We have compiled a list of the six most successful individuals with disabilities who did not let their disabilities get in the way of pursuing their professional aspirations and career with courage, hard work, and determination.
1. Frida Kahlo
Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly? – Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo is one of the best artists in history and her paintings are famous for being exquisite and impeccably prepossessing. During the early years of her life, Kahlo suffered from polio. According to numerous sources, she also had spina bifida, which caused Kahlo to suffer from dysmetria in her right leg. In her adolescent years, Kahlo came across a car accident that further dissipated her physical health.
Kahlo spent the majority of her life suffering from several physical health concerns. Kahlo’s apparent mental health concerns and identity issues which were often portrayed through her artwork led many researchers and historians to believe that the artist suffered from an array of mental illnesses throughout her life such as depression and anxiety.
Despite her physical disabilities and emotional health concerns, the painter is remembered as one of the best artists in history and her life story along with her work will be cherished and loved by art lovers for many years to come!
2. Stephen Hawking
However bad life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. Where there’s life, there’s hope. – Stephen Hawking
We are no stranger to Stephen Hawking’s life story. He was an eminent scientist, an astrophysicist, an author, a physicist, and a cosmologist. He was also a director of research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at the University of Cambridge at the time of his demise. At the age of 21, Hawking was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), which is a progressive nervous system disease that negatively impacts the nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain, which causes a loss of control over the muscles for the affected individuals.
Hawkins was paralyzed for over thirty years from head to toe. He used a voice synthesizer to communicate with his audience, students, friends, colleagues, peers, and loved ones. Hawkins traveled in a wheelchair that he operated through movements of the eyes and head.
Stephen Hawking did not let his disability get in the way of becoming an impeccable researcher and an outstanding professor. His story inspired millions of individuals worldwide which allowed him to become of the most celebrated personalities of our generation. Hawking’s story was later brought to life on the big screens in 2014 titled “The Theory of Everything.”
3. Nick Vujicic
I’m officially disabled, but I’m truly enabled because of my lack of limbs. My unique challenges have opened up unique opportunities to reach so many in need. –Nick Vujicic
Nick Vujicic is a thirty-three-year-old Australian-American skydiver, painter, swimmer, and motivational speaker. Vujicic was born in 1982 with a rare congenital disorder called Phocomelia, which is a rare congenital deformity where the affected individuals have an absence of feet or hands. He is a founder of an organization for individuals with disabilities – Life Without Limbs.
During the early years of his life, Vujicic suffered from discrimination and mockery from peers and strangers. Due to severe taunts and ridicule, Vujicic tried committing suicide, which resulted in an unsuccessful attempt. However, this painful moment led him to become stronger, and how, he uses his story to inspire millions of individuals globally and helps them recognize their true potential and the power they hold as human beings.
Vujicic has written numerous books such as Life Without Limits, Attitude is Everything, Stand Strong, The Power of Unstoppable Faith, and More. He is also a regular speaker on several motivational TV shows and programs. Vujicic gained popularity when he starred in the “The Butterfly Circus,” short film. Despite his physical deformity, Nick Vujicic inspired and empowered not millions, but billions of individuals worldwide by narrating his story and showing the world that no matter how difficult their life might seem, there is always something good to look forward to in the future because bad days don’t last forever. Vujicic did not let his differently-abled body get in the way of pursuing his dreams and neither should you!
4. Tanni Grey-Thompson
Disabled people have a stronger understanding than most about what it means to know you are a burden to others, or to have assumptions about the value of your life. – Tanni Grey-Thompson
Tanni Grey-Thompson is a Welsh television presenter, politician, and former wheelchair racer. She is one of the most respected disabled athletes in the United Kingdom and is a global ambassador for disability sport. Tanni Grey-Thompson was born in 1969 with spina bifida, a spinal disability, and graduated in 1991 from Loughborough University with a BA (Hons) degree in Politics and Social Administration.
Tanni Grey-Thompson has won over twenty models as a wheelchair racer in the Paralympic Games. After her racing career, Tanni Grey-Thompson sat as a board of directors for numerous foundations that helped in promoting sports for individuals with disabilities. The start athlete has also served as a Chancellor of Northumbria University and is a member of Parliament.
Tanni Grey-Thompson has won 11 Paralympic gold medals and she has also been a six times winner of the London Marathon. Despite her physical disability, Tanni Grey-Thompson attained immense success and excelled in whatever she aspired to pursue.
5. Madeline Stuart
I hope through modeling I can change society’s view of people with Disabilities, exposure is creating awareness, acceptance, and inclusion. – Madeline Stuart
Madeline Stuart is a 21-year old model with down syndrome. With her impeccable charm and beautiful personality, Madeline has managed to capture the attention of media outlets in Australia and all over the world. Attaining her success in just a short time, Madeline has modeled for numerous major fashion shows such as the London Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week China, Birmingham Fashion Week, and many more.
She has also been featured in many major publications such as the Vogue, Woman’s Day, Cosmopolitan, New York Times, Marie Claire, Elle, and many more. Her courage and beauty inspired many individuals with Down syndrome worldwide. Madeline Stuart has also been nominated for the Pride of Australia and Young Australian of the Year Award for 2015 & 2016, and the World Fashion Media named her as the Model of the year 2016.
The talented young woman has struggled with her weight for many years. However, it wasn’t until she decided to stay healthy and chase after her dreams, which included being a dancer. Her courage and determination led her to lose over 20kg and she is now changing people’s perception of a model with down syndrome one photoshoot at a time!
6. Elon Musk
Some people don’t like change, but you need to embrace change if the alternative is a disaster. – Elon Musk
Elon Musk is a South African-born American entrepreneur, and industrial engineer. He has been a co-founder of Paypal and is also the founder of SpaceX which is an aerospace transportation services company. Elon Musk was one of the early investors in Tesla, which is one of the most popular and successful electric car companies and is now the firm’s Chief Executive Officer.
It was recently revealed by Elon Musk in an opening monologue on the Saturday Night Live’s episode aired on May 8th, that he has Asperger’s Syndrome, which is a condition on the Autism spectrum.
Despite his disability, Elon Musk is one of the richest people in the world and is also a billionaire. And he continues to make substantial contributions to the field of technology for many years to come.
