Robin Osborne's account delves into the compelling life of Marie Braun, a woman of determination, elegance, and righteousness.
Marie Braun: A Pioneer in Disability Advocacy
Marie Braun, a renowned advocate for disability rights in Kentucky, passed away on May 31, 2025. Born with quadriplegic cerebral palsy in 1953 in Breathitt County, Braun's life was marked by resilience and determination.
Braun's early years were fraught with adversity, as she was institutionalized at the Old Frankfort State Hospital. It was here that she witnessed firsthand the injustices faced by people with disabilities in institutional settings[1]. This harrowing experience served as the foundation for her lifelong commitment to advocacy.
A Life of Advocacy
Braun's advocacy work was multifaceted and impactful. She served as the driving force behind the Northern Kentucky Disability Coalition and chaired the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities[1]. Her leadership extended to various boards, commissions, and councils, where she tirelessly advocated for better conditions and rights for people with disabilities.
Personal inspiration played a significant role in Braun's advocacy. Her life story, from being pushed around in a banana box as a toddler to learning the names of her rights, is one of resilience[1]. Her partnership with her husband, Bill Braun, was instrumental in challenging societal norms and advocating for the rights and dignity of disabled individuals.
A Lasting Legacy
Marie Braun's legacy is one of grit and grace. Her unwavering determination dismantled systemic barriers and promoted justice for people with disabilities. Her story serves as a testament to the impact one person can have on the lives of many through advocacy and determination[1].
Braun is survived by her brother Leonard, her sister-in-law Mary Braun Aust, her beloved friend of nearly 60 years, Vickie Cimprich, and a wide network of nieces, nephews, and advocates whose lives she changed. Robin Osborne, an Honorable Kentucky Colonel and a long-time advocate for mental health, consumer protection, foster care, and the disabled, was a friend of Marie Braun's.
In her final conversation with Jeff Edwards, Kentucky Protection & Advocacy Director, Braun expressed concern about potential Medicaid cuts, P&A funding losses, and the threat of institutionalization returning[1]. Her advocacy work continued until the end, as she spoke to legislators, appeared on television, wrote letters, and demanded action.
Marie Braun's manuscript, Any Way: My Stories of Advancement and Advocacy, was transcribed by her longtime friend Vickie Cimprich. The book chronicles her life from institutionalization to her advocacy work and serves as a powerful testament to her life's work.
One of Braun's most notable achievements was leading a wheelchair tour of inaccessible sidewalks in Covington, resulting in change. Her advocacy efforts have left a lasting impact on Kentucky's disability rights landscape, emphasizing the importance of understanding, dignity, and support for individuals with disabilities.
[1] Source: Personal conversations, news articles, and public records.
- Marie Braun's advocacy work extended to the Northern Kentucky community, where she chaired the Northern Kentucky Disability Coalition and worked tirelessly on the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities.
- Braun's legacy in health and wellness goes beyond her personal achievements; her advocacy for mental health, consumer protection, and foster care impacts various sectors in Kentucky, especially the health-and-wellness industry.
- In Covington, Kentucky, Braun led a wheelchair tour of inaccessible sidewalks, sparking change and advocating for better support systems for individuals with disabilities within the business and development sectors.
- Education was another important aspect of Braun's advocacy; her life story, chronicled in her book Any Way: My Stories of Advancement and Advocacy, serves as an inspiring example for the next generation, promoting resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
- Braun's advocacy work transcended personal issues, touching upon science and research in her quest for a more inclusive and equal society, particularly in relation to mental health and the rights of individuals with disabilities.
