No mission of Dick and Ginny Thornburgh’s is more important than expanding public understanding, institutional services and protections, and political voice of people with disabilities.  The impacts across our nation are well known and far-reaching. Many Americans are touched themselves with a disability, a chronic condition or are closely acquainted with such a person. Not least among those affected are the many brave soldiers wounded in our battles abroad.

A pediatric bone cancer survivor and amputee, Mr. Kennedy has been an active leader in the movement to expand opportunities for persons with disabilities. In June 2017, Mr. Kennedy was elected Chair of the Board of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), one of the country’s preeminent civil rights and public policy organizations dedicated to social reform and equal rights for people with disabilities. He also advises employers on best practices and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). One of AAPD’s signature programs is the Disability Equality Index (DEI), now the nation’s leading corporate benchmarking tool for disability equality and inclusion. The DEI scores and tracks businesses on their disability employment, accommodation policies and socially responsible corporate practices. Mr. Kennedy is a member of the firm in the Health Care and Life Sciences practice at Epstein Becker Green.

The annual lectures are free, open-to-the-public events that draw a large and diverse audience of students, professors, attorneys, advocates, community leaders, and national spokespersons for the rights of people with disabilities.

Parking is suggested at Soldiers and Sailor Parking garage.

This lecture is free and open to the public.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.