Famous People With Disabilities Scribd

ENL 4132.
691F09
Client-Based Project:
Famous People with Disabilities
USF Green Team

Raizza Borja
Jamie Gordon
Madison Hotho
Bobbiejean Judd
Jeffrey Worthen
USF Green Team has assisted toward the completion of the update to the 1999
on-line publication, “Famous People with Disabilities”, originally compiled and
edited by Elizabeth Mueller in conjunction with the Alliance for Citizens with
Disabilities and the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.
USF Green Team’s major contributions:
 Review of all citations
Verifiable corrections signified in yellow
Source uncertain signified in blue
 Coordination of terminology to meet ADA standards
Corrections indicated in pink
 Collaboration toward creation of Cover Page

FAMOUS
PEOPLE
WITH
DISABILITIES
A Project and Publication
Presented in Celebration of the
1990 Americans with Disabilities Act
By
The Alliance for Citizens with Disabilities-
Hillsborough County, Florida
Updated and Revised Edition

October 2009
A
ABBOTT Bud, 1900-1974, (neurological disorder),

American Comedian of Abbott & Costello comedy team. He had epilepsy. Starred in over 35
films with partner Lou Costello from 1940-1965. Famous for the baseball classic comedy routine
"Who's on First?"
{16,27,32}
Citation: 23, 44(link invalid), 52
ABBOTT Jim, 1967-present, (physical impairment),

Major league baseball pitcher. He has no right hand. He played Little League and later with his
high school team. He attended the University of Michigan and then pursued his baseball career.
Won the Golden Spikes Award as the finest amateur baseball player in the US. Played on the
1988 U.S. Olympic Baseball team and pitched a gold medal for the US team. He played
baseball for the California Angels and was traded to the New York Yankees.
{43}
Citation: 64
ABERCROMBIE Neil, 1938-present, (neurological disorder),
United States Representative from Hawaii (1986-1987). He has epilepsy. Served on the
Honolulu City Council (1988-1990). Sought the Democratic Nomination for US Senate in 1970.
First elected to the House on November 6, 1990. Last elected to House on November 8, 1994.
{27}
Citation: 44(link invalid)
ALDRIDGE Lionel, 1941-1998, (mental health condition),
A defensive end for Vince Loumbardi's legendary Green Bay Packers of the 1960's. He played
in two Super Bowls. In the 1970's he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was homeless for 2
1/2 years. Now gives inspirational talks about his battle against paranoid schizophrenia.
{58}
Citation: 92
ALDRIN Edwin Eugene Jr. [Buzz], 1930-present, (bipolar disorder),

United States Astronaut-second person to set foot on the moon. He and Neil Armstrong landed
there in the Apollo Lunar Module on July 20, 1969. He was also the pilot of the Gemini 12 space
flight in 1966.
{85}
Citation: 126
ALEXANDER Grover Cleveland, 1887-1950, (epilepsy),

Professional baseball player (Old Pete) (Alex the Great). He was a pitcher who won 28 games
in his rookie season. He was deaf in one ear. He was also an alcoholic and epileptic. Over his
lifetime he won 373 games. He was a 30 game winner three years running. He pitched 90
shutouts/struck out 2198 batters-completed 436 games and earned a 1.22 ERA and .642
winning percentage.
{27,57}
Citation: 44(link invalid), 91
ALEXANDER the Great, 356-323BC, (physical impairment) (epilepsy),

King of the Macedonians and was one of the greatest generals in history.
{85}
Citation: 126
ALFRED the Great, 849-901?, (epilepsy)

West Saxon King and Scholar. Old English literary prose. King of the West Saxons in
Southwestern England. He saved his kingdom-Wessex from the Danish Vikings and laid the
basis for unification of England under the West Saxon Monarchy. He was such an outstanding
leader in war and peace that he is the only English king known as the Great
{27,70,85}
Citation: 44(link invalid), 105, 126
ALI Mohammad, 1942-present, (diagnosed with neuromuscular condition)

American heavyweight boxing champion. Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay but in
1964 he adopted the Black Muslim Religion and changed his name. As an adult he was
diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
{36,85}
Citation: 56, 126
ALONSO Alicia, 1921-present, (visual impairment),

At 16 she married Fernando Alonso and moved to New York City from Cuba. Due to detached
retinas she lost her sight. She still continued to dance in ballet. In 1948 she and her husband
returned to Cuba. She opened Cuba's first major ballet company.
{43}
Citation: 64
AMBROSI Gustinus, 1893-1975, (hearing impairment),

Working primarily in bronze and marble he created sculptures in the classical tradition. He was
also the master of the portrait bust. As sculptor, poet, graphic artist and philosopher Ambrosi
symbolized to many a Renaissance man who had surmounted his fate. Shortly before this
seventh birthday he was stricken with meningitis resulting in deafness. In 1912 he received both
the National Prize for Sculpture and the Felix Von Weingartner Medallion.
{30}
Citation: 47
ANDERSON Hans Christian, 1805-1875, (learning disability),

Denmark's most famous author (writer). His fairy tales are among the most widely read works in
world literature.
{85}
Citation: 12
ANDERSON Harry, 1952-present, (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder),
Actor who played Judge Stone on Night Court has attention deficit disorder and has managed to
con and charm his way through school. He had an extraordinary memory and could remember
anything at 16. He was Valedictorian but, he could barely read to rehearse his lines. He is also a
magician and writer.
{4}
Citation: 5
ARAFAT Yasir [Mohammed Abdel-Raouf Arafat-al-Qudwa-al- Hussseini], 1929-

2004, (diagnosed with neuromuscular condition),
Politician and Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1969. He
acquired the nickname Yasir which means easy going as a teenager. In 1994 Arafat
shared the Nobel Peace Prize for peace efforts with Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres.
In 1996 he was elected president. Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease later in life.
{85}
Citation: 126
ARISTOLE, 384-322 BC, (epilepsy),

Greek philosopher/scientist. Aristotle was a student of Plato. In 343 BC he began tutoring the
young Alexander the Great. In 334 BC he lectured at a public gymnasium called the Lyceum.
He is considered one of the two great philosophers of antiquity along with Plato. He wrote on
many subjects from biology to astronomy to rhetoric and literary criticism.
{26}
ARMES Jay J., 1938-present, (physical impairment),

Born [Julian Armas] but changed his name to Jay J. Armes. He was born in Ysleta Texas. In
1949 at the age of 12 he was involved in an accident that resulted in both of his hands being
amputated and hooks were placed as artificial hands. Some people say he's the best private
eye in the world.
{33,43}
Citation: 53, 64
ARNOLD Hillis, 1910-present, (hearing impairment),

American sculptor and teacher who lost his hearing at six months of age due to spinal
meningitis. He taught sculpture and ceramics for 32 years at Monticello College in Godfrey IL
now Lewis and Clark Community College. He is an advocate of symbolism and his art reveals a
debt to expressionism.
{43}
Citation: 64
ASHLEY Jack, 1922-present, (hearing impairment)

Politician. Jack is probably the only totally deaf member of any legislature in the world. His story
is an inspiring record of coping with restricted education and vocational opportunities and with
the impact of total deafness. His career was threatened in 1968 when he became totally deaf
after a supposedly minor operation for the repair of the perforation of his left ear. His
autobiography (Journey into Silence) 1973 describes his feelings on returning to Parliament
following this disaster.
{43}
Citation: 64
BADER, Douglas Sir, 1910-1982, (physical impairment),

Pilot-War Hero, was a fighter pilot and wing commander in Great Britain's Royal Air Force. He
introduced fighting tactics that saved the lives of many British pilots. He lost both legs in a plane
crash several years before World War II. He refused to be defeated by his disability. He was
awarded both the Distinguished Services Order and the Distinguished Flying Cross for
leadership and valor in action.
{43}
Citation: 64
BALAGUER Joaquin, 1907-present, (visual impairment),

President of Dominican Republic, politician and author who served in Madrid from 1932-1935,
Under Secretary Foreign Affairs. Government of UN 1947. Founder of Reformist Party 1962,
leader 1962-1985.
{24,28,82}
Citation: 36, 45, 122
BALLARD Kaye, 1926-present, (hearing impairment),

Stage actor and TV comedienne who starred in television series The Mothers-in-Law 1967-
1969.
{4}
Citation: 5
BEATTY Ned, 1937-present, (mental health condition),

American Actor. Appeared in films Deliverance 1972, Superman 1978. He has bipolar disorder.
{4}
Citation: 5
BEETHOVEN Ludwig Von, 1770-1827, (mental health condition) (hearing impairment),

Brilliant composer who experienced bipolar disorder and depression and lost his hearing in
1800.
{35,85}
Citation: 55, 126
BELAFONTE Harry, 1927-present, (learning disability),

American singer and motion picture actor who became best known for his interpretation of West
Indian Calypso music, popularized Asian and African songs as well as American ballads and
spirituals.
{4,11}
Citation: 5, 14
BELL Alexander Graham, 1847-1922, (learning disability),

An American inventor and educator. Best known for his invention of the telephone.
{85}
Citation: 126
BELL Buddy [David Gus Bell], 1951-present, (epilepsy),

Professional baseball player and manager of the Detroit Tigers. Five time All Star 1973, 1980-
82 and 1984.
{85}
Citation: 126
BERLIOZ Hector, 1803-1869, (epilepsy)

French composer, major work Symphonic Fantastique 1830, known for his orchestrating genius,
his long, uninterrupted melodies, and his way of relating his musical compositions to stories,
ideas known as program music.
{11,85}
Citation: 14, 126
BERNHARDT, Sarah 1844-1923 (physical impairment)

French actress. Having acquired a knee injury, her leg was amputated in 1914. She continued
starring on stage until just before her death.
No citation
BLACKLOCK Thomas, 1721-1791, (visual impairment)
When he was not quite six months old he lost his sight by small-pox, and his career was quite
interesting as one who achieved what he did in spite of blindness. His first volume of Poems
was published in 1746. In 1754 he became deputy librarian for the Faculty of Advocates, by the
kindness of Hume. He was eventually estranged from Hume, and defended James Beattie’s
attack on that philosopher.
{16}
Citation: 23
BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON [Lemon Jefferson Couchman], 1897-1929, (vision impairment)
Blind from childhood he was the most popular male blues recording artist of the 1920s, making
over 100 recordings in the last four years of his life with 43 records issued, all but one on the
Paramount label.
No Citation
BLIND WILLIE MCTELL [Willie Samuel McTear], 1901-1959, (vision impairment)
Musician. McTell learned guitar as a youngster from his mother, made his recording debut in
1927 after working as a street singer and medicine show minstrel. In the 1930s he recorded 48
sides for four companies under four different names. He was the only survivor of his era to
make Library of Congress field recordings and postwar records for the R&B market as well.
No Citation; consider: Historical Marker Database
http://www.hmdb.org/Marker.asp?Marker=15743
BLUNKETT, David 1947-present (visual impairment)
A British Labour Part politician and has been a Member of Parliament for Sheffield Brightside
since 1987. Blind since birth and from a poor family in one of Sheffield’s most deprived districts,
he rose to become Education Secretary from 1997 to 2001 and then Home Secretary from 2001
to 2004 , when he resigned after a scandal. In October 2006, his audio diaries were published in
his book The Blunkett tapes: My life in the bear pit.
No Citation
BOADICEA Queen, ?-61AD, (neurological disorder),
British queen of the Iceni, a Celtic tribe inhabiting the territory that is now Norfolk and Suffolk.
After the death of her husband the King Prasutagus her kingdom was seized by the Romans.
She had epilepsy.{27)
Citation: 44 (link invalid)
BOCELLI Andrea 1958-present (visual impairment)
An Italian tenor. He has recovered over 20 pop and classical albums, as well as seven complete
operas. He is fluent in many languages: Italian, Spanish, French, German and English.
No Citation
BONAPARTE Napoleon [Napoleon I], 1769-1821, (neurological disorder),
French Emperor who crowned himself as emperor of France. He was the greatest military
genius of his time and perhaps the greatest general in history. He stood 5 foot 2 inches tall
which is about average for Frenchman of his time. He had epilepsy.
BONERZ Peter, 1938-present, (speech impairment),

American actor and director of episodes of Bob Newhart Show 1972-1978, director of It's Your
Move 1984.
{20}
Citation: 31
BOOTH Edmund, 1810-1905, (visual impairment),

Edmund Booth was nearly 6 feet 3 inches tall over 200 pounds. He was blind in one eye and
profoundly deaf. He edited an Iowa newspaper (Anamosa Eureka) from 1856 to 1895. Before
settling on a career he was a teacher, farmer, postmaster, country recorder, enrollment clerk in
Iowa territorial legislature and California gold miner. He helped organize the National
Association of the Deaf (NAD) in 1880.
{43}
Citation: 64
BORGES Jorge Luis, 1899-1986, (visual impairment)

He was an Argentine man of letters. He won international acclaim for his distinctive fictions and
short stories. He was a librarian too.
{23,85}
Citation: 35, 126

BOLTON, Michael 1953-present (hearing impairment)
An American singer-songwriter and a former heavy metal singer. He is best known for his soft
rock ballads and tenor vocals.
No Citation
BOVE Linda, 1945-present, (hearing impairment),
Bove who is deaf started on Sesame Street in 1971 and in 1976 she became a permanent
member of the show. Also was the female lead in Spoon River Anthology. Her parents were
also deaf. In college she majored in Library Science and took part in dramatics where she
claimed her performances as Polly Peachum in Three Penny Opera . She has contributed
greatly to children's theater and is one of the first five members who started Little Theater for the
Deaf. She also is a member of the National Theaters of the Deaf. She has also appeared on
Search for Tomorrow, Dick Cavett Show and Happy Days.
{43}
Citation: 64
BRADY James, 1940-present, (brain injury)

