Jennifer French

Jennifer French's life is a powerful narrative of resilience, innovation, and the pursuit of purpose. Born in 1971 in North Royalton, Ohio, she was an active and adventurous individual with a strong academic background, having pursued her education at Bridgewater State College. In 1998, her life took a dramatic turn when a snowboarding accident resulted in a spinal cord injury that left her a quadriplegic. Rather than surrendering to her condition, French turned this challenge into an opportunity to lead and inspire.

Following her injury, French participated in a clinical trial at the Cleveland Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Center. She became the first woman to receive the Stand and Transfer System, a groundbreaking implanted neuroprosthetic device that stimulates paralyzed muscles, enabling her to stand and take basic steps. With this system, she was not only able to walk down the aisle at her wedding but also laid the foundation for her future as a competitive athlete.

Co-founder and director of the Neurotech Network, the focus of which is on education of and advocacy for neurotechnology with a target of persons with impairments, their care givers and front line clinicians. Neurotechnology is the application of technology to the human nervous system to improve functions throughout many parts of the body. Hundreds of thousands of people with neurological or psychiatric disorders have already been helped by neurotechnology. For instance, cochlear implants help restore hearing to the deaf, neuroprosthetics provide movement to the paralyzed and spine stimulators give relief to those with chronic pain.

French discovered sailing in 2009, and quickly embraced the sport with passion and determination. Her perseverance paid off when she competed in the 2012 London Paralympic Games, winning a silver medal in the Two-Person Keelboat (SKUD18) event. This achievement earned her the honor of becoming the first disabled athlete to be named U.S. Sailing’s Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year.

Her journey did not stop with athletics. French became a staunch advocate for individuals with disabilities, dedicating her life to advancing neurotechnology and improving quality of life for others with neurological conditions. She co-founded the Neurotech Network, a nonprofit organization focused on educating the public and healthcare professionals about neurotechnology options. She also co-founded the Warrior Sailing Program, which provides maritime education and training to wounded, ill, and injured service members.

French is also an accomplished author. Her book, "On My Feet Again: My Journey Out of the Wheelchair Using Neurotechnology," offers a deeply personal account of her recovery and the role technology played in her transformation. Her story and insights have been shared on major platforms, where she continues to inspire audiences with her message of empowerment and innovation.

In 2024, Jennifer French was honored with the Craig H. Neilsen Visionary Prize, a prestigious recognition of her lifelong contributions to improving the lives of people with spinal cord injuries.