Famous Handicapped People

A disability doesn't always have to stand between you and your dreams. You may be able to do all the things you want to do, despite your handicap. While it's true that a disabled person may have to work harder to achieve goals than someone without a disability, the effort is worth it. The Special Olympics are a perfect example of disabled people living their dreams and achieving athletic excellence in their chosen field. It is entirely possible for many disabled persons to participate in athletics. There are many famous handicapped people, and reading about them can help a disabled individual gain confidence.

disability aids

The most noteworthy disabled person has to be Helen Keller. Born in 1880 and passed on in 1968, Keller was instrumental in helping the disabled live richer, fuller lives. Keller suffered a disease as a toddler that left her blind and deaf. She was educated by Anne Sullivan and became extremely adept at communicating. Keller was also credited with introducing the Akita breed of dog to the United States, and devoted much of her life to advocating for the disabled. She was also a published author and distinguished lecturer.

Someone you may recognize from television shows and movies that suffers from a disability is Marlee Matlin, who is blind. She is an academy award winning actress who despite her disability is a full fledged Hollywood star. Then there's Michael J. Fox, who suffers from Parkinson's Disease. He works hard to raise awareness for the disease and help others. The man many believe to be the smartest person in the world, Steven Hawkings, is confined to a wheelchair and must speak via computer due to Lou Gehrig's Disease. Despite this he is a renowned speaker, author, mathematician and physicist.

There are many famous actors and actresses who have some form of disability, for example Tom Cruise has suffered from dyslexia. Christopher Reeve is another famous name, after being paralyzed in a riding accident he spent the remainder of his years in a wheelchair unable to move his arms or legs. He also used his disability to its fullest by striving to help others. That is perhaps one of the common threads you will notice when researching famous handicapped people. Because they often have the notoriety and financial resources to do so, many disabled stars contribute to research efforts, patient advocacy, disability awareness and more.

 






 

Handicapped News:

 

Handicapped trio couldn't make rent
Three handicapped friends and roommates were forced out of their Bridgeport apartment Thursday morning after failing to pay rent, but they say they had nowhere to go for help...


The ARV roll-out and the disability grant: A South African dilemma? - 7thSpace Interactive (press release)

The ARV roll-out and the disability grant: A South African dilemma?
7thSpace Interactive (press release)
Prior to the antiretroviral (ARV) drug roll out in 2004, people living with HIV (PLHIV) in South Africa received disability grants when they were defined as "AIDS-sick". In the absence of available and effective medication, a diagnosis of AIDS .

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Windows 8 to enhance aids for impaired users - GMA News

Windows 8 to enhance aids for impaired users
GMA News
Microsoft is working on enhancements to make its upcoming flagship operating system Windows 8 easily accessible for people with visual, hearing and mobility impairments. Jennifer Norberg, lead program manager for Microsoft's Human Interaction Platform .

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Panel addresses student disabilities - The Dartmouth

The Dartmouth

Panel addresses student disabilities
The Dartmouth
She currently wears a brace and is determined to educate others about disability-related issues. Alex Rand '12, who is hard of hearing and wears a hearing aid, said most people at Dartmouth have been understanding and accommodating.

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Mobility aid sellers put in spotlight by OFT - BBC News

BBC News

Mobility aid sellers put in spotlight by OFT
BBC News
Action has been taken against mobility aid traders in the UK following a warning from the regulator over sales of the products. In September, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) raised concerns about sales of stairlifts and other aids to elderly and .

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Disabled city of Passaic residents lose free handicapped parking
More than 200 disabled city residents for years received free handicapped parking spaces outside their homes. Now, the city is slapping them with a $50 fee...


National Games for handicapped persons
Chennai, Feb 16 (IANS) In all, 971 entries have been received for the National-level Games for physically challenged persons to be held here from Feb 17 to 22, according to chairman of the organising committee Walter Davaram...


Disabled kids will suffer under overhaul - Ninemsn

Disabled kids will suffer under overhaul
Ninemsn
. partnership to improve resources for disabled students, which was announced in the federal budget last year. Under the agreement, which NSW was the first state to sign, the money can be spent on technical aids, teacher training or additional staff.

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