Former White House Press Secretary who was shot in the head in an assassination attempt on
President Ronald Reagan in 1981. He is also responsible for the Brady Bill.
{56}
Citation: 88
BRAILLE Louis, 1809-1852, (visual impairment),

Blind Frenchman who developed Braille alphabet and reading system. He became blind at the
age of 3 from an accident. In 1829 Braille published his dot system.
{56}
Citation: 88
BRIDGMAN Laura, 1829-1889, (deaf and blind),

First deaf-blind student ever educated in the United States. She became deaf and blind due to
scarlet fever. In 1837 she came to the attention of Samuel G. Howe - founder and director of
Perkins School for the Blind. This is where she learned to read, write and do math. She became
a good seamstress and learned to sew on a sewing machine. She could deftly thread a needle
with her tongue.
{43,56}
Citation: 64, 88
BRODERSON Morris, 1928-present, (hearing impairment),

Artist who is known as a noted digressive painter. He gained national recognition with the
painting of The Chicken Market (1960). Deaf at birth and educated in California. Many of his
themes are from his travels.
{43}
Citation: 64
BROWN Christy, 1932-1981, (physical impairment),

Author born in Dublin Ireland. At birth he lacked oxygen for a few minutes causing him to have a
condition called athetoid cerebral palsy. Christy learned to read by age 7 and write by holding a
chalk or pencil with his left foot. He wrote his autobiography My Left Foot.
{43}
Citation: 64
BUCHWALD Art, 1925-2007, (mental health condition),

Writer and humorist American newspaper columnist who specializes in political and social
satire. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1982. He had bipolar disorder.
{85}
Citation: 126
BUDDHA [Siddhartha Gautama], 563BC-483BC, (neurological disorder),

Indian philosopher and founder of Buddhism c.528 BC. Renounced world at age 29 to search
for solution to human suffering. He had epilepsy. The word Buddha means Enlightened One.
{12,27,85}
BURKE Chris, 1965-present, (developmental disability)

Actor. Chris was a gentle happy child who loved to meet people. He would watch TV
and learn the lines. Chris enrolled in a theater class for disabled students held near his
school in Pennsylvania. For two years he learned about costumes improvisation and set
design. His work in theater also improved his speech and reading skills. At 21 he started
looking for work. At a workshop he worked with no talking allowed. His mother came to
meet him there and was appalled. He never worked there again. The director Michael
Braverman was seeking young actors with Down Syndrome for a TV pilot. Would Chris
like to try out for the part. The pilot Desperate aired on ABC in September 1987. In 1989
he had the main role in the series Life Goes On. The show ran until spring of 1993.
{43}
Citation: 64
BURTON Richard, 1925-1984, (epilepsy),

Welsh actor who won Tony Award in 1961 for Camelot. Nominated for seven Oscars. Known for
his Shakespearean -stage performances and his collaborations with actress Elizabeth Taylor to
whom he married twice.
{16,26,32}
BURTON Tim, 1958-present, (mental health condition)

Artist and Movie Director -American director of off beat movies such as Pee Wee's Big
Adventure 1985, Beetlejuice 1988, Batman 1989, The Nightmare Before Christmas 1993. He
has bipolar disorder.
Citation: 5
BUTLER Beverly, 1932-present, (visual impairment),
Born with cataracts in both eyes and later developed glaucoma. Her first book was a young
adult novel called Song of the Voyageurs 1955. In 1964 her most popular book was published
and entitled Light a Single Candle. She continues to write historical novels for young adult fiction
readers.
{43}
Citation: 64
BYRON Lord, 1788-1824, (neurological disorder),

He was the most colorful of the English poets. He inherited the (George Gordon Byron) title Lord
Byron at the age of 10 upon the death of his great uncle. He had epilepsy.
{85}
Citation: 126
CALLAHAN John, 1951-present, (physical impairment),

Cartoonist and activist. Many of Callahan's cartoons view ordinary situations from
disabled people's perspective. In a series of cartoon strips called How to Relate to
Handicapped People, he spoofs the awkwardness many people feel when meeting a
person with a disability. He also pokes fun at doctors, lawyers, criminals and cops,
movie stars and politicians. His autobiography Don't Worry He Won't Get Far on Foot!
He is a quadriplegic.
{43}
Citation: 64
CAMPANELLA Roy, 1921-1993, (spinal cord injury),

In 1948 he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers. He won the league's Most Valuable Player Award in
1951, 1953 and 1955. Due to an icy storm in January 1958 while driving home his car hit a
patch of ice and skidded off the road. The accident left Roy a quadriplegic from the neck down.
Roy was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969.
{43}
Citation: 64
CAMPEAU Robert, 1924-present, (mental health condition)

Canadian financier, real estate executive developer, founder Campeau Construction Co. 1953
executed hostile takeover of Allied Stores Corp 1986 and Federated Department Stores 1988.
He has bipolar disorder.
{4}
Citation: 5
CAMPBELL, Ali 1959 –present (visual impairment)

Reggae musician. Vision loss in one eye resulting from trauma. Famous singer in the band
UB40.
No Citation
CANNELL Stephen, 1943-present, (learning disability)
American television producer, writer, creator and producer of many successful series.
{4}
Citation: 5
CAPOTE Truman, 1924-1984, (communication disorder),

Author of Breakfast at Tiffany's filmed 1961. American writer who made an impressive
literary debut at 24 with his novel Other Voices Other Rooms.
{12}
Citation: 15
CARROLL Lewis [Charles Lutwidge Dodgson], 1832-1898, (epilepsy),

Mathematician and author of Through the Looking Glass and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
It wasn't until 20 years after these writings that he was actually diagnosed with epilepsy
following a convulsive seizure in 1886.
{12,27}
Citation: 15, 44(link invalid)
CAVETT Dick [ Richard Alva Cavett], 1936-present, (mental health condition)

American entertainer who won 3 Emmy's for ABC's Dick Cavett Show 1968-1972.
Hosted PBS' The Dick Cavett Show for five years, wrote Cavett 1974. He had bipolar
disorder.
{4}
Citation: 5
CEASAR Julius, 100-44 BC, (epilepsy),

Roman General and Statesman. Julius Caesar's seizures are well documented. He told others
that during his seizures he received messages from the Gods.
{27}
CHAMBERLIN Judi, 1944-present, (mental health condition)

Disabilities activist. Following the loss of her baby, she became distressed, withdrawn from
friends and family. She willingly entered a psychiatric hospital thinking this would help her out of
her current mental situation. After 6 months she realized that all she was getting was treatment
via medication and the drugs made her lethargic and confused. She also had no legal rights.
Her clothes and belongings were taken from her-supposedly for safe keeping. When she failed
to improve at the private hospital, she was told she would have to be transferred to a state
hospital. She was horrified. She got permission to make phone calls and contacted the Legal
Aid Society and the American Civil Liberties Union. No one wanted to hear her story. After 60
days she was discharged from the state hospital. By 1991 she joined an organization called
Mental Patients Liberation Project which questioned the very existence of mental illness. As a
member she wrote articles and appeared on radio talk shows. In Boston she co-founded a
group called Mental Patients Liberation Front. Author of On Our Own Patient-Controlled
Alternatives to the Mental Health System 1978.
{43}
Citation: 64
CHANDRAN, SUDHA 1964-present (physical impairment)
Famous Indian actress and classical dancer who dances with a Jaipur (artificial) foot. She has
acted in a movie on classical dance called “Nache Mayuri” and today acts in a variety of TV
serials.
No Citation
CHARLES Ray [Ray Charles Robinson], 1930-2004, (visual impairment),

Singer and composer. Blind by age seven due to glaucoma.
{33}
Citation: 54
CHER [Cherilyn Sarkisian LaPierre], 1946-present, (learning disability)

Her success in music, movies, television, and on stage over nearly four decades qualifies her as
one of the most enduring entertainers of our time.
{77}
Citation: 117
CHRISTIE Agatha, 1890-1976, (mental health condition)

English mystery writer Queen of Crimes. Play Mousetrap longest running in British history.
Created detectives Miss Marple, Hercule Poirot, mysteries sold over 100 million copies.
{4,16}
Citation: 5, 23
CHURCHILL Winston Sir, 1874-1965, (mental health condtion)

Became one of the greatest statesman in world history. He was Prime Minister of Great Britain
during World War II. He had bipolar disorder. He also was a noted speaker, author, painter,
soldier, and war reporter.
{54,61,85}
Citation: 86, 95, 126
CLAIBORNE Loretta, 1953-present, (developmental disability)

Champion long-distance runner. First person with an intellectual disbility to serve on the Special
Olympics International Board of Directors. She is believed to be the first person with an
intellectual disability ever awarded an honorary doctoral degree.
{16}
Citation: 23
CLARKE John Louis, 1881-1970, (hearing impairment),

His Indian ancestry and environment led him to his fame in wood carving. His father
was half Blackfeet Indian and known as Chief Stand Alone and his mother was full
blooded Blackfeet and known as First Kill. At 2 years of age he had a severe attack of
scarlet fever which left him deaf. He liked to carve in cottonwood and his favorite two
animals to carve were bears and goats. He also modeled in clay, painted in oil and
watercolor and drew in crayon and charcoal. He was known among American sculptors
as The Bowie Knife Sculptor. His best medium was wood.
{30}
Citation: 47
CLELAND Max, 1942-present, (amputee),

Senator from Georgia and former director of the Veterans Administration. Lost both legs and an
arm in Vietnam and has used a wheelchair since 1974. Known as Joseph Maxwell Cleland.
{74}
Citation: 111
CLIFFORD Max, 1943-present, (epilepsy),

Max left school at the age of 15. He has become one of Britain's successful public relations
consultants. In the 1960's he worked for EMI records press office and handled the Beatles. He
has since gone on his own and represents many famous people in the world. Such as
Mohammed Ali,, Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brandon, Bee Gees and other rock groups and famous
people.
{26}
CLIGNET Marion, 1962-present, (neurological disorder),

Cyclist, 1996 Olympic silver medal winner. The road to an Olympic medal began when
she lost her US Driver's License her first known seizure while she was driving a car.
She has epilepsy.
{27}
CLINTON William Jefferson, 1946-present, (hearing impairment),

42nd President of the United States wears hearing aids.
{85}
Citation: 126
CLOONEY Rosemary, 1928-2002, (mental health condition),

American actress, singer. Had million-selling single Come On in My House 1951. She had
bipolar disorder.
{4}
Citation: 5
COELHO Tony, 1942-present, (neurological disorder),
Member of Congress in 1990. He was one of the driving forces behind the passage of
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Chairman of the President's Committee on
Employment of People with Disabilities. President Clinton appointed him as Vice-Chair
of the National Task Force on Employment of People with Disabilities. He has epilepsy.
{26}
CONDON Richard, 1915-1996, (speech impairment),

American author who wrote The Manchurian Candidate 1959, Prizzi's Honor 1982.
{4}
Citation: 5
COPPOLA Francis Ford, 1939-1999, (physical impairment),

American motion picture director, producer, and writer. His best known work are the three
Godfather movies and Apocalypse Now.
{85}
Citation: 126
CORNFORTH John Warcup, 1917-present, (hearing impairment),

He was a distinguished scientist and joint Nobel Prize winner for chemistry (1975) was
profoundly deaf from otosclerosis for most of his life. He received his bachelor of science
degree in 1937 and his Master's in 1938. His first research in Australia was on natural products
from plants, while employed at Mill Hill Research Laboratories 1946 to 1962. He developed his
basic approach to stereochemistry of enzyme processes. Stereochemistry deals with three
dimensional architect of molecules an it is in biochemistry applications where he made his most
significant contributions. In 1965 he was jointly awarded the CIBA Medal of the Biochemistry
Society. In 1968 he received the Davy Medal of the Royal Society. He held two professorships,
associate professor of molecular science at Warwick (1965-1971), and visiting professor of
chemistry at Sussex (1971-1975). He received many honors and awards in addition to the
Nobel Prize. He communicated by lip reading and writing , and he did not practice sign
language.
{43}
#43 on the 1999 Reference list is: “Kent D and Quinian KH, Extrordinary People…. This
reference on the 2009 Reference list is #64
CORNWELL Patricia, 1956-present, (mental health condition),
American novelist, wrote award winning novel Postmortem 1990, best sellers Body of Evidence
1991, Cause of Death 1996. She has bipolar disorder.
{4}
#4 on 1999 Reference list is Almanac of Famous People… . Which is now #5 on the 2009
Reference list.
CRONYN Hume, 1911-2003, (visual impairment),
Actor who won a Tony Award in 1964 for Hamlet, best known for The Gin Game 1978 with his
wife Jessica Tandy. Cocoon 1985 and Batteries Not Included 1987. In 1994 Cronyn and Tandy
won the first Tony Award for lifetime theatrical achievement. He is blind in one eye.
{4,20}
#4= #5; #20 was E! Online, which is now #31.
CRUISE Tom [Thomas Cruise Mapother IV], 1962-present, (learning disability)
Actor. Born in Syracuse NEW YORK. His mother taught children who had dyslexia and other
learning disabilities. She herself had dyslexia as did all her children. At age 11 his parents
divorced and he and his sisters and mother lived in poverty in Kentucky. When he was 16 his
mother remarried and his family moved to Glen Ridge NJ. He auditioned for a role in his school
play and got it. Once he broke into movies other roles followed in quick succession. His break
out role was Risky Business. He has been nominated for 3 Oscars but has never won.
{43}
#43 =#64
DANTE [Dante Alighieri], 1265-1321, (neurological disorder),

