Theo W. Braddy graduated from Temple University with a master's in social work in 1988, after receiving his bachelor's in social work from Edinboro University.
At the age of 15, he became a person with a disability due to a high school football accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. For more than 40 years, Braddy has advocated on behalf of persons with disabilities.
He was hired in 1988 as CEO of the Center for Independent Living of Central Pennsylvania. As CEO, he created an independent living center that has become a strong and growing voice for persons with disabilities.
Braddy has taught at Temple University and Millersville University as an adjunct professor.
Two governors have appointed Braddy commissioner for the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. Gov. Tom Corbett appointed Braddy to serve on the Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council. In 2021, Gov. Tom Wolf appointed Braddy to serve on the State Board of Vocational Rehabilitation and re-appointed him in 2021 to the Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council.
Braddy was selected by Sen. Robert Casey, Jr., as one of four Black leaders in Pennsylvania who have demonstrated power and persistence in overcoming challenges and creating meaningful change in the state. He received a senate proclamation for his contribution and was also recognized and celebrated as a Black leader during Senator Casey’s Resilience in the Face of Adversity virtual event in February 2022.
In September 2022, President Biden announced Braddy's appointment to the National Council on Disability (NCD), an independent federal agency that advises the president, congress, and federal agencies on policies, programs, practices, and procedures affecting people with disabilities.
He has since joined Pennsylvania governor-elect Josh Shapiro's transition team advisory committee on education and workforce development and received appointment of executive director of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), the longest-running national cross-disability, grassroots organization operated by and for people with disabilities.
Braddy is married to Rovenia Braddy, an author and playwright. He is the father of two adult children, daughter, Kimmi Braddy, and son, Theo Braddy, Jr.
Learn more about the National Advisory Board or National Council on Independent Living (NCIL).
