Richard Pimentel, a Vietnam veteran who pioneered the creation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, will share his inspiring life story at Northwest College on Monday. His talk begins at 7 p.m. in the Nelson Performing Arts Auditorium.

As a consultant, keynote speaker, professional trainer and author of numerous curricula and training guides, Pimentel is distinguished by his ability to predict industry trends and the needs of employers. He’s pioneered proactive risk management, return to work and equal employment opportunity programs to generate both cost savings and attitudinal changes in corporate culture.

Pimentel is an acknowledged authority on the Americans with Disabilities Act. His training has not only successfully enabled managers to participate in cost-reduction initiatives and implementation of policies and procedures to reduce work site accidents, but has also helped employers dispel stereotypes and embrace diversity.

Throughout the past 20 years, he has been rated as one of the top presenters at employer, government, education and disability education conferences throughout the U.S. and Canada.

A full-length motion picture of his life story titled “Music Within,” which stars Ron Livingston, Melissa George and Michael Sheen, was released in 2007 and was shown in theaters throughout the country.

As a nationally renowned expert on disability management, job recruitment, job retention, attitude change and the Americans with Disabilities Act, he has been praised by his audiences for his ability to combine information, humor, metaphor, analogy and storytelling in a memorable fashion.

This event is free and open to the public. Silent auction items are currently being sought and all donations will go toward local veteran groups.

Pimentel’s talk is brought to the community by NWC Disability Support Services and the Rotary Club of Powell.