Italian author was one of the greatest poets of the middle ages. His epic poem The Divine
Comedy ranks among the finest works in world literature. He was considered a great thinker
and one of the most learned writers. He had epilepsy.
{4,27,85}
#4= #5; #27 was Epilepsy Services on the ’99 list, which is now #44 on the ’09 list; #85
was World Book Encyclopedia, which is now #126.
DART, Justin, 1930-2002, (physical impairment),
He was an American activist and advocate for the disabled. He helped to pass the Americans
with Disability Act of 1990 and co-founded the American Association of People with
Disabilities (AAPD). Founder of Justice for All with other activists to defend against
congressional attempts to weaken the ADA, including those pushed for by Clint Eastwood. He
also organized numerous ADA anniversary events.
{28}
#28 on the ’99 list is Facts on File Encyclopedia Twentieth Century, which is now #46 on
the ’09 list.
DAVIES Marion, 1897-1061, (speech impairment),

Early 20th century American silent movie actress who successfully made the transition to talkies
despite her stuttering. She was a long-time companion of publisher William Randolph Hearst.
No Citation
DAVIES Ray, 1944-present, (mental health condition),
English singer. Lead guitarist for band formed with his brother Dave 1963 The Kinks. He has
bipolar disorder.
{4}
Reference list.
DA VINCI Leonardo, 1452-1519, (dyslexia) (neurological disorder),
One of the greatest painters and most versatile geniuses in history. He was one of the key
figures of the Renaissance era. He was trained as a painter but he had other interests that he
dealt with over the years. Many of his inventions and scientific ideas were centuries ahead of his
time. He had epilepsy.
{85}
#85 on 1999 Reference list is World Book Encyclopedia. Chicago IL: World Book Inc 1997. Which
is now #126 on the ’09 list
DAVIS Sammy Jr., 1925-1990, (visual impairment),

American actor, singer and dancer, versatile entertainer for 60 years. His career spanned
vaudeville, stage, movies, recording, night clubs, and television. His last movie role was in Tap
1989. He was blind in one eye.
{4}
Reference list
DICKENS Charles, 1812-1870, (mental health condition) (neurological disorder),

British author who suffered from clinical depression. He had epilepsy. Also known for writing A
Christmas Carol which depicted a disabled child Tiny Tim.
{35,39,56}
#35 on 1999 ref. list is Hershman DJ and Lieb J. Key to Genius. Buffalo NY: Promethe which is
now # 55 on the ’09 list
#39 on 1999 ref. list is Johnson E. Charles Dickens, His Tragedy and Triumph, revised and
abridged. New York NY: Viking Press 1977. Which is now # 60 on the ’09 list
#56 on 1999 ref. list is Shapiro JP. No Pity: People with Disability, Forging a New Civil Rights
Movement. New York NY: Random House 1993. Which is now # 88 on the ’09 list
DIDYMUS the Blind, 313-398, (visual impairment),

Celebrated head of the catechetical school at Alexandria. Although he was a lyaman and had
become blind at the age of 4 he memorized great sections of the scriptures and by means of
secretaries dictated numerous exegetical works. He also distinguished himself in the school of
Alexandria which he later headed by his proficiency in geometry and astronomy.
{84,85}
#84 on ’99 ref. list is Wilson J. Biography of the Blind: Including the Lives of All Who Have
Distinguished Themselves as Poets, Philosophers, Artists, etc.etc... Washington DC: Library of
Congress 1995. Which is now #124 on the ’09 list
DISNEY Walt, 1901-1966, (learning disability),
American cartoonist, producer. Introduced Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie 1928. Won 29
Oscars, Opened Disneyland 1955, creating family entertainment empire.
{4}
Reference list.
DOLE Robert, 1923-present, (physical impairment),

World War II exploding shell fractured his spine, shattered his right shoulder. He returned home,
went back to college and earned a law degree. He launched his political career in 1960 and was
elected to the United State Senate in 1968. He later left the Senate to run for president of the
United States.
{43}
DONIZETTI Gaetano, 1797-1848, (mental health condition),

Opera singer suffered from bipolar depression..
{73}
#73 on the ’99 ref. list is Weinstock H. Donizetti and the World of Opera in Italy, Paris and
Vienna in the First Half of the Nineteenth Century. New York NY: Pantheon Books 1963. Which is
now # 110 on the ’09 list
DOSTOYEVSKI Fyodor, 1821-1881, (neurological disorder),

Russian author who had epilepsy. Had three convulsive seizures as a child and complex partial
seizures in adolescence. His seizures began with a feeling of ecstasy, followed by anguish, then
convulsions. His characters had epilepsy in some of his writing. Wrote novels which were
published after his death Crime and Punishment 1886, The Idiot 1887, Brothers Karamazov
1912.
{4,12,27}
Reference list.
#12 on the ’99 list is Benet's Readers Encyclopedia 4th Ed. Edited by Bruce Murphy. New York NY:
Harper Collins 1996 which is now # 15 on the ’09 list
#27 on ’99 list is Epilepsy Services. Epilepsy Services. http://epilepsyservices.com/famous.htm
Which is on the ’09 list which is # 44 http://epilepsyservices.com/famous.htm links are

invalid.
DRISCOLL Jean, 1966-present, (diagnosed with physiological damage),

Born in Wisconsin and attended a regular school. She could walk with braces but later required
a wheelchair. After high school Jean entered her first road race using a makeshift wheelchair.
After 5 miles and exhausted she quit. Soon afterwards she got a sponsor and a new wheelchair.
Graduated from University of Illinois - BA in Speech Communication. She entered a wheelchair
marathon in 1989 and won a place in the Boston Marathon. First person to win Boston
Marathon six consecutive times. Won silver medal in 1992 Olympic games in Barcelona Spain.
She has spina bifida
{43}
DUBUS Andre, 1936-1999, (mental health condition),

Wrote several books (short stories). 1996 - Rea Award for short fiction 1997 - finalist for the
National Book Circle Award - Dancing After Hours. Due to an accident he lost a leg in 1986.
{14}
#14 on ’99 list is Contemporary Authors Vol 151. Detroit MI: Gale Research 1962. Which is now #18
on the ’09 list
DUKE Patty, 1946-present, (mental health condition)

Born Anna Marie Duke, and is an Academy Award winning actress who has bipolar depression.
Author of Call Me Anna: A Brilliant Madness.
{43}
DUNCAN Sandy, 1946-present, (visual impairment),

Has one glass eye. Starred on Broadway as Peter Pan 1980. Starred on television show The
Hogan Family 1986-1990.
{14,16,20,32}
on the ’09 list
#16 on ’99 list is Current Biography Yearbook. New York NY: HW Wilson 1940-1998. Which is
now #23 on ’09 list
#20 on ’99 list is E!Online. http://eonline.com/Facts/People. which is now # 31 on the ’09 list
#32 on ’99 list is Halliwell L. Halliwell's Filmgoer's Companion 12th Ed. New York NY: Harper
Collins 1997. Which is now # 52 on ’09 list
DURBIN Deanna, 1921-present, (physical impairment),

Comedian actor who shared a special Oscar with Mickey Rooney 1938, teenage star 1930's -
40's. She has a shortened arm.
{4}
Reference list.
DURY, Ian 1942-2000 (post-polio syndrome)

He contracted polio at the age of seven during the 1949 Polio epidemic. An English rock and roll
singer, songwriter, bandleader and actor who rose to fame during the late 1970s during the late
1970s, during the New Wave era of rock music. He is best known as founder, frontman, and
lead singer of the British band Ian Dury and the Blockheads who were amongst the most
important group of the New Wave era in the UK. He had polio.
{30}
#30 on ’99 list is Gallaudet Encyclopedia of Deaf and Deafness. John Van Cleve, Ed. New York
NY: McGraw Hill 1987 which is now #47 on ’09 list
E
EAST John, 1931-1986, (post-polio syndrome),
U.S. Senator from North Carolina (Republican). Had polio and served from 1981 until his death
in 1986.
{76}
#76 on ’99 list is Who's Who in American: A Biographical Dictionary of Notable Living Men and
Women. New Providence NJ: Marquis Who's Who 1998. Which is now # 113 on ’09 list
EDISON Thomas, 1847-1931, (hearing impairment)

Prolific inventor who holds the record for obtaining the most U.S. patents. Inventor of the electric
light bulb, phonograph, and the motion-picture projector. Due to scarlet fever Thomas Edison
permanently damaged his hearing in both ears. He was known as the wizard of Menlo Park.
{43}
EINSTEIN Albert, 1879-1955, (learning disability)

Was one of the greatest scientists of all time. Best known for his theory of relativity.
{85}
EISENHOWER Dwight D., 1890-1969, (learning disability),

34th President of the United States. Leader of the victorious Allied forces in Europe during
World War II.
{85}
EISENREICH Jim, 1959-present, (diagnosed with tourette syndrome),

Played baseball for the Minnesota Twins, later the Los Angeles Dodgers as well as the
Philadelphia Phillies and more recently for the Florida Marlins.
{37}
#37 on ’99 list is When the Going Gets Tough. Highlights for Children. June 1998;53(6):6,7 which
is #57 on ’09 list
ELCAR, Dana 1927-2005 (visual impairment)

Was an American television and movie actor. He appeared in more than 40 films but his most
memorable role was in the 1980s and 1990s television series MacGyver
{34}
#34 on ’99 list is Harris N. The Life and Works of Lautrec. Great Britain 1994 which is now #54 on
’09 list
ERSKINE Carl, 1926-present, (diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder)

American baseball player, pitcher for the Dodgers 1948-59. Threw two no-hitters 1942 and
1956.
{4}
Reference list.
EULER Leonhard, 1707-1783, (visual impairment),

Swiss mathematician. He became famous for his great output of original mathematics and for
the wide range of subjects he covered. He did most of this work after he lost his sight in one eye
in 1735 and totally blind in 1766. Contributed new ideas in calculus, geometry, algebra, number
theory and probability.
{84,85}
FABRAY Nanette, 1920-present, (hearing impairment),

Born Ruby Nanette Fabares and made her debut in vaudeville at the age of 4. She had a
featured role in the popular Our Gang Comedy series on state and screen. In her teens she was
diagnosed with otosclerosis and suffered emotionally and physically with the hearing impairment
for most of her career. Some of her films were: Elizabeth and Essex 1939, A Child is Born 1940,
The Band Wagon 1953, Happy Ending 1969, Harper Valley PTA 1978. She was the first person
to sing and sign a song on prime time television. She also did this on the Carol Burnett Comedy
Hour which greatly helped bring deaf awareness to television viewers.
{4,30}
Reference list.
#30 on ’99 list is Gallaudet Encyclopedia of Deaf and Deafness. John Van Cleve, Ed. New York
NY: McGraw Hill 1987 which is now #47 on ’09 list
FALK Peter, 1927-present, (visual impairment),

Best known for his role as television's Columbo 1971-1978, 1989-1990. Won Emmy Award
1972 and 1990. Due to an operation on his right eye due to a tumor at three years of age he
now has a glass eye.
{16,32}
#16 on ’99 list is Current Biography Yearbook. New York NY: HW Wilson 1940-1998. Which is
FELICIANO Jose, 1945-present, (visual impairment),

Musician. In 1984 he sang at the Statue of Liberty Celebration, performed with major
symphonies worldwide, composed some of his own music, and received 6 Grammy Awards and
11 Grammy nominations. In 1973 he was considered Best Folk Guitarist award according to
Guitar Player Magazine.
{77}
#77 in the ’99 list is Who's Who in Entertainment. New Providence NJ: Marquis Who's Who 1988.
Which is now #117 on the ’09 list
FERRIGNO Lou, 1952-present, (hearing impairment),

American actor who played the Incredible Hulk is deaf.
{4}
Reference list.
FISHER Carrie, 1956-present, (mental health condition),

American actress and writer. Daughter of Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher. Starred in Star
Wars trilogy as Princess Leia 1977-1984, wrote novel and screen play Post Cards from the
Edge 1985. She has bipolar disorder.
{4,16}
Reference list.
# 16 on the ’99 list is Current Biography Yearbook. New York NY: HW Wilson 1940-1998 which is now
#23 on ’09 list
FITZGERALD F. Scott, 1896-1940, (learning disability),

Leading writer of America's Jazz Age, the roaring twenties, and one of its glittering heroes. This
Side of Paradise 1920. The Great Gatsby 1925 was less popular at the time.
{14,85}
on the ’09 list
FLAUBERT Gustave, 1821-1880, (neurological disorder),

French author who had temporal lobe seizures which began at age 22, probably due to
childhood trauma. He had epilepsy. Distinctive novels of Realist School, authored Madame
Bovary 1857.
No Citation
FLYNT Larry, 1942-present, (spinal cord injury),

Publisher of Hustler Magazine 1974, Paralyzed in assassination attempt, film based on his life,
The People vs Larry Flynt 1996.
{4,75}
Reference list.
#75 on the ’99 list is Who's Who in American Politics. New York NY: Bowker 1997. Which is now
#112 on the ’09 list
FORD Henry, 1863-1941, (learning disability),

Leading manufacturer of American automobiles in the early 1900's. Established the Ford Motor
Company which revolutionized the automobile industry with assembly line method of production.
{17,85}
#17 ’99 list is Delphi. http://www.0/delphi.com/disable/famous.htm
FORD John, 1895-1973, (visual impairment),
American director. Best known for western films including Stage Coach 1939, won six Oscars.
{4}
Reference list.
#85 on 1999 Reference list is World Book Encyclopedia. Chicago IL: World Book Inc 1997. Which is now
FOX Michael J, 1961-present, (diagnosed with neuromuscular condition),

American television and movie actor. Won Emmy awards 1986 and 1987. Played Alex Keaton
on television series Family Ties 1982-1989. Starred in movie Back to the Future 1985.
Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the late 1990s.
{4}
Reference list.
FOX Terry, 1958-1981, (physical impairment),

