Michael Beers is a comedian and professional speaker. He won the Norman G. Brooks Comedy Competition at the Hollywood Improv in 2005. He was also the previous winner of Funny Fest (Calgary Comedy Festival) and has opened for comedians like Gilbert Gottfried. He is a sought-after keynote speaker on topics like humor, disability advocacy, education and community building.
Perfect for Employee Resource Groups!
Employee Affinity Groups (EAGs) and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) have made advances in their organizations. These groups advocate across many different identities and interests as diversity and inclusion stand out as a necessary part in making the workplace better for everyone. In recent years Disability/Ability groups have started to pop up in many corporate and collegial organizations. The goal of these groups is often, but not limited, to:
Educate nondisabled employees about disability issues including etiquette and basic questions
Reflect the experiences of Disabled employees and family members of Disabled individuals
Introduce and facilitate Disability centered recruitment, mentoring and retainment of employees
Michael Beers has been working with corporations, K-12 schools and colleges to make their institutions more accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities since 2000. Armed with 20 years as an advocate and professional speaker and 23 years in comedy he is able to blend these worlds making his message of inclusion for people with disabilities accessible to all audiences through humor, storytelling and vital information. Micheal Beers is engaging both in person and online in her presentations.
Michael also presents and collaborates with comedian and stuttering/dyslexic advocate Nina G. Hiring both can ensure your ERG the diversity of Disability experiences, including apparent and nonapparent, as well as a fun hour of learning!
Keynote Speaker with over 20 years experience
Michael Beers has been the keynotes speaker at countless conferences and events. He brings passion, humility and humor to every presentation whether it is to youth, professionals, parents or politicians. Michael’s years of experience as an Disability activist in Montana has honed his skills to bridge communities and ideas. For 15 years he was the Youth Transitions Coordinator at Summit Independent Living Center. Michael has worked with Associated Programs for Rural Independent Living, School Administrators of Montana and multiple Youth Leadership Forums across the country.
Stand Up Comedian
Michael Beers has performed internationally as a comedian. He started stand up when he was still in high school and it was “love at first laugh.” Since then, he has performed in comedy cubs, theaters, churches and on Zoom. His audiences include conference goers, children/teens, colleges, corporations and even dive bar patrons. His flexible comedy style and instincts make him ideal for any occasion.
Michael is part of the Comedians with Disabilities Act, a comedy troupe proclaiming to “change disability attitudes one laugh at a time.” In July 2023 he headlined their tour in celebration of Disability Pride month.
“Michael’s humor cashes in on the subtlety of everyday life and is perfectly paced by his tempered on-stage composure which is hilarious and wholly likeable. Mike has a very unique gift of being able to pull out a full set of comedy that is not obscene in its content, but still leaves crowds clutching their stomachs with laughter. Mike's comedy is surprisingly insightful and good-natured, enough to leave any audience feeling light-hearted with a new perspective on life.”
— Marianne Blaue, University of Montana
