Meet Jennifer Keelan
Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins has spent her life fighting for her right to live a normal life; in school, on the public transit system, and on the steps of the United States Capital building. At age two, she was diagnosed with a condition called cerebral palsy, that left lesions within the motor cortex of her brain.
From an early age, because of her disability, Jennifer was forced to take separate classes (irregardless of her aptitude and ability). impeded by the sheer lack of accessible buildings and transit, and shunned by her peers. Instead of crushing her, it galvanized her fighting spirit.
When Jennifer witnessed her first disability rights protest in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, it changed her life forever. From then on, Jennifer and her mother, Cynthia, joined the disability rights movement and began organizing. At age seven, she and her mother were arrested for protesting peacefully in Montreal, in a moment that shocked North America. At age eight, through iconic footage and photography taken on the steps of the US Capital, she became an icon for the movement to support passage of the Americans with Disabilities act.
Outside of the disability rights movement, Jennifer and her mother have battled valiantly for her right to an education, her dignity and privacy, and her fundamental civil rights. Despite so many setbacks and barriers, Jennifer graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelors of Science in family and Human Development, in 2017, with a GPA of 3.22.
ADAPT activists, including Jennifer and her mother Cynthia, protest the inaccessibility of public transportation in San Fransisco, in 1987. These incredible figures, pictured above, became mentors and teachers for Jennifer in life and throughout her participation in the disability rights movement.
Pictured from left: Justin Dart Jr., Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins and her mother Cynthia Keelan, Bob Kafka, and Dianne Coleman.
Photography by Jeff Reinking.
Making a difference. Today.
Jennifer has dedicated her life to advocating for Americans with disabilities. Today, she engages on two major fronts in the battle for equality; education around disability and accessibility, and political activism to affect change.
Education.
Societal change occurs through education and advocacy. Today, Jennifer is teaching children across the nation about what it means to live with a disability, the importance of accessibly, and becoming advocates for themselves and for their family and friends with a disability.
Jennifer’s educational role extends beyond the classroom, helping businesses and organizations to better understand the ADA and the role it plays for people with disabilities in insuring their right to education, employment and access.
Activism.
Affecting political change is necessary to increase accessibility, ensure civil rights protections, and to broaden the political umbrella that works on the behalf of Americans with disabilities. Jennifer works with any and all organizations seeking to build broad coalitions in support of people living with a disability, or supporting those who do.