In 1977 he discovered he had malignant tumor in his right leg, the leg was amputated six inches
above the knee. In 1979 he begin training for his Marathon of Hope, a cross-Canada run to
raise money for cancer research. During his training he ran 3000 miles. In 1980 he runs an
average 26 miles a day. After 143 days and 3339 miles he had to stop due to the cancer
spreading to his lungs. September 1980 he became the youngest companion of the Order of
Canada in a special ceremony in his hometown of Por Coquittan, B.C. In 1981 Terry's hope of
raising $1.00 from every Canadian to fight cancer was realized. September 1981 the First
Annual Terry Fox Run. Many people participated in the race. He was an amputee.
{64}
#64 in ’99 list is Terry Fox Foundation. http://www.terryfoxrun.org/foundation/facts.html
Which is now # 98 on ’09 list
FRANCIS Connie [Concetta Maria Franconero], 1938-present, (mental health condition),

American singer. Popular, award winning vocalist, 1950's-1960's, made eight gold records,
starred in, sang title song for Where the Boys Are 1963. She has bipolar disorder.
{4}
Reference list.
FUNICELLO Annette, 1942-present, (physical impairment),

Actor and singer of the famous Disney Mouseketeer 1950's, star of Beach Party films of 1960's.,
diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the 1980s.
{4}
Reference list.
GALILEO [Galileo Galilei], 1564-1642, (visual impairment),

Italian astronomer and physicist, has been called the founder of modern experimental science.
He made the first effective use of the refracting telescope to discover important new facts about
astronomy. He became blind in his later years in part due to poor health.
{85}
GLENNIE Evelyn, 1965-present, (hearing impairment),

Musician and internationally renowned percussionist who lost most of her hearing in early
childhood.
No Citation
GLOVER Danny, 1947-present, (learning disability) (neurological disorder),
American actor, starred in Places in the Heart 1984, The Color Purple 1985, trilogy of Lethal
Weapon 1987-1992. He has epilepsy.
{3,4,16}
Reference list.
# 16 on the ’99 list is Current Biography Yearbook. New York NY: HW Wilson 1940-1998 which is
GOLD Tracey [Tracey Goldstein], 1969-present, (learning disability),

Known for her anorexia and her attention deficit disorder. Played Carol Seavers of Family Ties.
{4,77,79}
Reference list.
#77 in the ’99 list is Who's Who in Entertainment. New Providence NJ: Marquis Who's Who 1988.
#79 in ’99 list is Who's Who in Hollywood. New York NY: Arlington House 1992 which is now #
119 in ’09 list
GOLDBERG Whoopi [Caryn E. Johnson], 1949-present (learning disability),

American actor and comedian. Star of film The Color Purple 1985, Ghost for which she won an
Oscar, 1991, Eddie 1996. 1993 received the Woman of the Year Award from Howard University.
Hasty Pudding Theatricals Organization. Won People's Choice Award 1993 and 1994.
{2,4}
Reference list.
GORE Thomas Pryor, 1870-1949, (visual impairment),

In 1907 upon the creation of the new state of Oklahoma, Gore was selected by the legislature
as one of the first two United States Senators. Youngest member of the senate and the first
blind person ever to serve in that chamber. Was Vice President Al Gore's great-grandfather.
{6}
#6 in ’99 list American National Biography. American Council of Learned Societies. New York NY:
Oxford University Press 1999. Is now #8 in the ’09 list
GOYA Francisco, 1746-1828, (hearing impairment),

A leading Spanish painter, was one of the first masters of modern art. His full name was Jose'
de Goya y Lucientes. In 1792 Goya became ill and gradually lost his hearing. In 1820, isolated
by his deafness he returned to Madrid.
{43,85}
GRANDIN Temple, 1947-present, (diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder),

Designer of livestock handling facilities and Assistant Professor of Animal Science at Colorado
State University.. At the age of three Temple was diagnosed with a form of Autism. While in high
school she spent a summer in Arizona with her aunt. Temple became intrigued by the squeeze
chute that held cows still for branding and inoculations. She tried the shoot on herself to see
how the cows felt. Back at school, Temple spent every spare moment on building a squeeze
chute of her own. She wanted to know why the machine's gentle pressure calmed frightened
cows. She went to a small college in Vermont and majored in psychology. In 1971, Temple
entered a master's program in psychology at the University of Arizona and then switched to
animal science. By the time she graduated she published several papers on livestock - handling
equipment, and she found many ways to improve standard cattle chutes. Later she got her
doctorate in animal science from the University of Illinois. She wrote an autobiography
Emergency: Labeled Autistic.
{43}
GREY-THOMPSON, Tanni, 1969-present (physical impairment)
Born with spina bifida and is considered to be one of the most successful athletes with a
disability in the U.K.
{51}
GWALTNEY John Langston, 1928-1998, (visual impairment),
John was the first blind student to attend his local high school in Newark, NJ and he was one of
the top students in his class. Did his graduate work under Margaret Mead. With a grant he was
able to research about river blindness of the Chinantec tribe in Oaxaca, Mexico He taught at
Syracuse University in Anthropology for the rest of his career.
{43}
HAMPSHIRE Susan, 1942-present, (learning disability),

English actor, won Emmys in 1970, 1971, and 1973. Appeared in series The Forsythe Saga,
The First Churchills.
{4,16}
Reference list.
HANDEL George Frederick, 1685-1759, (neurological disorder),

English composer, master of baroque music who composed 46 operas, best known work, The
Messiah 1741. He had epilepsy.
{4,11,12}
Reference list.
#11 on the ’99 list is Baker T. Baker Biography Dictionary of Musicians 8th Ed. Revised by
Nicolas Slonansky. New York NY: Macmillan 1992.
#12 on the ’99 list is Benet's Readers Encyclopedia 4th Ed. Edited by Bruce Murphy. New York NY:
Harper Collins 1996 which is now # 15 on the ’09 list
HANNIBAL, 247-183 BC, (neurological disorder),

Greatest general and statesman of Carthage, an ancient North African city. His excellent military
strategy and leadership ability helped him overcome great handicaps and defeat armies much
larger than his own. He united people of varied backgrounds under his command. He had
epilepsy.
{27,85}
#27 on ’99 list is Epilepsy Services. Epilepsy Services. http://epilepsyservices.com/famous.htm
HANSEN Rick [Man in Motion], 1959-present, (spinal cord injury)

Athlete who has won 19 International Wheelchair Marathons before 1985, then toured around
the world through 34 countries for two years to raise over $23 million for spinal cord research
and awareness. Recipient of the Order of Canada for his outstanding achievements.
No Citation
HARRISON Rex Sir, 1908-1990, (visual impairment)

English actor. Won 1957 Tony, 1964 Oscar for role of Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady.
Considered a master of light comedy. He was blind in one eye.
{4}
Reference list.
HAWKING Stephen, 1942-present, (physical impairment),

Born in Oxford, England and oldest of four children. He was raised in a very close, scholarly
family. In the early 60's while at Cambridge university he noticed he was stumbling a lot and his
speech was slurred. In January 1963 when Steve was barely 21 years old he was diagnosed
with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He returned to school and received his Ph.D. in 1966.
In 1977 he was the first professor of Gravitational Physics at Cambridge University. Two years
later, he achieved the highest position available at Cambridge when he became a Lucasian
Professor of Mathematics. In 1988, he published a book called A Brief History of Time: From the
Big Bang to Black Holes.
{4,56}
Reference list.
HEMINGWAY Ernest, 1899-1961, (mental health condition),

Novelist who suffered with suicidal depression. He suffered physical and mental illness and
committed suicide in 1961.
{13,85}
#13 in ’99 list is Brian D. The True General: An Intimate Portrait of Ernest Hemingway by Those
Who Knew Him 1st Ed. New York NY: Grove Press 1998.which is #17 on ’09 list
HEMINGWAY Margot [Magdux], 1955-1996, (neurological disorder),
Actor and model, granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway, starred in Lipstick 1976, killed herself by
taking an overdose of phenobarbital. She had epilepsy.
{4,16,32,76}
Reference list.
#76 on ’99 list is Who's Who in American: A Biographical Dictionary of Notable Living Men and
Women. New Providence NJ: Marquis Who's Who 1998. Which is now # 113 on ’09 list
HENRY, Stuart 1942-1995 (physical impairment)

Had multiple sclerosis. This radio DJ wrote the book Pirate Radio – Then and Now in the late
1980s.
No Citation
HERNDON, Mark 1955-present (hearing impairment)
Drummer for the group Alabama, gaining fame in the early 1980s. Suffered a hearing loss from
years of performing as a drummer.
{50}
#50 ’99 list is Pickering GW. Creative Malady: Illness in the Lives and Minds of Charles Darwin.
New York NY: Oxford University Press 1974. Which is now #81 on the ’09 list
HESELTINE Michael, 1933-present, (learning disability),

Welsh Government Official. Defense Minister in Margaret Thatcher's conservative government
1983-1992, Secretary of Parliament 1986-1992, Secretary Department of Trade and Industry
1992.
{4,16}
Reference list.
HEUMANN Judy, 1947-present, (post-poilio syndrome),

She contracted polio at 18 months. On and off she was discriminated against because she
could attend the public school. After high school she entered Long Island University. She
studied to be a teacher. She passed all the course work but failed the New York City Board of
Education medical exam. A person who used a wheelchair was automatically disqualified from
teaching in New York schools. Judy called the American Civil Liberty Union (ACLU) and argued
her civil rights were violated. ACLU refused to help. She fought back by contacting a reporter
from The New York Times. After the article, lawyers helped her win her case. She got a new
medical exam and passed. She taught disabled children. In 1970 she and some friends started
an organization called Disabled In Action (DIA). DIA lobbied legislators, published articles and
had demonstrations. From 1975 until 1982 she served as Deputy Director of Center for
Independent Living in Berkeley California. It is a think tank on disability issues. On July 19 1993
she was sworn in as Assistant Secretary of Education under President Bill Clinton. She has
polio.
{43}
HOPKINS, Stephen, 1707-1785 (diagnosed with cerebral palsy),
An American political leader from Rhode Island who was one of the signers of the Declaration of
Independence. Was known for saying “My Hands May Tremble, My Heart Does Not.”
{48}
#48 in ’99 list is NOW Homepage. http://now.org/press/01-96/01-17-96.html
which is now #77 on the ’09 list
HOCKENBERRY John, 1956-present, (spinal cord injury),

Journalist. In February 1976 he was in a automobile accident that left his spine broken. In 1975
he entered the University of Chicago as a mathematics major. He had just finished his first
semester when the accident occurred. Following rehabilitation he returned to the University of
Chicago. Due to winters and non-accessible classrooms he transferred to the University of
Oregon as a music major. He volunteered at KLCC a campus station affiliated with National
Public Radio. In May 1980 Mt. Saint Helens erupted. John prepared the reports for NPR. Over
the months that followed NPR sent John to cover more regional news events. In 1981 John left
college to work fulltime for NPR in Washington DC. For three years he worked as a newscaster
for the program All things Considered. John left NPR in 1992 for a job with ABC television as a
correspondent with a news magazine Day One. In 1995 he switched to CNBC and in 1996 he
joined NBC news as a reporter.
{43}
HOMER, 850?BC-9th Century, (visual impairment),

Poet and philosopher. Considered the ancient Greek poet who composed the great epic The
Iliad and the Odyssey.
{84,85}
HOTCHKISS Ralf, 1947-present, (physical impairment),

Wheelchair inventor and a paraplegic due to a college motorcycle accident.
{56}
#56 on the ’99 list is Shapiro JP. No Pity: People with Disability, Forging a New Civil Rights
Movement. New York NY: Random House 1993. Which is now #88 on the ’09 list
I
INOUYE Daniel, 1924-present, (physical impairment),
Senator of Hawaii. In 1943 enlisted in the 442nd Combat Regiment, a unit composed of Nisei,
or Japanese-Americans. This unit became the most highly decorated military units in US history.
In 1945 Daniel Inouye served with valor as a platoon leader in Italy's Po Valley. Injuries to his
arm were so severe he had to have it amputated. He returned home and attended the University
of Hawaii in 1947. He graduated from law school from George Washington university in 1952.
He volunteered to work with the Democratic National Committee and learned the ins and outs of
national politics. He was elected to the Territorial House of Representatives. In 1954 he ran for
his first congressional seat. He was the first Asian-American ever elected to the US Senate. He
is an amputee.
{75}
JEFFERSON Thomas, 1743-1826, (learning disability),

Third President of the United States 1801-1809 and author of the Declaration of Independence.
Remembered as a great president, a diplomat, political thinker, and founder of the Democratic
Party. Reported to have many learning difficulties.
{85}
JENNER Bruce, 1949-present, (learning disability),
Olympic Decathlon champion who barely got through school. Diagnosed as a dyslexic and he
found that through spots he could hold his head up with friends and feel good about himself.
Sports gave him better self esteem. Won gold medal in decathlon 1960 Olympics.
{14,36}
on the ’09 list
#36 in ’99 list is Hickok R. Who's Who of Sports Champions: Their Stories and Records. Boston
MA. Houghton Mifflin 1995. Which is now #56 in ’09 list
JEWELL Geri, 1956-present, (diagnosed with cerebral palsy),

As a comedian with cerebral palsy, she does stand-up comedy and was on the television series
Facts of Life. She jokes about cerebral palsy and even exploits it.
{17}
#17 ’99 list is Delphi. http://www.0/delphi.com/disable/famous.htm
JOAN of Arc, 1412-1431, (neurological disorder),

