7 disabled people who changed history
Explore some of the most influential disabled names in history and discover how they overcame adversity to change the world.
Image: Harriet Tubman sustained a traumatic head wound which led to a brain injury and narcolepsy | Public Domain
Throughout history, many remarkable individuals have overcome various disabilities to achieve greatness and leave an indelible mark on the world. While their incapacities are part of their story, it’s their extraordinary talents, perseverance, and contributions to society that define them – not their disability.
From groundbreaking scientists such as Stephen Hawking to powerful activists like Helen Keller, these individuals show that greatness knows no bounds, regardless of physical or mental limitations.
To celebrate Disability History Month, we’ll be looking into seven of the world’s most famous icons with a disability, highlighting their accomplishments and how they’ve changed history.
1. Stephen Hawking
Stephen Hawking is widely regarded as one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists of all time. Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the age of 21, a condition that gradually paralysed him, Hawking defied the odds and continued his groundbreaking work for decades.
His work on black holes, the nature of the universe, and his best-selling book A Brief History of Time revolutionised how we understand cosmology. Despite losing the ability to speak and move, he continues to inspire scientists and non-scientists alike with his profound insights into the universe.
2. Harriet Tubman
Born into slavery, Harriet Tubman became one of the most iconic figures in American history, not for her disability, but for her courageous actions in the face of great danger. Tubman escaped slavery and then returned to help rescue over 300 enslaved people via the Underground Railroad.
She suffered from a number of disabilities. Early in her life, she was beaten and whipped by various masters. Early in life she sustained a traumatic head wound which led to a brain injury and narcolepsy.
Tubman served as a nurse and spy during the Civil War and continued to fight for women's suffrage after the war. Tubman’s life exemplifies an unwavering commitment to freedom, equality, and justice — her contributions transcended the numerous challenges she faced.
3. Helen Keller
Helen Keller’s name is synonymous with overcoming adversity. After losing both her sight and hearing at just 19 months old due to an illness, Keller went on to become an influential writer, activist, and educator.
With the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, Keller learned to communicate, read, and write, eventually earned a college degree. She became a prolific author, advocate for people with disabilities, and champion for women's rights, labour rights, and peace. Her achievements are a testament to the transformative power of education and determination.
4. Louis Braille
Louis Braille’s invention of the Braille system transformed the lives of millions of blind people worldwide. At age three, Braille lost his sight in a tragic accident, and by the time he was a teenager, he had developed a tactile alphabet that enabled blind individuals to read and write. Braille’s innovation revolutionised access to education, communication, and literature, and today, his system remains the global standard for literacy among the visually impaired. Today, Braille is used by six million around the world.
5. Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo was a renowned Mexican artist whose work explored themes of identity, pain, and the human condition. After surviving a severe bus accident at the age of 18, which left her with lifelong injuries, Kahlo became known for her distinctive style that often incorporated surreal and symbolic elements. Despite enduring numerous surgeries and immense physical pain, Kahlo produced over 140 paintings, including some of the most influential works in modern art. She also became a feminist icon, inspiring generations of artists and activists.
6. Ludwig van Beethoven
One of the greatest composers in history, Beethoven continued to create some of the most beloved music in the world even after he began losing his hearing in his late twenties. By the time he composed his Ninth Symphony, he was almost completely deaf. Beethoven’s resilience and ability to adapt to his disability allowed him to create symphonic masterpieces that have influenced music and culture for centuries. His work is proof that true genius is not constrained by physical limitations.
7. Chuck Close
Chuck Close was an American artist renowned for his large-scale portraits. After suffering a debilitating spinal artery collapse in 1988 that left him paralysed, Close refused to give up his passion for painting. Using a wheelchair and with the assistance of adaptive techniques, he continued to create intricate, photorealistic portraits. Close’s determination to overcome the barriers his disability presented made him an inspiration to artists and non-artists alike. His unique approach to art and his perseverance in the face of adversity left a lasting impact on the art world.
