Amy Chally
Motivational Speaking and Consulting
I’m not new to public speaking. I have been both a keynote speaker and a panelist at diversity/disability awareness events. And in the past, I have spoken to parents, teachers, and special education majors about the benefits of inclusion at local schools and Northern Illinois University. I have also been a panelist speaking to doctors and other medical professionals about what patients with disabilities expect from their healthcare providers. In addition, as a person with a service dog, I have given several presentations about my disability, my service dog, and the organization he came from.
My purpose is to love others, give of my talents and put others interests above my own. my purpose is to share my life, my faith and to be generous with it. I have a strong desire to help others. My soul is fed and my self-esteem is built up when I am able to help others in some way. I invite you to browse my topics, listen to my sample and read my reviews. It would be my honor to speak at your school, church, company or event. If interested, find me on social media (above) or use the "contact me" form below.
My purpose is to love others, give of my talents and put others interests above my own. my purpose is to share my life, my faith and to be generous with it. I have a strong desire to help others. My soul is fed and my self-esteem is built up when I am able to help others in some way. I invite you to browse my topics, listen to my sample and read my reviews. It would be my honor to speak at your school, church, company or event. If interested, find me on social media (above) or use the "contact me" form below.
Topics
- Defying Disability Delighting in Diversity- A tale of acceptance
- To say or not to say? That is the question- Disability Etiquette
- The making of a Service Animal
- Choosing J.O.Y.
Testimonials
Amy is a wonderful and compelling speaker who engages the audience with personal examples and stories that are encouraging and informative. Her passion for helping others and advocating for those with exceptionalities is inspiring. I recommend her as a speaker to any organization.
Phil L. Principal. Covenant Christian School
In 2016, I had the opportunity to hear Amy speak on disability etiquette at our club meeting. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to her presentation. She has an incredible story as well as an awe-inspiring attitude. She has such a positive outlook on everything and faces any challenge presented with this same attitude. She is truly a blessing!
Lyn B. Sect. Fox Valley Therapy Dog Club
"I highly recommend Amy as a speaker and panelist. Amy has firsthand knowledge of disability issues on a personal as well as professional level. Her professional background in social services and serving the disability community is impressive. Amy is an individual who has excelled to excellence in overcoming adversity."
Janice D. Information & Referral Counselor, AbilityLinks.org
Amy, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for coming to our Diversity Group, and speaking to all the students that are part of it. You did an amazing job of making sure that you touched on something each of the students would find relevant either to their age, diagnosis or ability. I would highly recommend anyone looking to motivate their students, group, and teachers of regular and special ed. to hire you to speak. I found it especially moving that you have been a "pioneer" for students like mine; smart, funny, motivated, hardworking and dealing with a physical or medical disability while trying to just be kid like everyone else, in a regular education environment. My students face many unique challenges and you were able to talk to them from the heart. I can tell them the exact thing, but I haven't lived through it, your experience and positive attitude in the face of adversity was fantastic! Having a sense of humor when things go wrong, and then trying to figure out a way to fix it is what we should teach all of our young students. It's easier sometimes to get angry and frustrated, but it doesn't get you anywhere. I love that you have kept and presented such a positive and empowering message to all of us! I look forward to hearing you speak again soon!
Sheila KCSEC Itinerant Teacher, 2016
Bristol Grade School second graders were delighted with a visit today from Amy Chally and her service dog, Portland. In keeping with Bristol Grade School’s hero theme, Amy came to help our second grade learners understand more about how dogs can be heroes for people. Amy was a positive and open speaker, sharing her knowledge and experience about how Portland helps her with some of her physical challenges. Amy also helped us understand how the organization, Canine Companions for Independence® (CCI) helped her have Portland. Amy was an interesting and articulate speaker and held our student’s interest while patiently answering their multitude of questions. Amy: Thank you for sharing your time, experiences and demonstrating how Portland helps you. You opened our minds and expanded our understanding. We are truly grateful!
Terri F. School Social Worker and the Second Grade Team 2016
Amy provided an excellent presentation during our Day of Acceptance at Yorkville High School. She is insightful, knowledgeable, empathetic, and resourceful. Amy was able to effectively describe her life's successes and challenges to the students. Amy blended in humor to go along with the seriousness of her story. Amy also had her service dog (Portland) demonstrate the assistance he provides to her on a daily basis. Amy kept the students and faculty engaged while educating them regarding disabilities and opportunities that can be achieved.
