Brooke Ellison

Brooke Mackenzie Ellison was an American academic, disability advocate, and pioneering figure in accessibility and inclusion. She served as the Vice President for Tech Access at United Spinal Association from January 2023 until her passing on February 4, 2024, at the age of 45.12

Background and Education

Born on October 20, 1978, in Rockville Centre, New York, Ellison's life took a dramatic turn at age 11 when she was struck by a car, resulting in quadriplegia.1 Despite this challenge, she excelled academically:

• Graduated with high honors from Ward Melville High School in 1996
• Became the first quadriplegic to graduate from Harvard University, earning a bachelor's degree in cognitive neuroscience magna cum laude in 2000
• Obtained a master's degree in public policy from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government
• Completed her Ph.D. in Sociology from Stony Brook University in 2012, focusing on Science & Society and Bioethics3

Career and Advocacy

Ellison's professional life was marked by significant achievements:

• Associate Professor at Stony Brook University, teaching medical and science ethics and health policy
• Created the Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) course at Stony Brook, bringing together students from various disciplines to work on accessibility and disability inclusion solutions2
• Ran for New York State Senate as a Democrat in 2006
• Served on the advisory board of the Genetics Policy Institute
• National spokeswoman for people with disabilities and stem cell research
• Motivational speaker and author

Publications and Media

Ellison shared her experiences and insights through various media:

• Co-authored "Miracles Happen: One Mother, One Daughter, One Journey" (2002) with her mother
• Published "Look Both Ways" in 20214
• Subject of the television film "The Brooke Ellison Story" (2004), directed by Christopher Reeve
• Co-created the documentary "Hope Deferred" (2015) about embryonic stem cell research

Legacy

Brooke Ellison's life was characterized by resilience, advocacy, and a commitment to challenging perceptions of disability. Her work in accessibility and inclusion, particularly through her role at United Spinal Association and her academic contributions, has left a lasting impact on the field of disability rights and technology access.12