America’s Most Beloved Handicapped Citizens

Disabilities are as common as they are numerous; they vary from visual disabilities to learning disabilities and even physical disabilities that hinder some of us from walking. Depending on the harshness of the disability is when you know whether or not there is a cure. Physical disabilities are the most common types and even those break into categories. Surgery is so expensive and so risky that the people suffering from this plight opt to live their lives the best way they can. Physical impairments have existed since the dawn of time and will exist until a breakthrough in science manages to eradicate the condition. For some though, living their lives as physically disabled has not stopped them from becoming exceptional people with contributions to the world that make them some of the most beloved citizens.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt

FDR was not only a beloved US president during the 1930s and 1940s but is also a champion of American hopes and values. He helped guide this nation successfully through World War 2 and was elected for 4 terms (the first time in history). He was considered an overall great guy for his public speaking and he was also the first president to use the radio for his presidential addresses. FDR was a wheelchair-user having been diagnosed with Polio in 1921 at age 39. He contracted the disease while drinking water at a campground. For fear of the public doubting his competency, FDR decided to keep his condition private until years later that the public became aware of his inability to walk. His physical impairments however did not prevent him from becoming a great leader.

Christopher Reeve

We all know him for his role as Superman in the 1970s and became an instant celebrity due to his charisma and charming good looks. They call it the curse of Superman that there hasn’t been a decent Superman film since the days when Reeve played the Man of Steel but that is only because Reeve was so talented. Although being known for his movies, Reeve again became a household name in the 90s when he fell of a horse and became paralyzed from the neck down. Never has a person with a disability sparked such media attention. Reeve’s ambition and determination to get public awareness for disabilities made him an icon to all handicapped people everywhere. After his accident, Reeve dedicated his life to utilizing the power of public research to get up and ride again and inspiring people to not give up on their dreams due to a physical limitation.

Helen Keller

Although Keller did not have any physical limitations, she makes this list because she is an inspiration not just to people with disabilities but also to all humans who believe things are impossible. Having been diagnosed as blind and deaf as a toddler, the Alabama native was a medical marvel and there was very little hope for her immediate future. At the short age of 6, Helen’s parents hired the young Anne Sullivan (who herself was visually impaired) to tutor young Helen. This began a 49 year friendship and a journey towards a very successful life as an activist and campaigned for women’s rights, labor rights and socialism. She was the first deaf and blind person to earn a college degree. She wrote and published 12 books and dedicated her life to persons with disabilities.

These few people are a real inspiration and show us that no matter you are, you can still make a contribution and leave a legacy. Today there are people that make small contributions to the accessible community and make sure there is equality amongst all of us. Wheelers Accessible Van Rentals provides their services in all 50 states and make sure your trips are safe and secure. With services including FloridaWheelchair Van Rentals, Illinois Wheelchair Van Rentals, Iowa Wheelchair VanRentals, Michigan Wheelchair Van Rentals and Texas Wheelchair Van Rentals Wheelers is your best bet for all accessible travel. Offering free airport and curbside delivery, no one knows accessible travel like Wheelers.

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