People and organizations paving the way for equal access, awareness and inclusion for people with disabilities. Showcasing people with spinal cord injuries, wheelchair users, and other people with disabilities making a difference in their community and around the world.
Christopher Reeve
Christopher Reeve was an American actor, filmmaker and activist. He is best known for playing the title role in Superman (1978) and its sequels. In addition to his acting career, he was also a skilled equestrian. Unfortunately, during a competition he was thrown from his horse and broke his neck. This resulted in a cervical spinal cord injury, paralyzing him from the neck down. Subsequently, requiring him to use a wheelchair and ventilator for the rest of his life. After his injury he turned primarily to directing, although he had a few cameos over the years as well. In addition, he become an advocate for spinal cord injury awareness, stem cell research and disability advocacy.
Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo is considered to be one of Mexico’s greatest artists. She is best known for her surreal brightly coloured still-lifes and of course her famous self-portraits which unapologetically featured her uni-brow and mustache. She was confident in her beauty and refused to conform to the male-gaze and narrow societal beauty standards. Frida’s work mainly features Mexican imagery and motifs. Although Frida’s art is well-known and well-loved worldwide, many people do not realize that Frida was a wheelchair user for much of her life. She began painting her ubiquitous self-portraits after an accident left her injured and bed-bound for a year.
Steven Hawking
Professor Stephen Hawking is one of the most recognizable and well-known scientists of the 21st century. His contributions to cosmology and theoretical physics are numerous. Soon after beginning his graduate studies at Cambridge in cosmology and general relativity, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a disease that causes the progressive degradation of motor neurons overtime. While he no doubt suffered due to the progressive nature of ALS, he often credited his disability for allowing him to be so successful in his field. It allowed him time to theorize and ponder the universe while his colleagues were stuck doing administrative work and lecturing.
Wheelie Cool Social Media Accounts to Follow
One of the most positive things I did following my spinal cord injury was find and follow accounts of other wheelchair users. This really helped my mental health and provided me with sense of solidarity. It showed me that I wasn’t in this alone. It is also helpful to learn hacks and tricks other people have for everyday living. As well as to see what kind of adventures people are on. What ventures they are building up, and what walls they are breaking down. Here is a list of people who inspire me, Give them a follow!
