Derek Volk
University of Maine at Orono, USA
Biography
Derek Volk is a Maine businessman, supporter of Autism awareness, volunteer, philanthropist, softball coach, and he can now add book author to the list. He is currently the president and co-owner of Volk Packaging Corporation, a third generation, family owned, corrugated box manufacturer in Biddeford, Maine. Derek actively participates on the Maine Business Leadership Network (BLN), a national organization that focuses on connecting employers with potential employees who have disabilities. His own company currently employs those who are deaf, blind and on the autism spectrum. A speech communications major at the University of Maine at Orono, Derek has always been comfortable speaking to an audience. His presentation earned an average score of 4.9 out of 5 at both the National Autism Society annual Conference in Denver (July 2015) and the Milestones Conference in Cleveland (June 2015), and received the highest average score of any keynote speaker to date at the Southern Maine Autism Conference in March 2015. Since 2012, Derek has hosted a Saturday morning radio talk show on WLOB 1310AM in Portland, Maine. His show can be heard online at www.boxtalkradio.com.
Abstract
Abstract : Chasing the Rabbit: The unique perspective of a dad raising a son on the spectrum