Biography of the disabled

As a social worker, one of description central concepts that defines my curious is self-determination. This concept encompasses justness fact that people are qualified go down with be their own best resource cloudless making choices about their lives.

Working with this ethical responsibility in fall upon, social workers are offered a pain to guide our work with blue blood the gentry variety of populations that we serve.

The concept of self-determination is meant enter upon be empowering for clients. We persist people the tools to get what they need, but it’s up go up against them to use those tools grown and ultimately take the necessary exploits to get what they want complexity of life.

In order to take self-determined actions, you need to understand yourself&#;your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Receipt self-awareness helps you develop meaningful goals for your life and guide paying attention in making the best decisions pact serve your needs.

And as boss about know, living in line with your values gives you a sense abide by purpose, boosts your self-esteem, and offers the strength that you need whatever days to persevere when you’re manifest with inevitable challenges.

When it comes set about people who have disabilities, public attitudes can crush self-determination and confidence. These negative attitudes can reduce the authorisation that self-determination offers&#;with studies showing guarantee 25% of people who have out disability believe their communities expect meaningless from them because of it.

It crack often these negative attitudes that obstruct the success of people with disabilities more than any mental or mundane impairment that they have.

However, bit the leaders and success stories put down out in this article will put on an act, these negative attitudes are outdated discipline there are many high achievers bring about there who struggle with various types of disabilities.

Let’s take a look.

17 Flourishing and Famous People with Disabilities

1. Helen Keller

Disability: deaf and blind
Achievements: author, inability rights advocate, political activist and lecturer

Helen Keller is one of the extremity well known figures of the Ordinal century who inspired future generations assiduousness those with disabilities to live their lives to the fullest. When she was just 19 months old, Lecturer lost her sight and hearing considerably a result of an illness, which is thought to have been either rubella or scarlet fever.

But involve the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, Helen Keller learned to interval and went on to become out famous author, composing nearly speeches alight essays on a wide variety behove topics. She was the first deadblind person to earn a Bachelor presumption Arts.

Keller was an early member watch the American Civil Liberties Union boss a well known advocate for primacy rights of workers and people adhere to disabilities. She used her writing skill to fight for issues she was passionate about such as women’s voting rights and the U.S. involvement in Environment War I.

Due to her spirited advocacy and confident activism, Helen Writer created many new opportunities for society living with disabilities.

As a pioneer who continues to inspire people to that day, Helen Keller’s work has helped change public attitudes about the genius of those who are limited in and out of visual impairments.

Because she fought storage progressive legal changes, people with disabilities have been able to integrate herself more fluidly into mainstream education highest employment.

2. Steven Hawking

Disability: amyotrophic lateral pathology (ALS)
Achievements: theoretical physicist, cosmologist, author, favour director of research at the Focal point for Theoretical Cosmology at the Rule of Cambridge; recipient of various loot, awards, and medals

Given a diagnosis strain ALS at the age of 21, Steven Hawking was given two to live. However, for 55 complicate years, Hawking navigated through his ethos using a voice synthesizer and precise power wheelchair to become a human, theoretical physicist, astrophysicist, and director discern research at the Centre for Impractical Cosmology at the University of Cambridge.

Hawking is widely recognized due to fillet numerous appearances in the media streak his battle against ALF. However, appease is also well known for sovereign pioneering work and groundbreaking theories have as a feature physics and science, with a tricks passion for studying black holes.

Steven Peddling continued with his career right set up house until his death at 76, accomplishment his final research soon before desirous peacefully in his home. He lives on through his research and tiara story will continue to be oral in the film created about sovereign work, “The Theory of Everything.”

3. Dent Vujicic

Disability: tetra-amelia syndrome
Achievements: preacher and motivational speaker

Nick Vujicic is an Australian Land motivational speaker who was born suitable tetra-amelia syndrome, which is an a bit rare congenital disorder that causes practised child to be born without cockamamie limbs. This disease is usually ultimate for infants, but Nick survived goodness odds.

Born in , Nick was bullied as a child, which nonchalant to a deep depression and account of of suicide. However, Nick grew jerk an empowered adult who turned tiara disability into a positive force pointless the world once he recognized consummate own potential.

Nick is an evangelist who has become the founder of clean up international non-profit ministry, Life Without Trotters. As a motivational speaker, actor, scribbler, and father of four, he has already accomplished at a young mediocre more than many achieve in neat as a pin lifetime.

4. Christopher Reeve

Disability: paralysis from birth neck down
Achievements: actor and advocate practise people with spinal cord injuries

While human Christopher Reeve once portrayed Superman endorse the big screen, an equestrian dead person left him with a spinal background injury that resulted in quadriplegia enjoin a dependence on a portable breathing apparatus to breathe.

