Mark Bookman

Dr. Mark Bookman

Dr. Mark Bookman, a severely disabled American who resided full-time in Tokyo until his passing became one of Japan’s leading experts on accessibility and a policy consultant for the United Nations at 31 years of age.

Mark’s vision for inclusion is the reason the GLIDE Fund was formed; to eliminate obstacles to full participation in study abroad programs. Offering scholarships to disabled students based upon demonstrated need and concrete efforts in both domestic and international contexts, the GLIDE Fund aims to ensure that research by and for impaired individuals leads to concrete social change. Since Mark’s passing in December 2022, his father, Dr. Paul Bookman, DMD has taken over the organization to carry on his son’s legacy and continue the mission Mark set out to achieve.

“One fundamental truth underlying every decision I make is the desire to overcome adversity.” ~ Dr. Mark Bookman