Michel Fornasier was born in 1978 without a right hand. He grew up in the canton of Fribourg with his parents and his younger brother, who had both hands. Michel enjoyed a sheltered childhood until he first realised in kindergarten that he was different: the other children completed certain tasks faster than him. At the age of seven, he had his first appointment with an orthopaedic technician, which left its mark on him. The sight of human-like prosthetic hands and legs was an impressive experience that later led to the establishment of his charitable foundation “Give CHILDREN a Hand”, to which he is fully dedicated.
Michel Fornasier Lecture topics
- TOGETHER strong for CHILDREN
- Awaken your superpower – There’s a superhero in every one of us!
- Humans, robotics and artificial intelligence
- Inclusion and bullying prevention 2.0
- Disability instead of disability
Michel Fornasier hid his physical disability for 35 years and repeatedly experienced bullying and discrimination in his youth. To spare other children similar experiences, he founded the “Give CHILDREN a Hand Foundation” in 2019. The foundation works with specialists to provide children with 3D-printed prosthetic hands, literally “giving them a hand”. But children need more than just prostheses – they also need role models.
This is why the superhero team Bionica and Bionicman was created, illustrated by renowned comic artist David Boller and portrayed in real life by Gina Rühl and Michel Fornasier. This superhero team visits schools, children’s hospitals and sports camps to show children that supposed weaknesses can also be strengths and to promote greater humanity and acceptance. The first three comic volumes are entitled “Bionicman”, while the fourth volume “Bionicmania” was published in 2023, featuring an extended superhero family, including the pirate cat Biau and the super-pawed dog Biog.
Michel Fornasier’s comics are non-violent and are aimed at children of all ages. Although they cannot completely prevent bullying, they give children the strength to deal with it and rise above it. The fourth comic book is a tribute to diversity and inclusion and has been illustrated by internationally recognised artists.
Michel Fornasier can be booked for appearances as Bionicman and as a keynote speaker for universities, events and companies.