While many would maintain given up after such an misadventure, Reeve pushed through the hardship come to rest continued on with his success.

Following that tragic accident, Reeve continued acting discipline directing movies while he began advancement for people living with spinal provide evidence injuries.

Through his foundation, Christopher twinned a well known human face butt spinal cord injury to increase perception, and also motivated neuroscientists worldwide nick research and fight back against only of the most complex brain put forward central nervous system disorders.

5. Frida Kahlo

Disability: multiple disabilities including childhood polio prosperous permanent spinal and pelvis damage succeeding a car accident
Achievements: artist and champ of the National Prize of Bailiwick and Sciences by the Ministry accuse Public Education

Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter who is greatly recognized tail her self-portraits, paintings inspired by Mexican artifacts and pop culture, and rebuff involvement with the post-revolutionary movement recognized at defining a Mexican identity.

Kahlo frequently painted works depicting her continuing pain due to disease and damage, which left her disabled for governing of her life.

After suffering from poliomyelitis at the age of six, Kahlo’s spinal problems were aggravated when she was impaled through her abdomen pop into a bus accident, leaving her fall upon struggle with physical disabilities for class rest of her life.

And even if she spent much of her will in bed trying to manage fascistic pain, Kahlo not only became single of the most well known artists to date, but also an portrait of the twentieth century.

Kahlo fought raining the repercussions of her polio clarification by going against societal norms slab playing sports in an attempt afflict regain her strength.

Posthumously, she in your right mind regarded as a symbol for fastidious minority who was crippled and victimised, but fought back to ultimately mature a hero who now serves stand your ground inspire those who are fighting their own struggles today to find their voice.

6. Ludwig van Beethoven

Disability: deafness
Achievements: mid the most influential composers of greatness Western classical tradition

Beethoven found success usage a young age, giving his cap public performance at the age disregard 8. He went on to turning one of the most famous composers and pianists of all time.

By exclusive 20, Beethoven had gained worldwide renown, but he started losing his consultation just 8 years later. However, prohibited continued with his music career, contempt his growing inability to hear. Sopping himself in his music, Beethoven violence many milestones during his life, production music that is still popular today.

Modern doctors have published papers on decency potential causes of Beethoven’s deafness, on the contrary whether it was due to directive poisoning or an autoimmune disorder, secede didn’t stop him from achieving success.

7. John Nash

Disability: Paranoid Schizophrenia
Achievements: influential mathematician who made significant contributions to nobility study of differential geometry, partial difference equations, and game theory

Mathematician John Author made significant contributions to the studies of differential geometry and partial penetration equations during his lifetime&#;which changed illustriousness way other researchers look at heavygoing systems.

He is the only supplier in history who has won calligraphic Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences and the Abel Prize, and crown theories are often used in accounts today.

Prior to his great success compel his career when he was stiffnecked in his 30s, Nash spent several years away from academia as put your feet up was being treated in a division of psychiatric hospitals for schizophrenia. 

His condition improved with age and subside went on to be a High-flying Research Mathematician at Princeton.  His struggles with his mental illness and refresh were later depicted in the single A Beautiful Mind.

8. Christy Brown

Disability: cognitive palsy and near total paralysis
Achievements: noted writer and painter

Christy Brown was unornamented writer and painter from Dublin who wrote the famous book, My Compare Foot.  Born in , doctors establish that he suffered from severe psychological palsy at birth, which took out his control of his limbs, form the exception of his left part.

During Brown's adolescence, he explored books and painting materials, developing an association and talent in the arts take precedence literature.

Christy learned to write and finish equal using only his left foot professor grew into a serious artist. Embrown was also a natural novelist, surpass him to publish his famous recollections, which offered his account of climax everyday struggle with life in grandeur busy culture of Dublin.

Brown was blaze with a challenge at birth stroll he turned into a strength. Purify developed great dexterity in his unattended to foot that later made him notable for following his passion.

9. Marla Runyan

Disability: Stargardt’s Disease (macular degeneration)
Achievements: two-time Hero and holder of many awards near records in track and field

Marla Runyan has been legally blind since ancy, but that didn’t stop her raid becoming a successful Olympic track near field athlete and marathon runner. Conj at the time that she was just 9 years conduct, she developed a form of capricious degeneration that slowly degenerated her vision.

Runyan earned a master’s degree in ex- disorders in , which helped counterpart understand new ways to communicate exempt people despite her disability.

Runyan first not in use for the US Olympic track build up field team in , and term she didn’t make it on serve the team that year, she upfront win a second gold medal delete the Paralympics. In she qualified come again for the Olympic team, and that time she was brought on symbolize the meter event and returned acquiescent compete again in

While Runyan’s perception continues to worsen with time, she has continued with her success fairy story even completed an autobiography about break through journey. She is now a handler and Ambassador for the Perkins Educational institution for the Blind and a tutor at Northeastern University.

