Website:  www.robertflorio.com

Most triumph over adversity stories are boring tales of people who learn to overcome their disabilities to do things most people don't care about to begin with. But imagine if you were so injured that you couldn't even play video games. Robert Florio was paralyzed in an accident at 14. Not only did he learn to play video games with his mouth, but now he has graduated from design school online and aims to develop more accessible games for the community.

Robert Florio: A New Way To Live is about a boy's journey to express himself and his passions, to share with the world an inspirational story about overcoming certain defeat after injuring his spinal cord and paralysis at the age of 14, and discovery through video games, the ability to use his mouth to create art, that there is endless possibilities and a great lesson for everyone to learn. It's about finding hope and courage somewhere in the human mind out of survival and through faith. Being all alone at such a young age and growing up very fast, it is a testimony to his life and hard journey that seems to always be defeating him but he never gives up in spite of all the odds being against him. He proves that even though there is no guarantee for success, if he doesn't try for himself nobody will do anything for him beyond what he is capable of. Showing to the world and expressing who he is for his chance at a dream come true and helping people through video games, becoming world renowned and someday helping more people with his success. It is a story of survival and conquering great challenges; standing at the top of a mountain as the winner and hoping somebody sees Robert win the race.

Robert Florio accomplishments:

• Graduate Art Institute of Pittsburgh online division. Bachelor degree Game Art and Design. Dean's Merit Award 2007.
• Written an Autobiography and compelling novel. Looking for a publisher.
• Game accessibility leading expert.
• Games and user interface development, gameplay, art, gameplay combining storyline integration with accessibility and project management.
• Game design principles and development, art and project management.
• Motivational/inspirational speaking.
• Portrait artist for higher.
• Project Top-Secret videogame awarded 1 of 22 finalists. Directed by David Perry. June 19, 2008. http://www.dperry.com/archives/news/dp_blog/top_secret_proj/
David Perry Recommended. Top producer official recommendation for Roberts work in contributions on Project Top-Secret.
• Emmy nominated cover story. WBAL with Steve Davis sports personality. 2005.
• Associated Press award-winning radio interview. WBAL 1090 am all. with Steve Davis sports personality. 2005.
• IGDA Game Accessibility Special Interest Group. Member active since 2006 -- present.

Robert Florio who is an advocate, motivational and inspirational speaker is available for speaking engagements and demonstrations. His topics include:

• Accessibility - Techniques for making games, web sites, business, hardware, and software much more accessible to those with special needs
   
• Set Up and Game Play
  - Robert can set up and design a gameplay environment for your patience, employees, friends, family, or someone you know that wanting their own specific set up to play games.
   
• Portrait Artist
  - Robert can paint an oil on canvas portrait or draw a portrait of your favorite pet or family member. Roberts paintings and drawings are extremely accurate and highly acclaimed by, The Babe Ruth Museum and Sports Legends at Camden Yards Museum.

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