Ken Kunken — Making the Impossible Possible
In 1970, while a junior at Cornell University, Ken Kunken’s life changed in an instant.
During a kickoff in a lightweight football game against Columbia University, Ken broke his neck and sustained a spinal cord injury at the C4–5 level. The injury left him a quadriplegic, almost completely paralyzed from the shoulders down. What followed was more than nine months in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities—and a future that looked nothing like the one he had planned.
Yet even in those early days, Ken’s story was already shifting. While still a patient, he testified before a United States Senate Sub-Committee on Health Care chaired by Edward Kennedy, advocating for better care and awareness.
Returning When the World Wasn’t Ready
In 1971, nearly two decades before the Americans with Disabilities Act, Ken returned to Cornell.
Accessibility didn’t exist in the way we understand it today. On his first day back, he had to be physically carried up and down nearly 100 steps just to attend class.
Still, he kept going.
Ken became the first quadriplegic to graduate from Cornell University—a milestone that would define the beginning of a life built not around limitations, but possibility.
A New Purpose: Helping Others
After earning his undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering, Ken shifted direction. He wanted to work directly with people—especially those navigating disabilities.
He went on to earn:
- A Master of Arts in Education from Cornell
- A Master of Education in Psychology from Columbia University
He later became the first quadriplegic to earn a graduate degree from Cornell.
In 1977, Ken joined Abilities Inc., where he coordinated programs for severely disabled college students and provided vocational counseling. During this time, he also became a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor and began speaking across the country on disability rights, employment, and inclusion.
From Advocate to Attorney
Driven to do even more, Ken pursued law at Hofstra University School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor in 1982.
He then began a remarkable career as an assistant district attorney in Nassau County, New York—one that would span more than 40 years.
Over time, Ken rose to become a Deputy Bureau Chief of the County Court Trial Bureau, supervising more than 20 assistant district attorneys and mentoring over 50 student interns.
His career reflects not only professional excellence, but also a deep commitment to justice, leadership, and service.
Recognition, Leadership, and Legacy
Throughout his life, Ken has been recognized for both his professional achievements and his extraordinary resilience. His honors include:
- The Honorable Thomas E. Ryan, Jr. Award for outstanding service
- The George M. Estabrook Distinguished Service Award
- Induction into the Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame
- Recognition as a Long Island Business News Influencer in Law
In addition, his legacy continues through The Kenneth J. Kunken Award, established in 2023 by the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office to honor attorneys who embody his dedication, integrity, and spirit.
Ken has also served on the Board of Directors for The Viscardi Center, continuing his lifelong commitment to advocacy and opportunity.
Life Beyond the Courtroom
In 2003, Ken married his wife, Anna. Two years later, they welcomed triplet sons—Joey, Jimmy, and Timmy—who remain his greatest source of joy.
In 2023, the same year his sons graduated from Oceanside High School, Ken published his memoir, I Dream of Things That Never Were: The Ken Kunken Story, a powerful reflection on resilience, purpose, and redefining what is possible.
