Now Booking: Donald N. Klukas – Keynote Speaker on Special Education, Advocacy, and Self-Determination

Now Booking: Donald N. Klukas – Keynote Speaker on Special Education, Advocacy, and Self-Determination

I’m excited to officially announce that I, Donald N. Klukas, am now accepting bookings as a keynote speaker for conferences, schools, events, and organizations across the U.S.—virtually or in person.

As a self-advocate with lived experience in the special education system, my journey is one of overcoming adversity, reclaiming confidence, and using my voice to uplift others.

My advocacy work began early—while still in high school, I founded and was elected president of the Parker Autism Support Team, a student-run club dedicated to raising awareness and creating a safe space for neurodivergent students. That experience sparked a lifelong passion for inclusion, leadership, and helping others feel seen and supported.

Before becoming a public speaker, I also spent over 15 years in the live event industry as a lighting designer and production manager, touring nationwide and working on everything from presidential events to Super Bowls and arena concerts. That creative career helped me find my voice, build resilience, and develop a sharp eye for engaging storytelling—skills I now bring to the stage as a keynote speaker.

What I Speak About:

🎤 Special Education & IEP Advocacy
Breaking down the IEP process, empowering parents and students, and building bridges between families and schools.

🎤 Living the Self-Advocate Life
Sharing my journey as someone who faced educational and societal challenges—and found purpose in advocacy.

🎤 From Backstage to Spotlight
How a career in production design shaped my communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills—and how these translate to life with a disability.

🎤 Equity, Access & Empowerment
Real talk about what inclusion truly means and how we can build supportive environments for students of all abilities.

🎤 Mental Health & Neurodiversity
Bringing visibility to the emotional side of special education and creating space for neurodivergent voices.

Who I Speak To:

  • School districts

  • Parent-teacher organizations

  • Education conferences

  • Advocacy groups

  • Teacher trainings

  • Student leadership events

  • Nonprofits and community programs

About Donald N. Klukas

Donald N. Klukas is a passionate special education advocate, public speaker, and self-advocate with a unique blend of lived experience and professional expertise. He began advocating as a teen, founding the Parker Autism Support Team in high school, and later went on to build a successful career in the live entertainment and event production industry—designing lighting and managing technical crews for major events and national tours. Today, Donald uses his voice to connect, educate, and inspire change in education and beyond.

Let’s Connect

Booking is now open!
If you’re looking for a keynote speaker who will inspire your audience and deliver meaningful, relatable insights on special education and advocacy, I’d love to speak at your next event.

👉 Fill out this form to request availability and pricing.
Custom topics and workshop add-ons available.

Together, we can change the conversation—and the system—for the better.

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