A national heroine, Jeanne d' Arc is the patron saint of France. She rescued France from defeat
in one of the darkest periods of the Hundred Year-War with England. She has often been called
the Maid of Orleans in honor of her victory with the siege to the city of Orleans. The English saw
her as an agent of the devil. She was imprisoned and tried on charges of witchcraft and heresy.
She continued to insist that her visions and voices came from God. She was burned at the stake
on May 30 1431. In 1455, her family asked for a new trial to reconsider the charges against her.
Pope Callistus III granted a hearing and in 1456 he pronounced her innocent. Pope Benedict XV
declared her a saint in 1920. Her feast day is the day of her death May 30. She had epilepsy.
{26,85}
#26 in ’99 list is Epilepsy International. http://epilepsy-international.com/english/history
Which is #43 in ’09 list which is invalid
JOBSON, Richard 1960-present (neurological disorder)

Was the lead singer for the music group “The Skids.” He wrote the lyrics to the music for the
band. A few of the hits were, “Into the Valley” and “Working for the Yankee Dollar”. He has
epilepsy.
JOHN Elton [Reginald Kenneth Dwight], 1947-present, (neurological disorder),
English pop music composer and performer, has recorded over 25 albums, hits including
Rocket Man 1972, Philadelphia Freedom 1975, Wrap Her Up 1985, Grammy Award 1981,
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He has epilepsy.
{4,11,16}
Reference list.
#11 on the ’99 list is Baker T. Baker Biography Dictionary of Musicians 8th Ed. Revised by
Nicolas Slonansky. New York NY: Macmillan 1992.
JOHNSON Erving [Magic] [Dr. J.], 1959-present, (learning disability),

Magic Johnson led the Los Angeles Lakers to 5 NBA Championships in the 1980's. He
picked up three League MVP's and three Finals MVP's. In November 1991 he retired
because he contracted HIV. Learning disability is in the area of reading.
{45}
Citation 69
JOHNSON Samuel, 1709-1784, (mental health condition),

Was known to have obsessive-compulsive disorder. Was the greatest English writer of
his day. His satire London 1738 written in the style of the Roman satirist Juvenal
brought him to the attention of the public. The Vanity of Human Wishes 1749 and 1755
he produced almost single-handedly the Dictionary of the English Language. In 1765 he
edited an eight volume edition of Shakespeare's plays.
{85}
Citation 126
JONES James Earl, 1931-present, (communication disorder)

American actor who won Tonys for The Great White Hope 1969. Fences 1987, won
1991 Emmy for Gabriel's Fire awarded National Medal of Arts 1992. Stuttered as a child
and used acting as a means to develop speaking skills.
{4}
Citation 5
JORDAN Barbara, 1936-1996, (diagnosed with multiple sclerosis),

She was a very strong willed woman. After hearing a black lawyer named Edith
Sampson she decided to become a lawyer. In 1959 she earned her law degree. In 1964
she ran for a seat in the Texas House of Representative and failed. In 1966 she ran for
a seat in the Senate and became the first black woman to work in the Texas Senate. In
1971 she was elected to the House of Representatives (United States Congress). In
1973 she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis of which confined her to a wheelchair.
This did not stop her. She ran for a fourth term in the house and won. She was assigned
to the House Judiciary Committee and found herself in the middle of a major political
drama of the century (impeachment of President Nixon). She also worked to improve
conditions for the poor and those in need.
{40}
Citation 61
JORDAN Irving King, 1943-present, (hearing impairment),

Irving's life changed in an instant one night in 1964 when his motorcycle struck an
oncoming car. His skull was fractured. He became deaf at the age of 21. He adjusted to
the world around him and enrolled at Gallaudet University. He graduated in 1970 and
went on to obtain his Ph.D. in psychology at the University of Tennessee. In 1973 he
got his degree and returned to Gallaudet to teach. In 1988 he became the President of
Gallaudet following a student protest for a deaf president. He became the first deaf
president of Gallaudet University.
{43,56}
Citation 64, 88
JOYCE James, 1882-1941, (visual impairment),

Irish novelist who revolutionized the treatment of plot and characterization in fiction.
Suffered painful eye disease for most of his adult life and became almost blind despite
many operations.
{85}
Citation 126
KAHLO Frida, 1907-1954, (post-polio syndrome),

Known throughout the world for her unique and sometimes disturbing paintings.
{54}
Citation 86
KAHN Madeline, 1942-present, (speech impairment),

American actress. Oscar nominee for Paper Moon, Blazing Saddles, star of television
series Oh Madeline 1983, won 1993 Tony for Sisters Rosenswing.
{4}
Citation 5
KEACH Stacy Jr., 1941-present, (developmental disability),

Actor who starred in television's Return of Mike Hammer 1984, 1986, 1987 was born
with a cleft lip.
{4}
Citation 5
KEATS John, 1795-1821, (mental health disorder),

Renowned English poet of the romantic period.
{7,61}
Citation 9, 95
KELLER Helen, 1880-1968, (visual impairment) (hearing impairment),

Author,activist, lecturer and renowned humanitarian who lived an active physical life.
She wrote 14 books and innumerable magazine articles, gave lectures, hobnobbed with
presidents, traveled the globe on behalf of the blind, and became one of the most
admired women in America if not the world. She traveled around the world to bring a
message of hope and goodwill to millions of disabled people.
{43}
Citation 64
KENNEDY John F., 1917-1963, (learning disability),

35th President of the United States. Was the youngest man ever elected President. He
was also the youngest ever to die in office. He won world respect as the leader of the
Free World.
{65,85}
Citation 100, 126
KENNEDY Robert, 1925-1968, (learning disability),

Served as Attorney General of the United States from 1961-1964 and as U.S. Senator
from New York from 1965-1968.
{65,85}
Citation 100, 126
KENNEDY Ted Jr., 1961-present, (physical disability),

Edward M. Kennedy Jr. [Ted Kennedy Jr.]. Son of Joan and Edward M. Kennedy. Due
to cancer his right leg was amputated. Runner-up of the 1979 Valor in Sports Award.
Attorney who specializes in disability law.
{33,85}
Citation 53, 126
KERREY Robert, 1943-present, (physical disability),

Known as Joseph Robert Kerrey US Senator from Nebraska, 1989. Entrepreneur and
developer, Grandmother's Restaurant and several sports and fitness enterprises.
Governor, 1983-1987, decorated for bravery during Vietnam War. Lost right leg in the
Vietnam War.
{16,82}
Citation 23, 122
KIDDER Margot, 1948-present, (mental health disorder),

American actor, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, portrayed Lois Lane in
movies Superman 1978, Superman II 1981.
{4,79}
Citation 5, 119
KIERKEGAARD Soren, 1813-1855, (diagnosed with epilepsy),
Danish Philosopher and theologian. Regarded as founder of existentialism, attacked
organized religion.
{85}
Citation 126
KISOR Henry, 1940-present, (hearing impairment),

Due to meningitis and encephalitis Henry became deaf at the age of three. He learned
to read lips. His mother used the Mirrielees system to understand language. He became
a skilled lip reader. Doris Irene Mirrielees believed deaf children could live productive
lives if they understand language. His first job was with the Evening Journal in
Wilmington DE. In 1965 he moved to Chicago and worked for the Daily News. In 1978
he was hired to work for the Chicago Sun-Times and continues to work there today. In
1990 he published What's That Pig Outdoors? A Memoir of Deafness.
{43}
Citation 64
LANGE Dorthea, 1895-1965, (post-polio syndrome),

Dorothea made her home in Northern California and owned her own photography
studio. Some of the most prominent families in San Francisco paid her to do their
portraits. She was hired in the 1930's to document the condition of the California farm-
workers in photographs.
{43}
Citation 64
LANIER Hal, 1942-present, (diagnosed with epilepsy),

Baseball player and manager, Houston, 1986-1988, Infielder 1964-1973.
{4,76,80}
Citation 5, 113, 120
LEADBELLY [Huddie Ledbetter], 1885-1949, (physical impairment)

Known to the world as "Lead Belly" he survived a life that included extreme poverty and
long stretches in prison to become an emblematic folk singer and musician. He is best
remembered for his songs Rock Island Line, Goodnight Irene, The Midnight Special and
Cotton Fields. The latter part of his life included the onset of amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease).
No Reference in the recent version or 1999 version
LEAR Edward, 1812-1888, (diagnosed with epilepsy),

English artist and author of Nonsense Verse. He reportedly had complex partial
seizures everyday or two throughout adulthood. Limerick writer and known for Owl and
the Pussycat 1891.
{12,27}
Citation 15, 44
LEIGH Vivien, 1913-1967, (mental health disorder),

Stage and screen actor who starred in Gone with the Wind.
{21}
Citation 32
LENNON John, 1940-1980, (learning disability),

Founding member of the Beatles, most popular group in the history of rock music.
Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote most of the Beatles music. He played rhythm guitar,
piano and sang.
{11,14,20}
Citation 14, 18, 31
LERNER Alan Jay, 1918-1986, (visual impairment),

American dramatist, lyricist and composer. Known for collaboration with Loewe, won
two Tony's, two Oscars and a Grammy, including film/play Gigi 1958, 1974. He was
blind in one eye.
{4}
Citation 5
LEWIS Carl, 1961-present, (learning disability),

American athlete ranks among the greatest sprinters and long jumps in track and field
history. He twice set a world record in the 100 meter dash and ran the final leg on eight
world record relay teams. Competed in Olympic Games in 1984, 1988, 1992 and 1996.
Won 9 gold medals which tied for highest total Olympic track and field history.
17,36,85}
LINCOLN Abraham, 1809-1865, (mental health disorder),

16th President suffered from severe, incapacitating, and occasional suicidal depression.
{55,85}
Citation 87, 126
LINDSAY Vachel, 1879-1931, (diagnosed with epilepsy),

American poet. Believed poetry should be performed rather than simply read. Some of
his poems, such as The Congo 1914 included stage directions. His poems feature
strong rhythm and vivid images.
{14}
Citation 18
LLOYD Harold, 1893-1971, (physical disability),

American comedian and actor. Highest paid film star of 1920's, noted for thrill-comedy
scenes, won Special Oscar in 1952. He was missing two fingers from his right hand.
{4}
Citation 5
LORDE Audre, 1934-1992, (visual impairment)

She was very nearsighted and loved to write poetry as a child. In 1960 she received her
master's degree in Library Science. Her first book of poetry was published in 1968 The
First Cities. In 1978 she published The Black Unicorn. Following a mastectomy Andre
examined many issues in American health care. In her book, The Cancer Journals, she
explores both the emotional and political aspects of having cancer.
{43}
Citation 64
LOUGANIS Greg, 1960-present, (learning disability),

Olympic diver has dyslexia and AIDS. Considered the greatest diver in history.
{85,86}
Citation 126
LOW Juliette Gordon, 1860-1927, (hearing impairment),

Founder of the Girl Scouts. Due to childhood illness that left her susceptible to infections
she became hearing impaired.
{43}
Citation 64
MADISON James, 1751-1836, (diagnosed with epilepsy),

4th US President 1809-1817, drafted the Bill of Rights. Often referred to as the Father of
the Constitution. Played a leading role in the Constitutional Convention of 1787 where
he helped design the checks and balances system that equalizes the roles of the
legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. He also created the federal
system.
{4,12,85}
Citation 5, 15, 126
MANKILLER Wilma, 1945-present, (diagnosed with muscular dystrophy),

Her family was ordered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs to move from Oklahoma to San
Francisco. In 1969 while in college she did fundraising for 18 months to assist Native
American students who protested the government on poor treatment of Native
Americans programs with the Oakland California School System. In 1977 Wilma took
the position of Economic Stimulus Coordinator for the Cherokee Nations. In 1981 she
became Director of Cherokee Nation's Community Development Department. In 1979
following a car accident doctors became concerned about a strange muscular
weakness. After a series of tests it was discovered that she had a strange form of
muscular dystrophy. In 1983, Russ O. Swimmer ran for office of Principal Chief of the
Cherokee Nation and selected Wilma as his running mate. She became the Cherokee
Nation's first female Deputy Chief. She was sworn in December 15 1985 as principal
chief of the Cherokee Nation.
{43}
Citation 64
MANLEY Dexter, 1959-present, (learning disability),

American football player-defensive end, Washington, 1981-1989, defensive lineman of
year, 1986, banned from NFL for life for drug abuse, 1989, currently with Ottawa,
Canadian Football League.
{74}
Citation 111
MARSH Curt, 1959-present, (physical disability)

First round draft choice of the Oakland Raiders in the 1981 National Football League
Draft. His seven year NFL career high point was his membership on the 1983 Raider
Super Bowl Champion team. Forced to retire in 1987 with a severe ankle injury which
eventually led to a below the knee amputation in 1994. Now competes in events for
amputee athletes and is a gold medal power lifter in addition to pursuing a successful
motivational speaking career.
No Reference in the recent version or 1999 version
MATLIN Marlee, 1965-present, (hearing impairment),

At eight she began to perform with a children's theater group at the Center for Deafness
in DesPlaines IL. Displayed remarkable talent in her first major role as Dorothy in the
Wizard of Oz. Enrolled in Harper College at Palatine, IL where she planned to major in
criminal justice. She wanted to be a police officer but realized her deafness would be an
obstacle so she dropped out. Before she left Harper College she learned that auditions
were being held for a Chicago production of the play Children of a Lesser God. She
tried out and was awarded the role of Lydia. While the play was going on, Paramount
began work on a film version and she got the role for this as well. Won Oscar as Best
Actress in March 1987 for her role. In 1991 she played a deaf lawyer in a series called
Reasonable Doubt.
{43}
Citation 64
MAUPASSANT Guy de, 1850-1893, (diagnosed with epilepsy),

