Jonathan J. Kaufman is the founder of DisabilityWorks, inc., a strategy/consulting firm that helps corporations, government agencies and educational institutions develop strategies and initiatives that add value to those institutions and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. Along with running DisabilityWorks, inc., Jonathan, who was born with Cerebral Palsy, helped to spearhead the Graduate Program in Disability Studies at the City University of New York (Graduate Center) where he holds a teaching position as Adjunct Professor of Disability Studies and Fellow at the John F. Kennedy Jr. Institute for Workers Education. As of the summer of 2005, Jonathan helped to launch The Adaptations Program, the first initiative of its kind in the United States that serves young adults in their 20s and 30s with learning disabilities and those on the autistic spectrum to provide social skills and job development strategies. He functioned as its Co-Director until the summer of 2008.
Jonathan’s focus has been to give people with disabilities the tools to interact with the world around them and provide greater independence. Understanding his mission, Jonathan focused his college career at Sarah Lawrence College and Oxford University on studying disability lifestyle, work, and policy issues. He continued his graduate work by immersing himself in the many nuances of disability and aging studies at the University of Chicago (M.A. Psychiatric Social Work/ Human Development, A.M, Public Policy) and Columbia University (M.Phil, Cultural Anthropology, PhD Applied Anthropology).
Jonathan is a sought after guest on television & radio discussing a variety of disability and aging issues that impact business, government and personal lifestyle. He has presented at such diverse events as the United Nations Social and Economic Development Forum and AARP’s Diversity & Aging in the 21st Century Conference. He has also served as the commencement speaker for Columbia University’s School of Occupational Therapy. Through Jonathan’s writing and consulting, his continued expertise in the field are pioneering innovative ideas helping to guide companies like Wal-Mart and TMP Worldwide to new heights. As an advisor to Diversity Best Practices on a variety of disability and aging matters, his work is proving invaluable for Fortune 500 and 1000 companies.
Jonathan believes that the future of people with disabilities has never been brighter. His ultimate goal is to push people with disabilities to their fullest potential and uncover their true ABILITY!
