Eric Patrick Thomas

Eric Patrick Thomas (a.k.a. Mr. inspire) is a Flint, MI, native and entrepreneur who is passionate about changing the way people view disabilities. This passion came after a fateful night in 1997, in which Eric suffered a spinal cord injury that paralyzed him from the neck down. Throughout this journey Eric uses his experience to empower resilience and inspire change for people with barriers.

In addition to serving the community as a public speaker-both motivationally and at House and Senate hearings-Eric sits on several state boards as a voice for people with barriers, is an advocate for Self-Determination living, hip-hop artist, D-MAN ambassador and is the founder of inspire® brand clothing. Eric is also the proud owner of EZ Awareness By Design, a business specializing in graphic design for custom apparel, signs, and banners which offers on-the-job experience to people of all abilities.