Kurt H. & LuAnne P. School Social Workers 2017
On February 10th, 2017 we had the pleasure of having Ms. Amy Chally speak to two of our fourth grade classrooms at The Wheatlands Elementary School. The presentation given by Ms. Chally provided information on her history, her challenges, and her vision in life. Ms. Chally was an inspiration to our students. Her determination, intelligence, and motivation were all positive character traits that we strive for in our students. Ms. Chally’s life story of living with Cerebral Palsy was shared with honesty and strength. Ms. Chally touched the students with her stories and her willingness to be so open about her struggles and successes. Her presentation went far beyond our expectation. Ms. Chally was an outstanding mentor to our students. We would recommend her talk for large or small groups. We hope to have her return to our whole school in the near future to spread the word on acceptance, understanding differences, and motivation.
Lori Z. School Social Worker and Sue R. Classroom Teacher
Amy is a wonderful and compelling speaker who engages the audience with personal examples and stories that are encouraging and informative. Her passion for helping others and advocating for those with exceptionalities is inspiring. I recommend her as a speaker to any organization.
Phil L. Principal. Covenant Christian School
In 2016, I had the opportunity to hear Amy speak on disability etiquette at our club meeting. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to her presentation. She has an incredible story as well as an awe-inspiring attitude. She has such a positive outlook on everything and faces any challenge presented with this same attitude. She is truly a blessing!
Lyn B. Sect. Fox Valley Therapy Dog Club
"I highly recommend Amy as a speaker and panelist. Amy has firsthand knowledge of disability issues on a personal as well as professional level. Her professional background in social services and serving the disability community is impressive. Amy is an individual who has excelled to excellence in overcoming adversity."
Janice D. Information & Referral Counselor, AbilityLinks.org
Amy, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for coming to our Diversity Group, and speaking to all the students that are part of it. You did an amazing job of making sure that you touched on something each of the students would find relevant either to their age, diagnosis or ability. I would highly recommend anyone looking to motivate their students, group, and teachers of regular and special ed. to hire you to speak. I found it especially moving that you have been a "pioneer" for students like mine; smart, funny, motivated, hardworking and dealing with a physical or medical disability while trying to just be kid like everyone else, in a regular education environment. My students face many unique challenges and you were able to talk to them from the heart. I can tell them the exact thing, but I haven't lived through it, your experience and positive attitude in the face of adversity was fantastic! Having a sense of humor when things go wrong, and then trying to figure out a way to fix it is what we should teach all of our young students. It's easier sometimes to get angry and frustrated, but it doesn't get you anywhere. I love that you have kept and presented such a positive and empowering message to all of us! I look forward to hearing you speak again soon!
Sheila KCSEC Itinerant Teacher, 2016
Bristol Grade School second graders were delighted with a visit today from Amy Chally and her service dog, Portland. In keeping with Bristol Grade School’s hero theme, Amy came to help our second grade learners understand more about how dogs can be heroes for people. Amy was a positive and open speaker, sharing her knowledge and experience about how Portland helps her with some of her physical challenges. Amy also helped us understand how the organization, Canine Companions for Independence® (CCI) helped her have Portland. Amy was an interesting and articulate speaker and held our student’s interest while patiently answering their multitude of questions. Amy: Thank you for sharing your time, experiences and demonstrating how Portland helps you. You opened our minds and expanded our understanding. We are truly grateful!
Terri F. School Social Worker and the Second Grade Team 2016
Amy provided an excellent presentation during our Day of Acceptance at Yorkville High School. She is insightful, knowledgeable, empathetic, and resourceful. Amy was able to effectively describe her life's successes and challenges to the students. Amy blended in humor to go along with the seriousness of her story. Amy also had her service dog (Portland) demonstrate the assistance he provides to her on a daily basis. Amy kept the students and faculty engaged while educating them regarding disabilities and opportunities that can be achieved.
Kurt H. & LuAnne P. School Social Workers 2017
On February 10th, 2017 we had the pleasure of having Ms. Amy Chally speak to two of our fourth grade classrooms at The Wheatlands Elementary School. The presentation given by Ms. Chally provided information on her history, her challenges, and her vision in life. Ms. Chally was an inspiration to our students. Her determination, intelligence, and motivation were all positive character traits that we strive for in our students. Ms. Chally’s life story of living with Cerebral Palsy was shared with honesty and strength. Ms. Chally touched the students with her stories and her willingness to be so open about her struggles and successes. Her presentation went far beyond our expectation. Ms. Chally was an outstanding mentor to our students. We would recommend her talk for large or small groups. We hope to have her return to our whole school in the near future to spread the word on acceptance, understanding differences, and motivation.
Lori Z. School Social Worker and Sue R. Classroom Teacher
