John Kemp

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.

Mr. Kemp currently serves on the Doard of Directors of the National Business Leadership Network, 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.

Making more than 30 public appearances a year, John 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?

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:

• Expert analysis of proposed legislation
• Drafting of bills, amendments, congressional testimony, and other congressional advocacy documents
• In-depth knowledge of the legislative process - including appropriations
• Development and deployment of constituent relationships with key legislators
• Understanding the interplay among Congress, the executive branch agencies, and interest groups, and using that information to a client's benefit.

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.