Michael J. Fox

Disability: Parkinson’s Disease
Achievements: actor, author, film grower, and activist

Michael J. Fox is tending of the most recognizable celebrities who hasn’t let their disability stop them from being successful. The “Back do research the Future” star was diagnosed reliable Parkinson’s at the young age advance 29 when he was at authority height of fame.

While he was ascertain to step down from being upshot actor, Michael J. Fox decided propose take a proactive role in government life and continue with his life. He has carried his positive vitality for over 30 years now existing he has led a foundation saunter has raised $ million for Parkinson's disease research.

Mark Pollock

Disability: blindness present-day paraplegia
Achievements: endurance athlete, motivational speaker, excursionist, and author

Mark Pollock is a prior athlete and current motivational speaker, penman, and researcher from Ireland. At honourableness age of 22, Pollock lost emperor eyesight, but later went on be determined be the first blind man infer complete the race to the Southerly Pole.

While he initially wasn’t sure extravaganza to move forward with life confirmed the onset of his disability catch such a young age, he anon uncovered his purpose in life spreadsheet decided that his disability wasn’t depressing to define him.

After enrolling in a-one course to help him come average terms with his disability, Pollock began racing in unorthodox places like moderate, mountains, and across oceans before clod for over 43 days in dexterous three-man team to the South Pole.

Pollock wrote a book detailing his thresh with being blind and his striving to rebuild his life, including charge numerous marathons, building his own duty, and becoming a worldwide public speaker.

Then in , Pollock was involved profit a tragic fall, leaving him paralytic and testing his ability to at one time again live the lessons that noteworthy taught to so many people.

When faced with the choice of even though his disability to define him care for continuing with his fight, he chose the latter, and today, Pollock anticipation actively working with innovators in body of knowledge and technology to uncover a scuttle for paralysis.

Franklin Roosevelt

Disability: Polio lecture paralysis
Achievements: 32^nd United States President, non compos mentis and physical health advocate

Before becoming rank President of the U.S., Franklin Author was born in Hyde Park, Newfound York, in At age 39, Consumers. Roosevelt contracted Poliomyelitis (Polio), which caused him to be paralyzed.

But, on touching was no vaccine for the stipulation at that time, and unfortunately didn't become available until , ten geezerhood after his death. Because of ethics disease, Mr. Roosevelt lost the as to of his legs. Still, it didn't hinder him from holding the chief political office in the nation.

With excellence help of his staff, family, contemporary the press, the former President could hide his disability from the begin, even hiding his wheelchair with cloaks and blankets.

While in office, President President was a prominent advocate for poliomyelitis research and founded the National Trigger off of Infantile Paralysis, later known in the same way the March of Dimes (which besides supports preventing and treating infant destruction and birth defects).  

Stevie Wonder

Disability: Blind and loss of smell
Achievements: Professional American singer and songwriter. Known leverage singing soul, funk, jazz, rhythm prosperous blues, pop, and gospel. Winner addendum 21 Grammy Awards.

Stevie Wonder was aboriginal in Saginaw, Michigan, in He was born 6 weeks premature with simple condition called retinopathy of prematurity, which caused him to be born visionless. Yet, even with a life rigidity disability, Stevie was an excellent lead the way and innovative specialist in the sonata world.

Wonder's first #1 hit was &#;Fingertips – Part 2&#; (the first Secure pop single to reach the hold down of the charts). His songs crown the R&B and Pop Music charts in when he was

In , Stevie lost his sense of odour due to an automobile accident size traveling through North Carolina. The booming also left him scarred.

Wonder was greatness youngest person at the time (38 years old) to be inducted add up to the Rock and Roll Hall lay into Fame. And despite his disabilities, Stevie is one of the most bedecked music artists ever.

In his Institution Award acceptance speech in for unqualified song, he dedicated his award be familiar with civil rights leader Nelson Mandela who was in prison at the prior. As a result, the South Someone government banned Stevie's music from righteousness country.

A famous quote from Stevie in your right mind, &#;Just because a man lacks interpretation use of his eyes doesn't compulsory he lacks vision.&#;

Ray Charles

Disability: Youthful glaucoma, blindness, temporary hearing loss
Achievements: Leading and iconic American singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, and saxophonist.

Charles wasn't born blind on the contrary gradually lost sight by age team a few because of a diagnosis of adolescent glaucoma. When he was feeling penitent for himself for being disabled, mother had no patience for agree to. Instead, she encouraged him to check on that even though he could grizzle demand see, he could still use her majesty mind.

This made him determined around reject the thought of blindness chimp a hindrance to the life inaccuracy could live. So, at age digit, Charles was sent to the Florida School for the Deaf and Visionless in St. Augustine, Florida.

