Paul G. Hearne: A Legacy Disability of Leadership

Paul G. Hearne was a visionary disability rights advocate and leader who achieved success as a nonprofit executive, foundation president, federal agency director, and mentor to countless disabled people. A champion for expanding employment opportunities, he opened doors for thousands through his leadership of Just One Break, an employment agency for people with disabilities in New York City, and The Dole Foundation for Employment of People with Disabilities in Washington, DC.

After the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Paul imagined a bold next step for the disability rights movement: a national, cross-disability membership organization, meaning it would represent all disabled people and strengthen their collective voice and power. This vision laid the foundation for what would become the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD).

Paul envisioned a national organization that would give people with disabilities greater consumer power and a stronger public voice. That vision became the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), where he served as its first President.

Paul passed away in 1998, just three years after AAPD’s founding. To honor his commitment to developing future leaders in the disability rights movement, AAPD established the Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Awards. Since then, more than 75 recipients have carried forward his legacy by bringing bold ideas to life and making meaningful contributions in the disability community.

Hearne Award recipients reflect the diversity of disability experiences and identities, yet each shares a commitment to impactful leadership, advocacy, and advancing progress in the cross-disability space.

As we mark 25 years of the Hearne Awards and the 30th anniversary of AAPD, we invite you to learn more about Paul and the many remarkable leaders who continue to bring his vision to life.

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