Thomas Ryan Kennedy, Founder
Disability Civil Rights Leader
“I’ve lived at the intersection of resilience, rebellion, and reinvention my entire life.”
About Me
I’m Thomas Ryan Kennedy, founder of Disabled But Not Defeated—an advocate, parent, builder, and master visionary powered by an uncompromising belief that systems can be better and people deserve better.
I was born in 1980 on the island city of Galveston, TX, and shaped by early and ongoing experiences with trauma and invisible disabilities—including complex PTSD, Bipolar 1, Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), high intellect and multiple intelligences, and other high-functioning neurodivergent traits (with ADHD only scratching the surface). I grew up navigating systems that too often misunderstood, mislabeled, or failed me. I know firsthand what it means to fight for recognition, justice, and dignity when the world is stacked against you.
That fight deepened when I walked the path alongside my former partner and co-parent, who is deaf and blind. Together we navigated a maze of systemic inaccessibility, bias, and exclusion—raising our daughter while pushing every day for a world that recognizes the full humanity and rights of disabled people and families. This lived experience sharpened my lens and fueled my resolve to dismantle barriers that too many of us face.
Known for blending tech expertise with bold activism (and a dash of pirate flair), I bring a unique voice to disability justice—unafraid to name the hard truths and build the practical tools we need to move forward.
In launching Disabled But Not Defeated, I’ve fused my personal history, technical skills, visionary ideas, and relentless spirit to lead a growing movement that combines data, storytelling, and unapologetic action. My mix of sharp strategy, creative spark, and signature pirate swagger is redefining what disability justice can look like in the 21st century.
When I’m not leading advocacy campaigns, you’ll find me making music, surfing, writing bedtime stories for my adorable daughter (51,722,798 seconds old and counting), or dreaming up my next big idea. My guiding principles: stay scrappy, stay human, stay loud—and leave no one behind.
I live by an internal Code.
The first code is “I Do Hard Things First”.
I face discomfort head-on. Whether it’s the early alarm, the honest conversation, or the extra rep and big stretch—I don’t hesitate. I step into it.