ve got! Alvin doesn’t offer platitudes or canned motivational jargon – he speaks from his life, and you can’t deny the truth of what he says because there he is, living that truth in front of you. All of our members found him awe-inspiring and motivational… and they’re not an easy group to impress. I’ve seen well over a hundred speakers, and I can’t imagine anyone from any walk of life who wouldn’t benefit from hearing Alvin’s story. Once you hear him, you’re changed for the better – his message sticks with you, and you’re a lot less likely to suffer under your own self-imposed limitations or obstacles. He’s a genuine, funny and relatable speaker. Alvin is not a nice-to-have. He’s a must-have." - Kevin, Chairman, Academy of Chief Executives
- 2023 - Motivational Speaker for Falmouth Middle School on "leaving the world better than they found it"
- 2018 - Inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame
- 2007 - Author of "Alvin's Laws of Life: 5 Steps to Successfully Overcome Anything"
- 1988 - Founder of AJL Communications Ltd
- 1978 - Star of the "Alvin, His Best Foot Forward" documentary
- Star of the "Extraordinary People" documentary
- Served on the National Board of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers
