Make A Difference Minute: DJ Svoboda

Daniel “DJ” Svoboda was diagnosed at the age of three with autism spectrum disorder which included speech delays and issues with his fine motor skills. He found it difficult to even hold a pencil. Today, DJ is a dynamic, motivational public speaker, accomplished artist and author with three books to his credit; My Imagiville, The Mupperezmo and the Rainbow, and The Inspirations of Imagiville. Growing up, DJ was teased and bullied. These negative experiences inspired DJ to create the land of Imagiville; a safe place in his imagination where everyone is treated kindly and accepted just the way they are. Through his art, and public speaking he brings Imagiville and the Imagifriends to life and uses them as a vehicle to spread a message of hope, inspiration and awareness that those with autism and special needs are special just the way they are. DJ's artwork has been featured in numerous publications such as Autism Spectrum, Autism Digest, Autism Perspective and Australian Parent’s Child to name a few, and hangs in museums and on the walls of corporations, organizations and in private homes. The Autism Society of America selected DJ’s Mupperezmo character to be the image on their “Puzzle Project.” The Mupperezmo, affectionately known as the “Mupp” is a dragon-like character who turns his head upside-down to see the world from a different point of view. DJ is an Advocate for the North Carolina Autism Society, has been nominated for the Naturally Autistic ANCA Visual Arts Award, and has been interviewed on numerous radio and television shows.

To learn more about DJ Svoboda, the Imagifriends and Imagiville go to: myimagiville.com. To schedule a speaking engagement, art event or interview contact: Cindi Svoboda (919)370-0722 / djjw9221@earthlink.net.

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