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John D. Kemp
John D. Kemp
Keynote Speaker, Attorney and Advocate
John D. Kemp is widely respected for his many achievements, both in the corporate and non-profit world. As a person born without arms and legs, John inspires others to achieve the impossible through knowledge, experience, vision, personality, and persistence. Through his speeches John reveals that his disability has given him an "edge" in achieving his goals; at a very young age he learned the way to be accepted was to make people see beyond his disability, and just see the boy. As a National Easter Seal Child, John traveled coast to coast and abroad meeting leaders and expressing hope for all children. John´s inherent gifts as a child were the beginning of an extraordinary journey which has taken him to every state of the union and around the world. His victories, insights and first hand experiences as a CEO and Attorney equip leaders at all levels with the knowledge and the practical tools to inspire and re-energize their organizations.
John´s speeches are powerfully tailored to be practical and inspirational. As the CEO of a national non-profit, he assists others to streamline, energize and/or turn around their organizations, implementing business best practices and innovative people strategies. He motivates leaders to create a culture where diversity is positive to the bottom line and can help to define their mission. As an advocate, he inspires organizations to be fearless and passionate about their work. And, as an attorney, John represents a wide array of national associations, corporations and groups in navigating Capitol Hill and the federal agencies to produce greater opportunities for people with disabilities and their families as well as achieving intended business strategies for his clients.
With more than 45 years of direct 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 and nonprofit organizations such as: United Cerebral Palsy Association (past CEO), Very Special Arts (past CEO), HalfthePlanet Foundation (past CEO), Independent Sector, The Abilities Fund Inc., Disability Service Providers of America (current CEO), Easter Seals, the Boys and Girls Club of America, Goodwill Industries of America, the U.S. International Council on Disabilities (past Chairman), CARF (past Chairman); Independent Sector (past Vice Chairman); the American Occupational Therapy Association; and an independent living center, Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago (past Chairman), among others. In 1995, Mr. Kemp co-founded AAPD and continues to be active with the organization today. During his tenure with Kemp & Young, Inc., John D. Kemp developed disability employment management training and consulting services.
Kemp currently serves on 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) in the formulation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy and assistance with respect to people with disabilities. From 2005-2006, Kemp served on the Medicaid Commission.
In March 2006, Mr. Kemp received the Henry B. Betts Award, widely regarded as America´s highest honor for disability leadership and service. Presented jointly by the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the Betts Award recognizes a person´s work and scope of influence that have significantly improved the quality of life for people with disabilities in the past and who continues to be a force for change in the future
A lawyer, disability rights leader and recognized expert on disability issues and services, John annually delivers 30 Keynote Addresses at national and state conferences, conventions, annual meetings and committee meetings of corporations, national and local organizations and government agencies. Using a heavy dose of humor to educate and entertain, his topics include Disability, Diversity and Your Corporate Culture; Disability Awareness & Etiquette ("My Brother Lost His Arm In A Corn Picker And Has An Artificial Arm Just Like You!"); Promoting Personal Responsibility, Empowerment and Self-Determination; Employment, Civil Rights and Corporate America; Serving People with Disabilities – Customer Service for Corporations, Agencies and Governments; and other areas of interest to each audience.
In March 2004, Mr. Kemp´s co-authored and co-edited book, Reflections From A Different Journey, was published by McGraw-Hill and is available in bookstores nationwide and online at Disabilities Books, Amazon and Barnes and Noble. With the Foreword by Marlee Matlin and essays from writers who were raised from birth or early childhood with their disabilities, Reflections is advice people with disabilities want all parents to have about parenting.
