Karen Johnstone
1996
Karen Johnstone stands as one of the most outstanding physical therapists ever to serve the National Wheelchair Athletic Association (NWAA), dedicating decades of expertise, compassion, and leadership to the advancement of adaptive sports. Since 1964, she has given selflessly to the organization, always participating with a ready and willing attitude and serving in any capacity where she was needed.
Karen’s professionalism and collaboration earned her widespread praise and respect from medical personnel and athletes alike on both national and international stages. Her influence extended far beyond her hands-on work — she played a key role in shaping the medical and classification standards that guided the evolution of wheelchair athletics.
In 1977, Karen compiled and published the groundbreaking Protocol Manual for Physical Therapists, an invaluable resource that provided comprehensive instruction on the NWAA classification system. This manual became a cornerstone educational tool for physiotherapists across the country who sought to better understand classification and athlete evaluation.
Karen’s experience as a team physical therapist is unmatched in the history of the NWAA. She provided essential support for U.S.A. Teams at numerous international competitions, including:
1968: Paralympic Games in Tel Aviv, Israel
1969: Pan American Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina
1971: Pan American Games in Kingston, Jamaica
1972: Paralympic Games in Heidelberg, Germany
1973: Pan American Games in Lima, Peru
1975: Pan American Games in Mexico City, Mexico
1976: Paralympic Games in Toronto, Canada
In addition to her international work, Karen served as a Physical Therapist for the National Wheelchair Athletic Association from 1967 to 1977. She was also a lecturer on Classification and Evaluation of Wheelchair Athletes in the Greater Boston area and later coordinated the Adaptive Motor Activities for the Handicapped program in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Karen’s contributions were recognized through multiple honors. In 1974, she received the John Hussey Memorial Award, presented by the Michigan Wheelchair Athletic Committee for her dedication to promoting wheelchair athletics. Two years later, in 1976, she was awarded the Knights Award from the Pilot Club of Greater Birmingham, Michigan, recognizing her leadership in bringing wheelchair athletes into greater visibility within civic and community functions.
Through her unparalleled expertise, tireless service, and genuine care for athletes, Karen Johnstone helped shape the foundation of sports medicine and classification in adaptive sports. Her work has had a lasting influence on generations of athletes, therapists, and professionals — making her a truly deserving member of the National Wheelchair Athletic Association Hall of Fame.