User:Johnchmela

JOHN CHMELA

Advocate for People with Disabilities

For several years, John has demonstrated leadership in creating new abilities for people who have a disability. John has worked directly with quadriplegics, paraplegics, people who are blind or with low vision, people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and people with various physical and/or cognitive impairments. John’s technology background served to help people with disabilities regain new abilities through the use of personal computers equipped with accessible software and hardware. John worked to establish a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) foundation chartered to provide free computers for people who have a disability. As the Executive Director, John successfully enabled thousands of individuals with disabilities to lead more productive lives through the use of technology.

John's work was showcased in the Microsoft Windows 98 launch video detailing his efforts creating new abilities for people with disabilities. John served as the host of the "Empowering People With Disabilities" television show. John is a published author of two books Database Architectures" and "Psycho-Terrorism: Defending Your Mind", and he is a co-author of regular articles for ABILITY magazine drawing attention to people's abilities. John is also a public speaker focusing on issues that pertain to empowering people with disabilities.

John Chmela is currently a managing director for the World Ability Federation, NFP. One of the charity's programs is the World Ability Awards Gala. John served as Master of Ceremonies for this event. This event received international acclaim for innovation and leadership in acknowledging those individuals and organizations that create new abilities for people with disabilities.