Anything is possible.
That's the key point Michael Jacques is looking to get across during a special guest speaking appearance at St. Clair College on March 6, 2026.
Jacques is a public speaker and activist who, at a young age, was diagnosed with autism and an intellectual disability. Since then, he's made it his life's mission to inspire others, sharing his life experiences to help audiences understand acceptance and belonging, while pushing for a more inclusive world.
"I'm going to be speaking about my lived experience. I have autism and intellectual disabilities. I can't read or write, but I wrote two books," said Jacques, who in 2018, authored a book called Can't Read, Can't Write, Here's My Book using speech-to-text technology. In 2020, he released a children's book that he co-authored with Heather Gale titled: I Belong: Can I Play?
Jacques has since sold more than 33,000 copies of the two books.
"For me, it's a biography about my life, growing all the way up," said Jacques, who is now 34. "It's more of an inspirational story to show that anything's possible with a lot of hard work and dedication. It doesn't matter if you have a disability or not."
Jacques travels across North America speaking to people of all ages, speaking at more than 600 engagements, and providing insights to more than 7,000 police cadets.
The event at St. Clair College is at 6:30 p.m. in room A3302 of St. Clair College's Main Windsor Campus and is being organized by students in the Educational Support program.
Some of the proceeds Jacques collects from the book sales – more than $14,500 to date – has gone back to organizations which have helped Michael along the way. He gives money and his time generously to Special Olympics Ontario and Community Living Ontario, of which he is also a board member.
"It means a lot to me to give back just because it creates other opportunities for other people, like myself. They can have the exact same opportunities," Jacques said.
"I think that's just Michael's personality. He's a giver. He gives his time, he gives his money," said Marcel Jacques, Michael's father who also refers to himself as Michael's 'executive assistant.'
"It really just shows parents and people with disabilities that with a lot of community support and family support, almost anything is possible, and you need to think outside the box. That's what Michael always says," Marcel Jacques said.
Michael has received international recognition for his efforts and is one of 39 Canadians to be recognized as a change-maker, bringing inspiration and hope to every community he visits.
To learn more about Jacques' inspirational story and journey, please visit his website.
Contact Michael for speaking opportunities at: michael.jacques1@gmail.com
Jacques' speaking engagement at St. Clair is free to attend, where there will also be a bake sale. Donations are welcome and parking is free for the event.
