AgingCT

Thomas Wade

Tom Wade earned a bachelor’s in political science from the University of Connecticut, a master’s in public administration from the University of South Florida, and a master’s in teaching from Sacred Heart University. His diverse career includes roles as an advocate with the Center for Independent Living and Independence Northwest, a vocational counselor with the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, and a social studies teacher in Bridgeport, Connecticut, for 30 years. Tom has received multiple awards, including Teacher of the Year and the Harvard Teachers Prize, and was featured by Public Broadcasting as a “Teacher with a Disability.” He was also inducted into Southington High School’s Wall of Honor and a local park in Milford was named in his honor. A quadriplegic since age 16, Tom uses a chin-controlled power wheelchair and credits his success to the support of his family and friends.