8 Famous Wheelchair Users Throughout History

Wheelchairs give people with mobility issues the freedom to move around and participate in life. Throughout history, many famous people who used wheelchairs have made great contributions to society and sometimes even changed the world. Here is a list of seven of the most famous wheelchair users throughout history (and today):

Franklin D. Roosevelt

(1882-1945) was an American statesman and political leader who served as the 32nd President of the United States. After being stricken with polio, he was forced to use a wheelchair for mobility. Despite his disability, Roosevelt was still able to lead America through some of its most difficult times, including the Great Depression and World War II.

Stephen Hawking

(1942-2018) was an English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author who changed the way we think about our universe. After being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at 21, Hawking went on to become one of the world’s leading theoretical physicists. He was an advocate for disabled rights and wrote numerous books while pushing forward his research in physics from his wheelchair.

Frida Kahlo

(1907-1954) was a Mexican painter and one of the most influential figures in art history. She was diagnosed with polio as a child, which caused her to be bedridden for nine months and left her right leg permanently damaged. She was confined to a wheelchair later on in life due to further medical complications, but she still continued producing her iconic artwork and became an icon for female empowerment and disability rights.

Barbara Jordan

(1936-1996) was an American politician and civil rights activist who served as the first African American woman to be elected to the Texas Senate. She was a trailblazer for women, minorities, and those with disabilities. In 1972, she became paralyzed from multiple sclerosis and began using a wheelchair. After her paralyzation, she continued to work for her causes and was even the first African American woman to deliver a keynote address at the Democratic National Convention.

Christopher Reeve

(1952-2004) was an American actor best known for his portrayal of Superman in the 1978 film. In 1995, Reeve became paralyzed from a horseback-riding accident and used a wheelchair until his death in 2004. After the accident, he founded the Christopher Reeves Foundation, which advocated for people with spinal cord injuries.

Helen Keller

(1880-1968) was an American author, activist, and lecturer who is remembered for overcoming her disabilities. Born deaf and blind, she learned to communicate thanks to the assistance of Anne Sullivan, whom she met when she was 7 years old. She eventually started using a wheelchair due to health issues in her later life, but she continued creating awareness and advocating for disability rights.

Tammy Duckworth

(b. 1968) is an American politician and veteran who has served as the U.S. Representative for Illinois's 8th congressional district since 2013. She became a double amputee after her helicopter was shot down over Iraq in 2004, which required her to use a wheelchair for mobility. Despite this, she continued serving in the military and later became a politician. She is now a strong advocate for disabled rights and veterans' rights.

Itzhak Perlman

(b. 1945) is an Israeli-American violinist, conductor, and music teacher who has won 16 Grammy Awards. Perlman contracted polio when he was 4 years old and has used a wheelchair for mobility ever since. Despite the challenges, he is considered one of the greatest living violinists in the world and continues to perform and teach to this day.

These are just a few of the most famous wheelchair users in history who have made great contributions to society despite their disabilities. Their stories serve as an inspiration to those facing similar issues, reminding us that anything is possible with determination and courage.

It is also important to recognize the countless other wheelchair users throughout history who have not been recognized for their contributions, but still made an impact on society in their own ways. They are all beacons of hope and strength, showing us that anything can be achieved if you believe in yourself and never give up.