Overcoming Disability

There are many examples of persons who've overcome the most severe disabilities and do work. Consider the following:

• Daniela Garcia, who lost all four limbs in a train accident, completed medical school and now practices medicine.
• On Memorial Day in 2003, Doug was struck by a massive heart attack and a stroke that impaired his eyesight.   Determined not to give up, Doug sought vocational rehabilitation.   With training and workplace adaptations, including a magnified computer screen, a closed-circuit TV to enlarge drawings, and special glasses with prism lenses that widened his peripheral vision, he was able to adapt to a new line of work as a data mapping specialist.   Determination and vocational help kept Doug from having to spend the rest of his life on disability benefits.
• Tim Cordes, who is blind, graduated from medical school in the top sixth of his class and has mastered Jujitsu and water-skiing.
• Tom, who has been blind since birth, got a college degree and then a law degree.   For many years he practiced law in Kansas City.
• In 1996, Jay's car collided with two deer, went off the road and ran into a tree.   Jay fractured four vertebrae in his neck.   Despite being left unable to walk, he obtained good vocational rehabilitation and went on to become an outstanding employee in a car dealership.
• Bill, a fork lift driver, developed a condition that greatly reduced his eyesight.   Rather than give in to his disability, he sought vocational rehabilitation.   Initially, he found a new job in the warehouse, although not driving a fork lift.   With additional help, he was able to pursue a career as a computer programmer and stay employed.
• People who have Down Syndrome are considered by the Social Security Administration to be incapable of any gainful employment.   Consider Adam, who has Down Syndrome.   With special education, Adam obtained his driver's license, completed high school and adapted to a job at a fast food restaurant.   Many others, like Adam, have proved that Down Syndrome need not be disabling.

There are uncountable thousands more.   In the months to come, we'll add additional examples.   All show that, with appropriate help, many disabilities can be overcome and that people with disabilities can lead useful and productive lives.   We owe them the help they need.

If you know someone who has overcome severe disabilities, please send us information that will allow us to learn more (Send Additional Information).     Thank you.

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Last updated on 3/27/14.