JOHN D. KEMP

Bio

John D. Kemp is widely respected for his many achievements, both in the corporate and non-profit worlds.  With personal disability experience using four prostheses, 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. 

John D. Kemp is the CEO of Abilities!  Abilities! is dedicated to creating a world in which people with disabilities will have the same opportunities as all other people, be treated with dignity and respect, and have access to all the benefits of our society.  Abililities conducts a wide range of programs and activities to support this mission including research, job training, education, assistive technology, resources for business and more.  Prior to Abilities, Mr. Kemp was principal at the Washington, D.C. Law Firm of Powers, Pyles, Sutter & Verville, P.C. for ten years.  In his practice, he served as the CEO of ACCSES, HalfthePlanet Foundation and as the Executive Director and General Counsel of the US Business Leadership Network.  In addition, Mr. Kemp represented several technology companies interested in disability. 

In October 2007, Mr. Kemp received the New Freedom Initiative Award which annually recognizes non-profits, small businesses, corporations and individuals that have demonstrated exemplary and innovative efforts in furthering the employment and workplace environment for people with disabilities. 

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

Appointed by Secretary Leavitt of Health and Human Services, Mr. Kemp served on the Medicaid Commission from July 2005 through December 2006.  Additionally, he served on the State Department’s Advisory Committee on Persons with Disabilities (2007-2010) 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.

John D. Kemp has led, partnered, worked for and served on the Boards of Directors of many of the leading disability and nonprofit organizations such as: United Cerebral Palsy Associations, Very Special Arts, Independent Sector, The Abilities Fund Inc., Disability Service Providers of America, Easter Seals, Goodwill Industries of Greater Washington, and the U.S. International Council on Disabilities, to name a few.  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.