French author. Was student of Flaubert. It is believed that his epilepsy was caused by
brain damage resulted from contracting syphilis as a youth. Recognized as master of
short stories and wrote Pierre et Jean 1888.
{12,27}
Citation15, 44
MCNICHOL Kristy, 1962-present, (mental health condition),

American actress who played Buddy Lawrence on television series Family 1976-1980,
won Emmys 1977, 1979, played Barbara Weston on television comedy Empty Nest,
1988 was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
{76}
Citation 113
MCQUEEN Steve, 1930-1980, (learning disability),

American actor who was a superstar in the true sense of the word. Probably the most
emulated movie actor ever. His peers called him one of the best actors in film history
and his films are considered classics. The Great Escape 1963 and Sand Pebbles 1966
to name two films.
{4,77,79}
MEHTA Ved, 1934-present, (visual impairment),

Blind writer/journalist for New Yorker and wrote several books about his life.
{56}
Citation 88
MERRILL Robert, 1919-present, (speech impairment),

American baritone, became one of the world's leading opera stars. Gained recognition
for his powerful and resonant voice, which he combined with great warmth and superb
technique despite his stuttering while speaking. First to sing 500 performances at New
York Met., 1973.
{4,11}
Citation 5, 14
MICHAELANGELO, 1475-1564, (mental health condition) (diagnosed with epilepsy),

One of the world's greatest artists. He suffered with mental illness. After 1546 he
devoted much of his time to architecture and poetry. Pope Paul III appointed him
supervising architect of St. Peter's Basilica which was one of Pope Julius II's unfinished
projects.
{61,85}
Citation 95, 126
MIHALAS Dimitri, 1939-present, (mental health condition),

Astronomer and educator. He has taught at Princeton University, 1964-1967, University
of Colorado, 1967-1968, University of Chicago, 1968-70 and in 1972-80 at the
University of Colorado. He was the senior scientist at the High Altitude Observatory,
National Center Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, 1971-1979 and 1982-
1985. From there he went to Sacramento Peak Observatory, Sunspot, New Mexico,
1979-1982. Los Alamos National Laboratory 1981. He is the author of several books.
{5}
Citation 7
MILLER Kathy, 1962-present, (brain injury),
On March 14 1977 due to an accident one of her legs was crushed and her brain was
badly injured. She was a marathon runner. In 1978 she won the International Valor in
Sports Award.
{33}
Citation 53
MILSAP Ronnie, 1944-present, (visual impairment),

Country singer who is blind. His hits include Any Day Now 1982. As a child he learned
to play the violin and the guitar. While in high school he formed his own rock band but
turned to country music and went to Nashville TN. In 1976 he became a regular on
Grand Ole Opry.
{11}
Citation 14
MILTON John, 1608-1674, (visual impairment),

English poet who wrote in four different languages. Known for his masterpiece written
after losing his eyesight, Paradise Lost 1667. He wrote one of the greatest eulogies
ever Lycidas.
{18,43)
Citation 27, 64
MOHAMMED [Mahomet Muhammad], 570-632, (diagnosed with epilepsy),

Arab prophet and founder of Islam, 1622. Prophet of Allah. Wrote The Koran.
Considered by most Muslims to have been sinless.
{4,85}
Citation 5, 126
MOLIERE Jean [Jean Baptiste Poquelin], 1622-1673, (diagnosed with epilepsy),

French playwright, wrote The School for Wives 1662. The Imaginary Invalid 1673.
Moliere was his stage name. Considered to be one of the greatest French writers of
comedy.
{12,85}
Citation 15, 126
MONROE Marilyn [Norma Jean Mortenson], 1926-1962, (speech impairment),

American actress. Ultimate pin-up girl and cult figure. Starred in Some Like It Hot 1959,
Bus Stop 1956. She also stuttered.
{4}
Citation 5
1999 Version says “Some Like It Hot 1956” not 1959 in current version.
MOORE Dudley [Dudley Stuart John Moore], 1935-present, (physical impairment),
English actor and musician. Starred in 10, 1979, Arthur 1981. Won Grammy 1974,
Special Tony 1969 and 1974.
{4,77,79}
NASTASE Ilie, 1946-present, (mental health condition),

Romanian Tennis player, diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Won US Opens 1972 and
1975, French Open 1973, Italian Opens 1970 and 1973. Won doubles with Jimmy
Connors at Wimbledon 1973.
{76}
Citation 113
NEWTON Sir Issac, 1646-1727, (diagnosed with epilepsy),

He left college (Trinity College) in Cambridge from 1665-1666 due to the bubonic
plague. During this time he developed calculus, the law of universal gravitation, the
binomial theorem and discovered the composite nature of white light. Newton was a shy
and sickly boy and remained shy as an adult. He went to great lengths to avoid
controversy.
{26}
Citation 43
NIJINSKY Vaslav, 1888-1950, (mental health condition),

Dancer who had clinical depression. One of the greatest male dancers in the history of
ballet. Best known role was in the ballet Afternoon of a Fawn.
{47,67}
Citation 76, 102
NOBEL Alfred, 1833-1896, (diagnosed with epilepsy),

Swedish Chemist, Engineer and Inventor of Dynamite. Philanthropist left $9.2 million for
annual Nobel Prizes first awarded 1901. He established the Nobel Prizes.
{12,85}
Citation 15, 126
NORTON Emperor Joshua, 1817-1880, (mental health condition),

Self-appointed Norton I Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico, Joshua
Norton won a permanent place in the annals of San Francisco as the wisest and
shrewdest of madmen.
{19,53)
Citation 29, 85
NUSSBAUM Susan, 1953-present, (physical disability),
While in high school Susan and some classmate wrote and produced a play about
women's liberation. The school however took a dim view of her production because the
play included a graphic description of an abortion. She was suspended from school. In
1978 while at Goodman School of Drama in Chicago, on her way to class she was
struck by a car. The accident fractured her spine and she became a quadriplegic. She
worked at a place called Access Living and felt at home. She wrote her first play called
String Back. The play pokes fun at the public's misconceptions about people with
disabilities. She now teaches drama and directs plays and acts.
{43}
Citation 64
O'NEIL Kitty, 1946-present, (hearing impairment),

Deaf and a great stuntwoman in many television shows, (Wonder Woman, Baretta). On
December 4 1976 she drove a rocket car to become the Fastest Woman on Earth.
{15,85}
Citation 22, 126
O'NEILL Eugene, 1888-1953, (mental health condition),

Famous playwright, author of Long Day's Journey Into the Night. Suffered from clinical
depression. In 1936 he received the Noble Prize for Literature.
{15,85}
Citation 22, 126
OE Hikari, 1963-present, (developmental disability),

Hikari was born with a potentially fatal cranial deformity following traumatic brain
surgery during infancy. Later found to be a musical savant. Hikari surprised everyone by
becoming a recognized composer of classical music. His first two CD's, Music of Hikari
Oe 1992 and Music of Hikari Oe 2 1994 have been best-sellers in his native Japan,
worldwide more than 300,000 copies have been sold.
{16}
Citation 23
PAAR Jack, 1918-present, (speech impairment),

American entertainer, pioneer talk show host, star of Tonight Show 1957-1962, Jack
Paar Show 1962-1965 and 1973.
{4}
Citation 5
PAGANINI Nicolo, 1782-1840, (diagnosed with epilepsy),

Italian composer and violinist. Revolutionized violin technique, fingering methods.
Became the of the greatest violinist of all time.
{4,12}
Citation 5, 15
PASCAL Blaise, 1623-1662, (diagnosed with epilepsy),

French philosopher and mathematician and theologian. Formulated Pascal's Law which
states fluids transmit equal pressure in all directions.
{4,12}
Citation 5, 15
PASTEUR Louis, 1822-1895, (learning disability),

Scientist who made major contributions to chemistry, and medicine industry that greatly
benefited humanity. He was a great theoretical scientist.
{5,85}
Citation 7, 126
PATTON George, 1920-1991, (learning disability),

Old Blood and Guts. American Army General commanded the 3rd Army, War World II,
leader in Battle of The Bulge 1944.
{4,85}
Citation 5, 126
PERLMAN Itzhak, 1945-present, (post-polio syndrome),

At age of four Itzhak contracted polio. The disease weakened the muscles in his legs.
He began the violin at and early age. With a scholarship from the American-Israel
Cultural foundation, he entered the Tel Aviv Academy of Music was hailed as a musical
prodigy at age five and gave his first solo recital at the age of 10. He went on the
television show Ed Sullivan and was a success. He continued his studies in the US at
the Juilliard School for he Performing Arts in New York City. Perlman made his début at
Carnegie Hall on March 5, 1963. His performance brought him to the attention of Isaac
Stern and Yehudi Menuhin, two of the world's leading violinists. In 1964 he became a
finalist in the Edward M. Levintripp International Competition. In the late 1970s he
became aware of the growing disability rights movement and developed a sense of
solidarity with other disabled people. Itzhak married Tobi Lynn Friedlhander, violinist. He
has a busy concert schedule and does fund-raising for organizations of people with
disabilities.
{4}
Citation 5
PETER THE GREAT, 1672-1725, (diagnosed with epilepsy),

Russian Czar, Peter I the Great, son of Aleksei Romanov Family was one of the most
famous rulers in history. He ruled first as a Czar of Russia and later became Russia's
first emperor. He transformed Russia into a great European power.
{22,85}
Citation 33, 126
PIERSALL Jimmy, 1929-present, (mental health condition),

Baseball player for the Boston Red Sox who suffered from bipolar depression.
{51}
Citation 82
PIPPIN Horace, 1888-1946, (physical disability)

After completing the eight grade he dropped out of school to help his family. He did an
assortment of jobs. In 1914 he joined the National Guard and ended up on the front
lines in France during World War I. On note pads he kept a diary of his war experiences
which later transformed into his paintings. In 1918 a shell fragment shattered his right
shoulder which left his arm almost totally paralyzed. He returned home and art brought
him back to his old self. In 1931 he began his first major art piece, The End of the War:
Starting Home. By the time of his death he painted, drew and wood-carved 150 pieces.
{4}
Citation 5
PITT William, 1759-1806, (diagnosed with epilepsy),

Second son of the First Earl of Chatham. In 1781 he became a member of the House of
Commons. He was initially a reformist who opposed the war with the American colonies
and urged peace. In 1783 he became Britain's youngest Prime Minister.
{26}
Citation 43
PLATH Sylvia, 1932-1963, (mental health condition),

Poet and novelist ended her lifelong struggle with clinical depression by taking her own
life.
{14,17,72}
Citation18, 25, 107
POE Edgar Allen, 1809-1849, (neurological disorder),

He is most famous as the first master of the short story form, especially tales of the mysterious
and macabre. He is also considered the father of the modern detective story. He was known as
a poet and critic. Some of his famous poems include The Sleeper 1831, Lenore 1831, The
Raven 1845. Some of his story stories include The Fall of the House of Usher 1839, The
Murders in the Rue Morgue 1841 and The Mystery of Marie Roget 1842-1843. He was
diagnosed with epilepsy.
{12,14,26}
Correct citations are 15, 18 sources 43
*43 http://epilepsy-international.com/english/history
and 44 http://epilepsyservices.com/famous.htm are not valid.
POWELL John Wesley, 1834-1902, (physical impairment),
During the Civil war he lost his right arm just below the elbow. Led an expedition down the
Colorado River on May 1869 and emerged from he Grand Canyon on August 29, 1869. In 1879
he founded the Smithsonian Institution Bureau of Ethnology and directed it for 23 years. He
was an amputee.
{4}
Citation 5
PRIDE Charley [Country Charley], 1939-present, (mental health confition),
American country singer. Won Grammy for Kiss an Angel Good Morning 1972. First African
American country music star. First African American to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. He wrote
an autobiography Pride: The Charley Pride Story. Known to have bipolar disorder.
{2,4,11}
Citation 2, 5, 14
PRYOR Richard, 1940-2005, (diagnosed with multiple sclerosis),
Comedian, actor, writer and producer. Played in small-time clubs until his appearance on the Ed
Sullivan Show which brought him a movie offer in 1966. He is the owner of Indigo Production
and Richard Pryor Enterprises, Inc. Some of his films include, Bustin Loose, Blue Collar, See
No Evil, Hear No Evil, Harlem Nights, Your Life Is Calling (which he produced and directed) it
was based upon the traumas of his life.
{74}
Citation 111
PYTHAGORAS, 582BC-507BC, (neurological disorder),
The Samian Sage. Greek philosopher and mathematician discovered principles of musical pitch.
Was famous for formulating the Pythagorean Theorem which states that the square of a
hypotenuse of a right-angle triangle is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.
He had epilepsy.
{11,85}
{27}
Citation 14, 126, and source 44
44 link is not valid http://epilepsyservices.com/famous.htm
R
RAUSCHENBERG Robert [Milton Raschenberg], 1925-2008, (dyslexia)
American artist among the most important in pop art. Uses sophisticated techniques of
photomontage and silk-screening. His collages are called "combines" and include "Gloria" 1956
and Summer Rental 1960. He championed the theory that the essential nature of creativity is
not in the object produced but in the concept and the process of creation.
{12}
Citation 15
REAGAN Ronald, 1911-2004, (hearing impairment),
th
40 President of the United States. 1981-1989. Also served two terms as governor of California.
In 1932 he became a radio announcer for WOC in Davenport IA and later WHO in Des Moines
IA. In 1937 he signed a contract with Warner Brothers and his first film was Love is on the Air.
{85}
Citation 126
REEVE Christopher, 1952-2004, (physical impairment),
American actor best known for title role of Superman in 1983 and 1987. Paralyzed in horseback
riding accident 1995. Campaigns for spinal cord injury research.
{4,52}
Citation 5, 83
83 link is invalid http://www.50.pcepd.gov
REICH, Alan A., 1952 - 2005 (physical impairment),
Founder of the National Organization on Disability (NOD) in 1982. This was the largest umbrella
group for disability activists. Was a key advocate for the Americans with Disabilities Act, he also
created the Franklin D. Roosevelt International Disability Award to recognize other nations'
progress on disability goals.
{111,12}
Cannot confirm source 111 for Alan A. Reich. Citation 15.
REILLY Charles Nelson, 1931-2007, (speech impairment),

