Jeffrey Adams, JD

Jeff Adams is a Canadian Paralympian and sixtime world champion in wheelchair racing. After a distinguished athletic career that included winning three Paralympic gold medals, he retired from competition in 2008 and was inducted into Canada”s Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.

In 2010, Jeff co-founded Icon Wheelchairs Inc., a design, engineering and manufacturing company with a focus on premium mobility devices, including an adjustable wheelchair for everyday use and an off-road electric hand-cycle. After seven years as President and CEO, and managing the acquisition of the Icon designs by a US company, Jeff decided to pursue a life-long dream of a career in law.

In 2020, he completed his Juris Doctor Degree at Osgoode Hall Law School and is a Lawyer Licensing Candidate with the Law Society of Ontario, currently completing the articling requirement at a top-tier Bay Street law firm.

Jeff acquired his disability at age nine when the radiation therapy used to treat his cancer permanently damaged his spinal cord, paralyzing him below the waist.

He has often leveraged his athletic achievements and abilities to advocate for accessibility and lend support to organizations that promote equality for people with disabilities. In 2002, for example, Jeff climbed all 1,776 steps of the CN Tower in a specially designed wheelchair to raise funds for accessibility awareness.

BOARD MEMBERSHIPS

• Member of the Equity Advisory Group, Law Society of Ontario (2018–present)

• Member of the Board, Ontario Physical and Health Education Association (2019–present)

• Member of the Board, Icon Wheelchairs Inc. (2010–2016)

• Member of the Board, Marvel Wheelchairs Inc.(2005–2010)

• Athlete Representative, Board of Directors, Athletics Canada (1998–2002)

• Chair of the Accessibility Committee, Toronto 2008 Olympic Bid Committee (1998–2001)

• Co-Chair, Accessibility Advisory Council of Ontario (1999–2001)

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

• JD Candidate, Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, 2020