The Special Education Program in the School of Education and Human Development is pleased to host top youth motivational speaker David Flood for an engaging talk entitled “Dignity and Respect: Look on the Inside." The event will be held on Monday, March 28, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts and is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

David Flood’s inspiration as a youth speaker comes from personal experience. He grew up with addiction in his family, and his oldest son has autism. Flood’s humorous and genuine style is accessible to both youth and adults, touching on the importance of dignity, respect, and inclusion for all. During his talk Flood will share his experiences and the experiences of his son as he addresses how our community can be more inclusive.

“We all have the opportunity and obligation to positively impact the life of a child," said Flood.

Flood is active in his church, is a hospice volunteer who visits with terminally ill patients, and he is on the board of K.I.D.S. Plus, Inc., a non-profit organization that helps special needs children through sports and other activities. He attends meetings and participates in activities with The Anti-Bias Consortium for Nassau County Schools. Flood is also a member of The Northport-East Northport Drug and Alcohol Task Force. In 2020 he co-authored A Kids Book About Autism with his son Justin P. Flood to help elementary-age youth understand what it is like for people to live with autism.

"This is a timely event focused on inclusion and kindness that relates to children and adults of all ages,” said Fairfield Special Education Program co-directors Alyson Martin, EdD, and Emily Shamash, EdD.

To learn more and register visit fairfield.edu/davidflood.