American comedian, won Tony for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying 1961,
television game shows, situation comedies and varieties.
{4}
Citation 5.
RENO Janet, 1938-present, (neuromuscular diagnosis),

First female to serve as United States Attorney General 1993. Diagnosed with Parkinson's
disease in the late 1990s.
{65,85}
Citation 100, 126
RHODES, Jonty, 1969-present (neurological disorder)

Played on the South African cricket team from 1992-2003. He has epilepsy.
{84}
Citation 84 is correct.
RICKENBACKER Eddie, 1890-1973, (learning disability),

Leading US air ace in World War I 1914-1918. He shot down 22 enemy planes and four
balloons. Before World War II he inspected American air bases and his plane was shot down.
He survived on a raft for 24 days.
{17}
ROBERTS Ed, 1939-1995, (post-polio syndrome),

At age 14 Ed contracted poliomyelitis. He also used an iron lung at night. Ed was the first
quadriplegic ever enrolled at the University of California at Berkeley. He graduated with a BA
and Masters degree in political science and later a Ph.D. In 1969 he was invited to act as
consultant to the Special Students Program within the US office of Education in Washington DC.
He wrote the guidelines with references to students with disabilities. In 1972 he obtained federal
funding to start the center for Independent Living. In 1984 Ed received money from various
Awards. With this money he started the World Institute on Disability which is based in Oakland
California. (WID) brings together experts on every aspect of disability to help formulate social
policy. He was president of WID until his death in 1995. he had polio.
{4}
Citation 5.
ROCKEFELLER Nelson, 1908-1979, (learning disability),

Vice President of the United States from 1974-1977. He was severely dyslexic. He filled a
vacancy that was created when Vice President, Gerald Ford succeeded Richard Nixon who had
resigned as President.
{85}
Citation 126.
ROOSEVELT Franklin Delano, 1882-1945, (post-polio syndrome),
nd
The 32 President of the United States and promised to create jobs for the unemployed and
gave assistance to those in need. Suffered with polio and worked very hard to hide the extent of
his disability. He had polio.
{43}
Citation 64.
ROREM Ned, 1923-present, (speech impairment)
American composer. Won 1976 Pulitzer Prize for Bicentennial Commission, Air Music,
published many diaries.
{4}
Citation 5.
ROUSSO Harilyn, 1946-present, (diagnosed with cerebral palsy),
When she was a little girl taking piano lessons, she was frustrated by many pieces she played.
The part for the right hand was always the most complex, her left hand had more coordination.
To solve this situation she crossed her hands and played right hand parts with her left hand and
left hand parts with her right hand. She attended and graduated from Brandeis University in
economics. While in Washington Harilyn got involved in the growing women's movement. She
came to realize that women and disabilities need attention and she spoke a lot on both issues.
In 1980 she stared a program called Networking Project for disabled Women and Girls. This
was sponsored by the New York YMCA. In 1988 Harilyn edited a book to young people,
Disabled, Female and Proud.
{43}
Citation 64
RUDOLPH Wilma, 1940-1994, (post-polio syndrome),
At the age of four, after a series of illnesses and polio Wilma regained her health. Her left leg
was paralyzed. With physical therapy she regained the use of her leg. In 1957 Wilma enrolled at
Tennessee State University and she qualified for the Olympic Team. In 1960 she went to the
Olympics in Rome Italy and won the women's 100 meter dash, 200 meter dash and ran he last
leg of the 400 meter relay. In February 1961 Wilma entered the Milbrose Games, and indoor
tack meet field a New York Madison Square Gardens. These games are restricted to males
only, so Wilma was the first woman to be invited to participate in 30 years. She received he
1961 Sullivan Award, an honor received for America's most outstanding amateur athlete of the
year.
{43}
Citation 64.
RUFF Charles, 1939-2000, (physical impairment),
Trial lawyer for organized crime and racketeering section of the Justice Department, 1967-1969.
Attorney in charge Labor and Gambling unit, 1969-1970, Chief Management and Labor
Secretary Criminal Division of Justice Department, 1970-, Editor of African Law Journal 1966.
He is currently the Council for the President of the United States. After graduating from
Columbia Law School, and his wife, Susan, went to teach law in Liberia in 1963. While there,
Ruff came down with a mysterious flu-like illness that parlayed his legs. He has used a
wheelchair every since.
{78}
Citation 118.
RUNYAN, Marla 1969-present (visual impairment)
Vision loss due to Stargardt Disease. First legally blind athlete to compete in the Olympics.
{86}
*86 is a bad source and could not locate on the updated list. I did find a good source.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marla_Runyan Will need to add.
RUSSELL Harold, 1914-1999, (physical impairment),
Actor and soldier. A defective blasting cap cost him both hands while demonstrating explosives
assembly. During his stay in the Army hospital a movie crew came to do a documentary on a
soldier's rehabilitation after loosing his hands called Diary of a Sergeant. This caught the
attention of Samuel Goldwyn who cast Russell in his movie The Best Years of Our Lives in the
role of an amputee struggling to adjust to civilian life. Won best supporting actor award 1946 as
well as a second special Academy Award for bringing hope and courage to his fellow veterans.
Only actor ever to win two Oscars for the same role. He started speaking to veteran groups and
civic organizations about racial discrimination. In 1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed
him as Chairman of the President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped which
worked to educate employers about he capabilities of disabled people. It is still going on today.
{43}
Citation 64.
RYAN, Leilani, 1945-present, (post-polio syndrome),
Disabled in 1954 with polio one month before the polio vaccine came out. She is currently a
Rehabilitation Counselor.
{17}
SCHUMANN Robert, 1810-1856, (mental health condition),
This inspired poet of human suffering experienced bipolar depression. He was a major German
romantic composer and pianist.
{50,61}
Citation 81, 95.
SCHWAB Charles, 1937-present, (learning disability),
Founder, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Charles Schwab Corporation, a
brokerage firm. In 1974 he became a pioneer in the discount brokerage business.
{16}
Citation 23.
SCOTT George C., 1927-1999, (learning disability),
American actor. First performer to refuse an Oscar 1970 for Patton.
{4,85}
Citation 5, 126.
SHAW George Bernard, 1956-1950, (learning disability),
British playwright, critic, and essayist. Became one of the most famous writers of the 1900's.
Was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1925. Wrote 50 plays in a 70 year career.
{4,14}
Citation 5, 18.
SHEARER Norma, 1900-1983, (visual impairment),
American actress who won 1930 Oscar for The Divorce, First Lady of The Screen. Married to
Irving Thalbeg 1927.
{4}
Citation 5.
SHEARING, George 1919-present (visual impairment)
Jazz musician who composed over 300 titles and has multiple albums on the Billboard charts
during 1950s, 1960s, 1980s, and 1990s. He is the first American citizen granted a Knighthood.
He became known for a piano technique known as Shearing’s voicing, a type of double melody
block chord, with an additional fifth part that doubles the melody an octave lower.
{90,91}
Correct citations are 89 and 90.
SIMON Carly, 1945-present, (speech impairment),
Multi-faceted singing composer and lyricist. Started singing as a child to help her deal with her
stuttering. Song hits include You're So Vain 1972, Jesse 1980. Grammy Award Winner, 1971.
{4,11}
Citation 5, 14.
SMOTHERS Tom, 1937-present, (learning disability),
American comedian and singer. He and his brother Dick have sung and acted together since
the 1960s. Starred in the television show The Smothers Brothers.
{4,11}
Citation 5, 14.
SOCRATES, 470?-399BC, (neurological disorder) ,
Greek Philosopher and teacher. Viewed philosophy as necessary pursuit of all intelligent men,
teacher of Plato. Was one of the most original, influential and controversial figures in ancient
Greet philosophy and in the history of western thought. He had epilepsy.
{12,85}
Citation 15, 126.
SOMERS Suzanne, 1946-present, (learning disability),
American television actress who starred in Three's Company 1977-1981, Step by Step, 1991.
{79}
Citation 119.
SPENCER-DEVLIN Muffin, 1953-present, (mental health condition),
Before joining the LPGA tour she was an aspiring actress and model in New York City. She also
was a contributing writer to Golf Illustrated and writers book reviews for the Advocate. She has
manic depression and is trying to cure herself holistically. Her last names are a combination of
her father and stepfather.
{44}
Citation 65.
ST. PAUL, 5?-67? AD, (neurological disorder)
Apostle to the Gentiles Roman, Biblical figure. (Paulus, Saul of Tarsus). One of the founders of
the Christian religion, opposed it until conversion after a vision, ministered to Gentiles,
presumably wrote Pauline Epistles, suffered martyrdom. He had epilepsy.
{4,12,27}
Citation 5, 15, and 43 link is invalid http://epilepsy-international.com/english/history.
STALLONE Sylvster, 1946-present, (learning disability),
Won stardom with his movie Rocky. He is one of the world's highest paid actors, commanding
$20 million a picture.
{4,77,79}
Citation 5, 117, 119.
STEVENS Thaddeus, 1792-1868, (physical impairment),
United States Congressman. Born with clubfoot.
{43}
Citation 64.
STEWART Jackie [John Young Stewart], 1939-present, (learning disability),
Scottish auto racer, World Grand Prix Champion, 1969, 1971 and 1973,Auto racing
commentator for ABC.
{4,76}
Citation 5, 113.
STEWART James, 1908-1997, (speech impairment),
American actor. Hollywood great, best known for Mr. Smith Goes to Washington 1939, It's a
Wonderful Life 1946.
{4,82}
Citation 5, 122.
STING [Gordon Summer], 1957-present, (mental health condition),
Before Sting he had small modeling jobs and few television commercials. In 1979 he had a bit
part in the film Quadrophemia. Was in the movie Dune. Nicknamed Sting for the black and
yellow sweater he would wear while performing. He learned piano from his mother but loved
jazz and guitars. In 1977 he started the group Police. The rock-reggae sound broke with
Roxanne a song written as a plea to a prostitute. It was subsequently banned from the BBC
which made it an instant hit. Later went solo and is successful first album Dream of the Blue
Turtles went Platinum.
{62}
Citation 96.
SWINBURNE Algernon Charles, 1837-1909, (neurological disorder),
His literary criticism was extensive, ranging from Shakespeare to Dickens, but he earned his
reputation as a great poet. In 1860 published two verse dramas The Queen Mother and
Rosamond. He had epilepsy.
{26}
Citation 43 link is invalid http://epilepsy-international.com/english/history.
TCHAIKOVSKY Peter Ilyich, 1840-1893, (neurological disorder),
First Russian composer whose music became part of the standard concert program in Western
Europe. Known for classical ballet scores Swan Lake 1877. Nutcracker Suite l892, Sleeping
Beauty 1889. He had epilepsy.
{26}
Citation 43 link is invalid http://epilepsy-international.com/english/history.
TEN BROEK Jocobus, 1911-1968, (visual impairment),
He lost his sight in a bow and arrow accident due to a boyhood accident. He earned a doctorate
in law. Taught law at the University of Chicago. He started the National Federation of the Blind.
He said discriminating against people with visual impairments was a violation of their rights as
guaranteed in the United State Constitution. Wrote many books. He was also recognized as a
national authority in the field of constitutional law.
{4}
Citation 5.
TENNYSON Lord Alfred, 1809-1892, (neurological disorder),
Was a spokesman for the values of the Victorian age and its most famous poet. He was made a
peer in 1884, taking his seat in the House of Lords as the first Baron Tennyson. His first
published volume was Poems, Chiefly Lyrical 1830. Few poets have produced masterpieces in
so many different poetic styles. His verses expresses in readily comprehensible terms the
Victorian feeling for order and harmony. He had epilepsy.
{26,27}
*Citation 43 http://epilepsy-international.com/english/history and

44 http://epilepsyservices.com/famous.htm links are invalid.
TESLA Nicola, 1856-1943, (speech impairment)(mental disorder),

Electrical engineer, is generally recognized as the inventor of the induction motor. Was born in
Smiljan Croatia. This genius had obsessive compulsive disorder.
{85}
Citation 126.
THAW, John 1942-2002 (physical impairment)
Walks with slight limp, resulting from an accident at the age of fifteen. Starred in the TV series
“The Sweeney and Inspector Morse” and appeared in several films.
{100}
TILLIS Mel, 1932-present, (speech impairment),
American county music singer and song writer. Includes stuttering problems as part of his act.
Has written over 450 songs. CMA entertainer of the Year 1976.
{4,11,76}
Citation 5, 14, 113.
TOLSTOY Leo, 1828-1910, (mental health condition),
Author of War and Peace, he revealed the extent of his own mental illness in My Confession.
Count Leo Tolstoy is considered one of the greatest figures of world literature, was a major
th
influence on late 19 century Russian philosophical theory.
{42,61}
Citation 63, 95.
TOULOUSE-LAUTREC Henri de, 1864-1901, (physical impairment),
He was born Henri Marie Raymond de Toulouse-Lautrec Montfa. A great artist and who
suffered from a degenerative bone condition. Well known for his French posters. Most popular
poster is the Moulin Rouge .
{34}
Citation 54.
TUBMAN Harriet, 1820-1913, (neurological disorder),
Rescuer of slaves during the American Civil War through establishment of an ÿunderground
railroad'. Her epilepsy was due to a blow to the head at age 13 from an overseer. After the Civil
War she founded the Harriet Tubman home for Indigent Aged Negroes.
{43}
Citation 64.
UDALL Morris, 1922-1998, (neuromuscular diagnosis),
American politician. Sought Democratic Presidential Nomination 1976, keynote speaker
Democrat National Convention 1980, Congressman from Arizona 1970's. Diagnosed with
Parkinson's disease later in life.
{4,66,76}
Citation 5, 101, 113.
VAN GOGH Vincent, 1853-1890, (mental health condition)(neurological disorder),

