Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Dergar.
Michael, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am a native born Mexican first generation in the USA. As a child, I was raised in a very humble family in the outskirt of Mazatlan, Mexico. Growing up with a neurological disability, it was very difficult for me to fit in and be included in my small society. I experienced many acts of discrimination growing up and the lack of awareness and resources made me realized at a very shortage that I had to work really hard to make my DREAMS come true, regardless of my disability. Thanks to my parents and my own hope I was able to overcome my neurological problem and I was able to walk “normally” with no more pain in my legs. The lack of resources and the many dreams I had as a child encouraged me to be very realistic about building my own future. As a young adult, I decided to make changes in my life looking for more opportunities to make my dreams come true.
I moved to the USA in 2008 and since then I had found angels in my life everywhere I go. As a Youth Program Manager in a local non-profit organization in Pasadena, Ca. I learned how to managed a nonprofit organization and how to work with a community in need. As an educator by profession gave me the passion to give back! Then I realized that it was time to become a founder of a nonprofit organization that made my biggest dream come true “ To Bring Public Awareness and Recognition to Artists within the Special Needs Community”
Has it been a smooth road?
I have many people in my life that believe in our mission to recognize artists in the special needs community but still a lot of Discrimination, lack of awareness in our societies is a big challenge! teaching our new generation about a World of inclusion continues our vision.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Academy of Special Dreams Foundation – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
“People with physical or mental disabilities have long been precluded from fully participating in all aspects of society, sadly sometimes because of purposeful discrimination. Despite the historic passage more than 20 years ago of the Americans with Disabilities Act, there is still is much to do to create public awareness that physical and mental disabilities should not diminish a person’s right to fully participate in our society, ”
As President and CEO, Mr. Dergar exemplifies the vision of the Academy of Special Dreams. Every day he strives to build a society in which all persons, regardless of their disabilities, will have full and equal opportunities to express their talents and to be successful in the Arts. “My dream for society is that someday no one will ever feel discriminated against because of his or her disability in any aspect of life,”.
About Academy of Special Dreams Foundation
The Academy of Special Dreams is an internet company based in Pasadena, California, which offers sponsors web-based tools to create brand awareness and expand marketing opportunities while demonstrating support for the artistic expressions of the special needs community. More information about the Special Academy can be found at www.specialacademy.org.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Inclusion! I love San Diego
Contact Info:
- Address: 115 W. California Blvd. Suite 326 Pasadena, CA 91105
- Website: www.specialacademy.org
- Phone: 323-253-7380
- Email: specialacademy@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/academyofspecialdreams/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/www.specialacademy.org/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/specialacademy
- Other: www.youtube/specialacademy.com
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
