Lessons in Inclusion, Advocacy, and Resilience with Kenneth Kunken - Episode 45
Manage episode 462924979 series 3063140
In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron interviews Kenneth Kunken, the first quadriplegic to graduate from Cornell University. Kenneth shares his journey of navigating life after a spinal cord injury sustained during college, the evolution of accessibility before and after the ADA, and his career as an attorney and rehabilitation counselor. He emphasizes the importance of high expectations, the transformative power of inclusion, and the value of perseverance. Kenneth’s story inspires action, showing that limitations can be overcome through determination and community support.
Key Takeaways:
High Expectations: Belief in oneself and others fosters opportunities and achievement beyond societal or medical expectations.
Inclusion Evolution: Accessibility has improved since the ADA, yet challenges remain, particularly in employment and attitudes.
Advocacy Pays Off: Kenneth's efforts led to the creation of ramps and curb cuts, improving accessibility for everyone.
Resilience Matters: Overcoming setbacks with determination, Kenneth achieved significant personal and professional milestones.
Community Support: Success is often built on the encouragement and assistance of family, friends, and advocates.
Kenneth’s definition of inclusion:
Inclusion is giving someone the opportunity to participate in any activity they want just like everyone else.
Kenneth’s Bio:
Ken Kunken broke his neck playing football for Cornell University in 1970, leaving him almost totally paralyzed from the shoulders down. After a lengthy hospitalization, Ken returned to Cornell where he completed his undergraduate degree in engineering. Ken then earned a Master of Arts degree at Cornell in education, as well as a Master of Education degree at Columbia University in psychology.
Ken became a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor. He worked for more than two years at Abilities Inc., where he provided vocational and placement counseling to severely disabled individuals.
Wanting to accomplish still more, Ken enrolled in Hofstra University’s School of Law. Ken then worked for more than 40 years as a Nassau County assistant district attorney, where he became a Deputy Bureau Chief.
Ken is married and the father of triplet boys.
“I Dream of Things That Never Were: The Ken Kunken Story” was published in 2023.
Connect with Kenneth:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566473121422
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ken.kunken/
Website: https://kenkunken.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-j-kunken-b4b0a9a8/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ken.Kunken
Buy Book: https://amzn.to/3E9mFGX
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
SPAM© Count:
Host:
Yes
Current Guest:
No
Cumulative Guest Stats:
Yes - 22
No - 21
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