About Mitch

Mitchel Shapiro is a public speaker and the founder of The Foundation for Sight & Sound, a Not for Profit organization started with a consortium of personal and professional acquaintances.

Afflicted by Usher Syndrome , the leading cause of deaf-blindness, Mitch's disability has only served to sharpen his "vision." His singular focus on turning his personal adversity into opportunity for growth is truly an inspiration.  As a motivational speaker to groups of all types and sizes, Mitch moves audiences with thought-provoking insights that challenge listeners to "see" past obstacles and take positive action in their own personal and professional lives.

Mitch is known for his two highly popular fundraising events, the "Blind" Wine Tasting Gala and the "Blind" Tug-A-Jet Challenge. For many years he has been involved in countless business organizations and has provided other charities with creative fundraising ideas.

In "Overcoming Obstacles from Someone who Knows", Mitch shares personal experiences and thoughts as well as ways in which he himself has overcome his own challenges. Mitch has created elaborate landscapes while helping run the family restaurant/catering business, has keen interest in the equine industry, horticulture and baking.  He is also known for a third disability.his corny sense of humor.

During a difficult juncture in his life Mitch was forced to face his double disability for the first time head-on. Following 25 years in the food service industry, the sale of his family's catering business left Mitch unemployed. At the same time a marital divorce separated him from his children. For many, this would have been the end of the story, but Mitch found the strength to turn these adversities into a new beginning.

With determination and tenacity Mitch started a new chapter in his life. He raised more than a million dollars for a major national charity and has become a public spokesman for issues pertaining to blindness and disability. Mitch has addressed all types of individuals, including school children and members of civic and business gr oups. Mitch also founded his own charitable organization, the Foundation for Sight & Sound.

Importantly, he also launched a career as a professional speaker to inspire others. In this role, his powerful words encourage and motivate listeners to follow his example to make life-altering decisions.