Findlay, Ohio, Sept. 12, 2000 – Johnnie Tuitel, co-author of the Gun Lake Adventure Series for children, will speak and hold a book sale and signing on Monday, Sept. 18, at 8 p.m. in The University of Findlay’s Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion, Mazza Galleria.

Tuitel, who was born with cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, will focus his presentation on overcoming disability. The founder of Alternatives in Motion, a charity that purchases wheelchairs for people in need, Tuitel also serves on the Michigan Commission for Disability Concerns.

A graduate of Hope College, Tuitel has been a regular guest on nationally syndicated radio. In 1997, former President Gerald Ford presented Tuitel with a national community service award. In 1998, a documentary about his life won a National Easter Seals Equality, Dignity and Independence Award.

Discovery on Blackbird Island, released earlier this year, is the third book in the Gun Lake Adventure Series, co-authored with Sharon Lamson.

Tuitel’s presentation, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by UF’s Campus Program Board.