John D. Kemp is widely respected for his many achievements, both in the corporate and non-profit worlds.  As a person born without arms and legs, John inspires others to achieve the impossible through knowledge, experience, vision, personality, and persistence.  Mr. Kemp graduated from Georgetown University in 1971 and from Washburn University School of Law in 1974. Mr. Kemp was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law from Washburn University School of Law in May, 2003.

With more than 30 years of experience in the disability movement, John D. Kemp has partnered, worked for and served on the Boards of Directors of some of the leading disability organizations such as:  United Cerebral Palsy Associations, Very Special Arts, HalfthePlanet Foundation, Boys and Girls Club of American, The Abilities Fund Inc., Disability Service Providers of America, Easter Seal Society, Goodwill Industries, and the U.S. International Council on Disabilities to name a few.   In 1995, Mr. Kemp co-founded the American Association of People with Disabilities and continues to serve on their board today.  During his tenure with Kemp & Young, Inc., John D. Kemp developed management training programs and editing and publishing services, and offered legal expertise and government relations consulting. 

Mr. Kemp currently serves on the Medicaid Commission and the State Department’s Advisory Committee on Persons with Disabilities which guides the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the Agency for International Development (USAID) on the formulation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy and assistance with respect to people with disabilities.

As a principal at the Washington, D.C. law firm Powers, Pyles, Sutter & Verville, P.C., John D. Kemp supports the disability community and its allies in a variety of ways.

Public Appearances

Making more than 30 public appearances a year, John D. Kemp consistently delivers timely and relevant remarks on topics of disability such as:

·              Government and the Disability Community:  Looking Ahead to Upcoming Legislation

·              Leadership and Diversity

·              Assistive Technology: Contributing to the Independence of People with Disabilities

·              Disability Culture

·              The Disability Market: Why Corporate America Should Care?

Speeches can also be tailored to your organization, company, and conference event.

Government Relations

Underlying many of John D. Kemp’s speaking engagements is Mr. Kemp’s work in government relations.  His practice can provide a thorough understanding of current laws affecting people with disabilities. Services include:

Technology

The offices of John D. Kemp remain current on technological innovations that are improving the lives of people with disabilities.  The PPSV team monitors:

·         Advances in software and hardware adaptations

·         Innovative programs utilizing assistive technology in physical and occupational therapy

·         Advancements in technology that improve the lives of people with disabilities

·         Internet and website accessibility.

Author

In March 2004, Mr. Kemp co-authored and co-edited a book, Reflections from a Different Journey.  With the foreword by Marlee Matlin, Reflections provides a collection essays from adults who were raised from birth or early childhood with a disability.  Covering parental expectations, education, sexuality and healthcare, Reflections authors offer advice for parents who have a child with a disability.  Published by McGraw-Hill, it is available in bookstores nationwide and online at www.disabilitiesbooks.com, www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com.

Partnerships

The cornerstone of John D. Kemp’s practice is relationships.  With an arsenal of personal and professional contacts, Mr. Kemp can harness resources and support for initiatives that support the disability community.  Whether it is working on Individuals with Disabilities Education Act regulations or the reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act, the Higher Education Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, Mr. Kemp’s relationships allow him to assist in painting a broader and more inclusive picture for his clients.

One of his passions is demonstrating the power of the disability market.  As the population ages and develops functional limitations, corporations will be called upon to offer products that meet the needs of individuals who require products and services that can extend their independence. 

Consistently seeking partnerships and collaborations, John D. Kemp engages in relationships that can further the rights, integrity and power of the disability community.  Feel free to contact his office to explore any of the above services or new opportunities perhaps not covered above.