Dr. Richard Pimentel
Keynote Inspirational Speaker and Author
"Richard Pimentel is a nationally renowned voice on disability and employment issues."
Dr. Richard Pimentel is a nationally renowned expert on Disability Inclusion, Leadership and Attitude Change. As a disabled Vietnam Veteran, he is an exceptional communicator whose audiences praise his ability to combine information, humor, and storytelling into a powerful presentation that creates movement for meaningful change.
As a consultant, keynote speaker, professional trainer, and author of numerous products and training guides, Dr. Pimentel is distinguished by his ability to predict industry trends and the needs of employers. He has designed and implemented return to work systems for the private sector and government employers throughout the country. He has pioneered innovative strategies to bridge partnerships between businesses and the disability community.
Get To Know Dr. Pimentel | Video Gallery
Richard Pimentel’s Life Story
A full length MGM motion picture of Richard's life story Music Within starring Ron Livingston, Melissa George and Michael Sheen was released in theaters worldwide in 2007 and has been seen recently on Showtime, Netflix, and other streaming services.
Music Within Facilitator Guide - a guide for follow up discussions after watching the film with various audiences: students, employers, veterans, persons with disabilities, workforce development and rehabilitation professionals, educators, special education, parents of individuals with disabilities, and religious organizations.
Deeper Dive On Dr. Pimentel
Dr. Pimentel is an acknowledged authority on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). (Reference an updated version Timeline/FactSheet) His training has not only successfully enabled managers and supervisors to participate in cost reduction initiatives and implementation of policies and procedures to reduce work site accidents and re-injuries, but has also helped employers dispel stereotypes and embrace diversity.
Richard was the Chairperson of VACOR, the Department of Veterans Affairs Civilian Advisory Committee for Rehabilitation.
Richard is a senior partner in the firm of Milt Wright & Associates, Inc. for which he conducts training and consultation nationwide
on topics as diverse as Attitudinal Change in Health & Human Services, Hiring and Promoting People with Disabilities, Motivation of Individuals with Employment Barriers, The Future of Disability Management, Return-to-Work Issues, and Emotional Ergonomics™. He has authored and co-authored numerous books and professional publications, including Developing the New Employee, What Managers and Supervisors Need to Know About the ADA, Taking Control of Workers Compensation Disability Costs and the Job Club Placement Model for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
He has consistently rated over the past 20 years as one of the top presenters at Employer, Government, Education and Disability Education Conferences throughout the US and Canada.