Paralyzed from the waist down following a 2005 car accident, Dwight Owens has shared his story of triumph over personal tragedy with thousands across the country.
Owens considers his survival of the accident a miracle. Rear-ended by a 71 year-old drunk driver, his injuries included punctured lungs, six broken ribs, severe internal injuries, a broken back, a dislodged liver and a severed spine. Doctors doubted his ability to survive the ordeal.
After nearly a year of hospitalization that included life support and rehab, Owens spent the next two years enduring more surgeries, medical setbacks and continued rehabilitation. Keeping a promise he made to God, Owens began sharing his story to inspire others and advance the cause of the disabled. He has spoken to more than 40,000 people in approximately 120 presentations to various groups and organizations across the country.
A native of Taylorsville, Miss., Owens serves on the board of directors for the South MS Public Accessibility Association, which advocates for the disabled and their legal right to access facilities through the Americans with Disabilities Act. He also organized a support group for men with disabilities and their families. Among his many honors and awards, Owens is the 2010 recipient of the Spirit of Service Award from the National Corporation for Community Service.
Mr Owen’s website is :