In 1970, while playing lightweight football for Cornell University, Ken Kunken sustained a spinal cord injury during a game against Columbia University, resulting in quadriplegia at the C4-5 level. Despite being left almost completely paralyzed from the shoulders down, Ken's resilience and determination shaped a groundbreaking career in law, rehabilitation counseling, and disability advocacy...
…Ken spent over nine months in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities, and even as a patient, he testified before a U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Health Care, chaired by Senator Edward Kennedy, advocating for improved healthcare policies for people with disabilities.
In 1971, nearly two decades before the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Ken returned to Cornell University, where he became the first quadriplegic to graduate from the university, earning a degree in Industrial Engineering. Ken faced significant accessibility challenges, navigating almost 100 steps on his very first day back on campus.
Continuing to break barriers, Ken earned a Master of Arts in Education from Cornell and a Master of Education in Psychology from Columbia University, becoming the first quadriplegic to earn a graduate degree from Cornell.
In 1977, Ken joined Abilities Inc. in Albertson, NY, coordinating the College Work Orientation Program, which connected severely disabled college students with educational work experiences. He also provided vocational counseling for over 20 severely disabled individuals, helping them pursue meaningful careers.
Ken became a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor, delivering public presentations on non-discrimination, affirmative action, and the employment rights of individuals with disabilities. His work earned him the Long Island Rehabilitation Association’s “Rehabilitant of the Year” Award in 1977, and he was featured in Reverend Norman Vincent Peale’s nationally syndicated radio broadcast, “The American Character”, in 1979.
Ken’s passion for advocacy led him to pursue a Juris Doctor degree from Hofstra University School of Law, graduating in 1982. He spent over 40 years serving the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, where he rose to the role of Deputy Bureau Chief in the County Court Trial Bureau, supervising over 20 assistant district attorneys and mentoring more than 50 legal interns.
Ken’s legal excellence and dedication earned him the Honorable Thomas E. Ryan, Jr. Award from the Court Officers Benevolent Association of Nassau County in 1996 and the George M. Estabrook Distinguished Service Award from the Hofstra Alumni Association in 1999.
Ken’s extraordinary resilience and contributions were honored by the Adirondack Trust Allegiance Bowl in Saratoga Springs, NY, which established the Ken Kunken Most Valuable Player Award, presented annually for nine consecutive years beginning in 2005.
In 2009, Ken joined the Board of Directors at Abilities Inc., and in 2017, he became a Board Member for its parent organization, The Viscardi Center, further advancing opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Ken was inducted into the Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame in 2020, and in 2023, the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office established the Kenneth J. Kunken Award, presented annually to an outstanding Assistant District Attorney embodying Ken’s spirit, dedication to justice, and unwavering commitment to colleagues.
In March 2024, Long Island Business News recognized Ken as one of Long Island’s Influencers in Law, highlighting his lasting impact on the legal community.
Ken has long sought to inspire others to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams. In October 2023, Ken published his memoir, “I Dream of Things That Never Were: The Ken Kunken Story,” sharing his remarkable life journey from life-altering injury to legal and advocacy success.
Ken married his wife Anna in 2003, and in 2005, they welcomed triplet sons: Joey, Jimmy, and Timmy. In 2023, the triplets graduated from Oceanside High School, exactly 55 years after Ken’s own graduation from the same school.
Website: kenkunken.com
Related Posts
Paul Levinson- Paul Levinson, PhD, is Professor of Communication & Media Studies at Fordham University in NYC. His nonfiction books, including The Soft Edge (1997), Digital McLuhan (1999), Realspace (2003), Cellphone (2004), New New Media (2009; 2nd edition, 2012), McLuhan in an Age of Social Media (2015), and Fake News in Real Context (2016), have
Read MoreAbout Ryan DelenaRyan DeLena is a professional mountaineer and mental health advocate. He is a graduate of Vermont State University and is working toward becoming a professional ski guide. Ryan has climbed and skied throughout the world including Svalbard,… …Antarctica, and Baffin Island, and is nearing his goal of skiing every possible line in the
Read MoreChris Miles-Chris Miles, the “Cash Flow Expert,” is a leading authority on how to quickly free up and create cash flow for thousands of his clients, entrepreneurs, and others internationally! He’s an author, speaker, and podcast host of The Chris Miles Money Show, and has been featured in US News, CNN Money, and Entrepreneur on
Read MoreDoneane Beckcom- Doneane Beckcom: I am a Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist and Hatha Yoga instructor. For the past three years I have been growing my business and recently turned it into an online coaching business. I have been writing for local publications and doing local TV and radio shows, and just recently started and internet
Read MoreDaphne V Smith- Daphne V Smith lived for years behind a mask; successful on the outside and suffocating on the inside.Her speaking career began through direct sales, vocational ministry honed her coaching skills and contributing to several publications sharpened her writing skills.Daphne has spoken at retreats and conferences across the country and has been behind more
Read MoreAliya Blake-Aliya Blake is a perfect example of a self-motivated girl who is aspiring to become a successful author, lawyer, and businesswoman. She developed a love for reading very early in life, which ignited her love for writing short stories. She was born in 2001 in Trinidad and Tobago. She is the only girl among three
Read MoreAdrian Sealey-Adrian Sealey: I’m the founder and managing director of Ez Buy Int Ltd and both the Cofounder and senior instructor at Ryu Dan Dojo- Youth Empowerment Centre which isa registered NGO that utilizes Martial Arts as a vehicle of holistic development. You can visit my website where you can buy, sell or advertise with us by
Read MoreAbout Star StaubachBusy Momma of three (sometimes four when she has an Exchange Student). Wife of 17 years, Mom of 15.5 years, Life Coach of 15 years, Educator and Speaker! Star facilitates Bad Ass Manifestation (BAM) Parties around the world… …In her own words, “We’re meant to see one another thrive. We’re meant to share
Read MoreDonna Still- My name is Donna Still and I work with emotions and feelings that have been stuck in the body causing pain and disease. I use a Breathwork practice combined with body and energy work to release trapped emotions. Our bodies have an innate intelligence and inherently know how to heal itself, if we
Read MoreAbout Dan ChapmanEveryone wants to feel good, but most of us don’t. The reason is stress, toxins, & lack of nutrients in our food. We make expertly crafted natural supplements so you can feel better.With a mom who was sick and struggling with anxiety, depression & fatigue, and a perfect example of the struggle described
Read MoreAbout Nick RizziYour expert realtor and Best Friend in Denver, dedicated to making your home buying or selling experience seamless with top-notch negotiation and a deep network. A creative through of woodworking, gaming, and culinary adventures,… …I bring a unique blend of passion and expertise to every meeting. With accolades in sales and a heart
Read MoreAnita Narayan- Anita Narayan is on a mission to make inspirational living the norm… Entrepreneurs hire Anita to break free from a stagnating, mediocre life, unearth their joy and purpose for lasting fulfillment, wealth and inspirational legacy. Her clients have ranged from the ordinary person to Tony Adams, former Arsenal and England footballer As bestselling author of
Read More