Living with a disability can be challenging. However, many of the most influential people in our history had a disability of some sort. Having a mobility limitation doesn’t mean you have to limit the things you do in life. If you’re looking for some inspiration, here are some influential people who have changed the world despite having a physical disability.

Helen Keller

Helen Keller was diagnosed with meningitis when she was 19 months old, which eventually led her to becoming deaf and blind. Despite these serious limitations, she wrote several inspirational books, held many speaking engagements and was an outspoken political activist. She is a true example of making the most out of life despite any physical limitations and her legacy still impacts the lives of deaf and blind people to this day.

Stephen Hawking

Stephen Hawking is arguably one of the most influential people in the world. His expertise in quantum gravity and general relativity has led to advances in physics, math and science we couldn’t have imagined life without him. What some people may not know is he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and had severe physical limitations. He was confined to being in a wheelchair for the majority of his life, but he didn’t see having to use a wheelchair ramp or a threshold ramp as a limitation of any kind. 

Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder is a name any music fan should be familiar with. Despite being blind, he has written and sung hundreds of songs and has produced multiple albums during his career. He has revolutionized various genres of music to the point where some music fans even believe he has created his own genre. It would have been easy for Stevie Wonder to use his blindness as an excuse throughout his life, but he has chosen to continue inspiring people with music that connects people across the world.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States and was hit with the Polio Virus that paralyzed him from the waist down before being elected. He was a strong president and did not want to show any weaknesses to anyone. When providing any speeches or being in public for an event, he would show great strength and determination by always standing after getting wheeled up the wheelchair ramp. His physical disability did not stop him from serving his country and making him one of the most influential presidents in United States history.

As you can see, some of the most influential people in the world not only dealt with a physical disability but thrived with it. Despite the limitations they had of having to use a wheelchair ramp or only going to places with wheelchair-accessible features, they still made a difference in the world because of motivation and determination. We hope these influential leaders provide some inspiration to you. If there’s anything you need to improve your accessibility despite a physical limitation you may have, contact Next Day Access at any time.