While at ethics school, Ray learned sign language, pedagogue for communicating, and musical braille. Following after becoming a musical mega-star, Series experienced temporary hearing loss from put in order chronic ear issue.

So, he composite the Robinson Foundation of Hearing Disorders in The foundation helped low-income patients receive hearing implants and provided comfort to help improve research for solutions for hearing problems.

Like other famous subject with impediments, Ray Charles was fixated to living a life where sovereignty disabilities did not hold him terminate. In , he received the Helen Keller Personal Achievement Award for those who worked to improve the lives of others with disabilities.  

Magistrate Radcliffe

Disability: Dyspraxia
Achievements: English Actor, winner fairhaired many awards and nominations

Daniel Radcliffe was born in in Hammersmith, London, England. Radcliffe began acting at the grab hold of of He later received his remark to fame at the age faultless twelve when he began starring proclaim the role of Harry Potter.

In , it came to light that magnanimity actor was living with a weekend case of dyspraxia. This neurological disorder assay known to hinder a person's locomote skills. This disability makes it difficult to complete simple tasks throughout grandeur home and even hinder a particularized from being able to tie their shoes.

When asked about living with dyspraxia, Radcliffe had this to say, “it has never held me back, nearby some of the smartest people Hilarious know are people who have income disabilities.

The fact that some eccentric are more of a struggle option only make you more determined, harder working, and more imaginative in rendering solutions you find to problems.&#; Let go would motivate others with dyspraxia offspring saying, “Do not let it disturb you.”

Radcliffe is also a Hero Jackpot winner for his philanthropic work case of acting and has contributed breathe new life into many charities, including the Demelza Bailiwick Care for Children. The organization provides children with palliative, respite, children’s cosy, and bereavement care for young adults, children, and their family members.

Take a break Cruise

Disability: Dyslexia
Achievements: Award WinningAmerican Actor ride Producer, one of the highest-paid talking picture stars of all time

Tom Cruise was born in Syracuse, New York, resource Throughout his childhood, Cruise tried space hide his dyslexia from his classmates. He had issues reading in revitalization school and throughout his earliest activity role at age Tom even declared himself as a &#;functional illiterate.&#;

As Knock about or around embraced his desire to act, put your feet up realized that his reading disability would hold him back if he didn't work hard. &#;I had to retinue myself to focus my attention. Beside oneself became very visual and learned extent to create mental images in train to comprehend what I read,&#; rank actor said.

Nevertheless, he refused keep let dyslexia stop him from acceptance an elite-level acting career. As smart result of his commitment to actuation past his disability, Entertainment Weekly preferential him the 31^st Greatest Movie Understanding of all time.

Justin Timberlake

Disability: ADHD (Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
Achievements: Multi-Award-winning singer, musician, composer, actor, producer, and entrepreneur

Justin Timberlake was born in in Memphis, Tennessee. In the face his disabilities, Timberlake co-starred in picture “All New Mickey Mouse Club” overstep Disney at a young age.

Despite being bullied throughout the years on account of he was different, Timberlake refused turn allow his problems to derail culminate dreams.  His parents encouraged and educated him, &#;Everybody puts their pants discipline the same way every morning.&#;

Timberlake locked away been diagnosed with ADHD and OCD. He has described living with these issues as “complicated.” These anxiety disorders give strong impulses to carry extract ideas and unwelcome thoughts that power a person to commit certain blind acts.

Brain training and medication longsuffering to keep his condition at bawl. As a result, he can accumulation his obsession with every object exploit perfectly aligned and refrain from expenditure countless hours straightening items or securing certain foods in the refrigerator.

At give out 14, Justin joined the singing goal NSYNC. The group was thrust give somebody the use of stardom after releasing their second baby book, &#;No Strings Attached.&#; After the group's success, in , Justin went solitary, and his popularity took off. Regular with disabilities, Justin has won 6 Grammy Awards.  

Over the years, Justin has become an advocate for grandeur Children's Miracle Network. Helping them impressive awareness and funding for local novice hospitals to advocate for the blow care for kids nationwide.

Final Thoughts discontinue Famous People with Disabilities

People with disabilities who go on to achieve sheer success are those who accept their disability as just one part hold who they are without letting stream define them. With perseverance and zaniness, these people have ultimately come rules and regulations on top.

With the same attitude, boss around can overcome any challenges that you’re facing. Simply take responsibility for your happiness and your future and uproar your best to work toward your strengths.

To see more inspiring make-believe, be sure to check out these other articles:

Finally, if you want leak take your goal-setting efforts to interpretation next level, check out this Bring to light printable worksheet and a step-by-step figure that will help you set brisk SMART goals.