Celebrated artist who had bipolar depression. Post-impressionist did not receive recognition for
his genius until after his death. He had epilepsy.
{35,69,85}
Citation 55, 104, 126.
VEECK Bill, 1914-1986, (physical impairment),
Owned the Milwaukee Brewers. Bill lost his right leg in War II. He also owned the Cleveland
Indians after the war. In 1948 he was the first American League owner to hire black players to
play in the major league when he signed Larry Doby and Satchel Paige. He sold the Indians in
1949 when he bought the St. Louis Browns. In 1959 he brought the Chicago White Sox. He
retired from baseball in 1981. Bill was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991 five years
after his death.
{43}
Citation 64.
VERNE Jules, 1828-1905, (learning disability),
French novelist who wrote some of the first science fiction stories. He forecast the invention of
air planes, submarines, television, guided missiles, and space satellites and he predicted their
uses accurately. He wrote Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea 1870.
{14,85}
Citation 18, 126.
VON BRAUN Werner, 1912-1977, (learning disability),
He regularly failed his high school math examinations, but was often caught day-dreaming (due
to his attention deficit disorder) of one day flying to other planets. Led development of V-2
missiles for Germany during World War II, directed post World War II rocket research in United
States.
{28}
Citation 45.
WACHTLER Sol, 1930-present, (mental health condition),
He was appointed to the Court of Appeals by Governor Mario Cuomo in 1985, after 12 years as
a justice on the court, preceded by 4 years on the Supreme Court and was named to the
position by Governor Nelson Rockefeller. He was arrested in 1992 and charged with a 13 month
harassment campaign against an ex-lover and her daughter. This time in his life he was a Chief
Judge of New York Court of Appeals. He served on the New York Supreme Court (1968-1972)
and New York Court of Appeals (1973-1992). He has bipolar disorder.
{71,75}
Citation 106, 112.
WAGNER Lindsay, 1949-present, (learning disability),
Only science-fiction woman ever to win best actress Emmy, 1976-1978 for Bionic Woman.
Television films include This Child Is Mine 1985.
{4,77,79}
Citation 5, 117, 119.
WALLACE Mike, 1918-present, (mental health condition),
American Broadcast journalist CBS correspondent, 1963-1976, co-editor, 60 Minutes 1968,
inducted into television Academy Hall of Fame 1991. He has depression.
{65}
Citation 100.
WALSH Raoul, 1887-1980, (visual impairment),
American actor and director. Directed Hollywood's first outdoor talking movie, In Old Arizona
1929.
{4,14,32}
Citation 5, 18.
WALTERS Barbara, 1931-present, (speech impairment),
American broadcast journalist. First woman to co-anchor the Today Show 1963-1976. With ABC
News since 1976, known for one-on-one interviews, correspondent 20/20 1981, co-host 1984 to
present.
{4}
Citation 5.
WASHINGTON George, 1732-1799, (learning disability)
First President of the United States. Was unable to spell throughout his life and his grammar
usage was very poor. Thought to have learning disabilities.
{85}
Citation 126.
WATSON, Doc 1923-present (visual impairment)
A legendary blind performer who blends his traditional Appalachian folk music roots with
bluegrass and country.
{110}
Citation. 110 is Weinstock H. Donizetti and the World of Opera in Italy, Paris and Vienna in
the First Half of the Nineteenth Century. New York NY: Pantheon Books 1963. There is
another source listed 108 http://folkmusic.about.com/od/artistsaz/p/DocWatson.html but the
link is no longer valid so a source will have to be added
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doc_Watson
WEITHBRECHT Robert, 1920-1983, (hearing impairment),
Deaf American scientist invented the TDD Telecommunication Device for the Deaf in 1964.
{30,56}
Citation 47, 88.
WELLS, Mary 1943-1992 (physical impairment)
Had muscular dystrophy as a teenager and throat cancer in her later years of life. Worked and
recorded music, even after being diagnosed with throat cancer. Started in the Supremes. Solo
hits include “My Guy” and “You Beat Me to the Punch.
{113,114}
Citations are 114, 115.
WERT Doug, 1968-present, (neurological disorder),
He started playing golf as a freshman in high school. Went on to get a degree in professional
golf management. In 1989 he quickly moved up the ranks of the PGA. He is head professional
at Penn State. He plays a large part in helping students learn how to properly run a course. He
has epilepsy.
{26}
Source 43 link is no longer valid. http://epilepsy-international.com/english/history
WESTMORELAND William Childs, 1914-2005, (learning disability),
American general commanded United State forces in the Vietnam War (1964 to 1968). Relied
on ground operation search and destroy. He retired in 1972.
(85}
Citation 126.
WHALE, James 1951-present (dyslexia)
English broadcaster for radio and television. Won three Sony Radio Awards and in 2007 wrote
his autobiography Almost a Celebrity: A Lifetime of Night-Time.
{115}
Citation 116.
WHITESTONE Heather, 1973-present, (hearing impairment),
Due to the flu and the drug the doctor gave her at 18 months of age, it left her deaf. Her mother
spent hours to teach her to lip read and to learn rhythm she took ballet. In college she majored
in accounting, but ballet remained her true passion. She started entering beauty pageants. In
September 1994 she found herself in Atlantic City, New Jersey competing for the title of Miss
America. She was the first woman with a disability ever to hold the treasured crown.
{31,43}
Citation 49, 64.
WILLIAM III, 1650-1702, (neurological disorder),
Also called William of Orange. In 1672 he was elected stateholder (viceroy) of the Netherlands
and fought in the Dutch War (1672-1678). There was fear he would restore the power of the
Roman Catholic Church. He was Europe's leading Protestant statesman and was invited in
1688 to England where he led the so-called ÿGlorious Revolution'. James fled to France and in
1689 William and Mary proclaimed joint sovereigns of England. In 1689 William brought
England into the League of Augsbury, there after known as the Grand Alliance. He became King
of England in 1697. In 1701 he headed the second Grand Alliance but died before he could take
an active part in the struggle. He had epilepsy.
{27}
Source 43 link is not valid. http://epilepsyservices.com/famous.htm
WILLIAMS Donna, 1963-present, (diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder),
Wrote her autobiography Nobody Nowhere: The extraordinary Autobiography of an Autistic
1992 and Somebody Somewhere 1994. Her first book tells of her lifelong battle with autism.
{10,14}
Citation 13, 18.
WILLIAMS Robin, 1951-present, (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder),
Actor/comedian who has been diagnosed with ADHD, starred in television's Mork and Mindy,
1978-1982, won Grammy 1979 for album Reality What A Concept, films include Good Morning,
Vietnam 1987 and The Birdcage 1996, Disney’s Aladdin (voice of Genie) 1992, Mrs. Doubtfire
1993, Jumanji 1994.
{76,77}
Citation 113, 117.
WILLIAMS Tennessee, 1911-1983, (mental health condition)
American playwright who suffered with clinical depression. Plays include the popular The Glass
Menagerie and A Streetcare Named Desire
{59,83}
Citation 93, 123.
WILLIS Bruce, 1955-present, (speech impairment)
American actor with childhood stuttering who played David Addison on television series
Moonlighting, 1985-1989, won 1987 Emmy starred in film Die Hard 1988, Armageddon 1998,
The Sixth Sense 1999.
{4,77,79}
Citation 5, 117, 119.
WILSON Brian, 1942-present, (mental health condition),
Musician composer for the Beach Boys. Vocalist, bassist, pianist with CA rock group, hits
include Help Me Rhonda 1965, wrote Wouldn't It Be Nice: My Own Story 1991. He has bipolar
disorder.
{11,16,76}
Citation 14, 23, 113.
WILSON Woodrow, 1856-1924, (learning disability),
Twenty-eighth President of the United States from 1913-1921 who is known to have a (learning
disability) (dyslexia). World War I leader awarded Nobel Peace Prize for Versailles Treaty, 1919,
domestic reforms included 1914 creation of Federal Reserve.,
{85}
Citation 126.
WILTSHIRE, STEPHEN 1974-present (diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder)
British artist with autism. Could not speak fully until age nine. In 2006, he was named by Queen
Elizabeth II as a Member of the Order of the British Empire, in recognition of his services to the
art world.
{130}
Citation 130 does not exist. The correct citation is 125.
WINKLER Henry, 1945-present, (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder),
American actor, director and producer. Has ADD. He was at the bottom 3% in the county in
math. Played Fonzie on television series Happy Days 1974-1984.
{16,76}
Citation 23, 113.
WINTERS Jonathan, 1925-present, (mental health condition),
American comedian and actor. Known for characterizations, improvisations, films since 1963
include The Loved One 1965. He has bipolar disorder.
{16,81}
Citation 23, 121.
WONDER Stevie, 1950-present, (visual impairment),
Steveland Morris was born premature. He was placed in an incubator. At that time no one knew
oxygen (high-dose) damaged newborn's eyes. By the time he was well enough to leave the
hospital he was completely blind. At age of four he started to play the piano. When his uncle
gave him a harmonica he mastered it almost over night. One of Stevie's friends had an older
brother who played with a band called the Miracles. At age 10 his friend took him to the Motown
studio. After school he hung around the studio experimenting with various instruments and
playing songs he had written himself. The mangers were stunned by his talent and encouraged
him to develop as a songwriter and performer. In 1963, Motown released his first hit single,
Fingertips, Part Two. His first album Little Stevie Wonder The Twelve Year Old Genius. [This is
when he became Stevie Wonder]. In 1971, at age 21 he broke away from Motown and opened
his own recording studio. He experimented with computerized instruments called music
synthesizers. his first self produced album Music of My Mind explored new realms of melody,
rhythm and harmony. In January 1974 he was nominated for six Grammy Awards.
{4}
Citation 5.
WOO John, 1945-present, (physical impairment),
Film and television director. Was born with the given name Wu Yusem. Born in Guangzhou
Province of Mainland China. Now lives in the United States. At age three he was diagnosed with
a serious medical condition in his back. Following surgery he couldn't walk right, until eight
years old, and his right leg is shorter than his left leg. Directed From Rags to Riches 1979, Hard
Target 1993.
{16}
Citation 23.
WOOLF Virginia, 1882-1941, (mental health condition),
British novelist who experienced bipolar depression characterized by feverish periods of writing
and weeks immersed in gloom.
{61}
Citation 95.
WRIGHT Brothers - Wilbur, 1867-1912, (learning disability), 1871-1948 Orville,
Invented and built the first successful airplane. On December 17 1903 they made the world's
first flight in a power-driven, heavier-than air machine near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
{4,85}
Citation 5, 126.
YOO Ye Eun, 2003?-present (visual impairment), A 5 year old prodigy (as of 2008) in piano
from South Korea. She was born blind and has never had any formal piano lesson, but can play
songs just by listening to it once.
{132}
Citation 132 does not exist. The correct citation is 127.

YOUNG Neil, 1945-present, (neurological disorder),
Canadian musician who played with Buffalo Springfield, Crosby Stills Nash and Young. Albums
include Rust Never Sleeps 1979, Freedom 1989, Rugged Glory 1990. He has epilepsy.
{4,11,16,76}
Citation 5, 14, 23, 113.
YOUNG Robert, 1907-1998, (mental health condition),
American actor who starred in television series Father Knows Best 1954-1962, Marcus Welby
MD 1969-1976.
{32}
Citation 52.
References
1) Academic American Encyclopedia. Danbury CT: Grolier 1977.

2) African American Almanac. L Mpho Mabunda, editor 7th Ed. Detroit MI: Gale
Research 1997.
3) African American Biographies: Profiles of ...Current Men and Women, 1st Ed
Supplement. By Walter L. Hawkins. Jefferson NC: McFarland and Co. 1994.
4) Allen Rick. http://www.savageattitude.com/Rick_Bio.html
5) Almanac of Famous People: A Comprehensive Reference Guide to More than
30,000 Famous and Infamous Newsmakers From Biblical Times to the Present,
Frank V. Castronova, editor 6th Ed. Detroit MI: Gale Research 1998.
6) American Decades. Gale Research, 1998.
7) American Men and Women of Science. New York: Bowker 1975.
8) American National Biography. American Council of Learned Societies. New York
NY: Oxford University Press 1999.
9) Andreasen NC. The Broken Brain: the Biological Revolution in Psychiatry. New
York NY: Harper and Row 1984.
10) Armes JJ. Jay J. Armes, Investigator by Jay J. Armes as told to Frederick Nolan.
New York NY: Macmillan 1976.
11) Arms T. Encyclopedia of the Cold War. New York NY: Facts on File 1994.
12) ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership. http://www.asaecenter.org
13) Autism Society. http://www.autism-society.org
14) Baker T. Baker Biography Dictionary of Musicians 8th Ed. Revised by Nicolas
Slonansky. New York NY: Macmillan 1992.
15) Benet's Readers Encyclopedia 4th Ed. Edited by Bruce Murphy. New York NY:
Harper Collins 1996.
16) Blacklock Thomas. http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Thomas_Blacklock
17) Brian D. The True General: An Intimate Portrait of Ernest Hemingway by Those
Who Knew Him 1st Ed. New York NY: Grove Press 1998.
18) Contemporary Authors Vol 151. Detroit MI: Gale Research 1962.
19) Contemporary Authors Online. Gale, 2002.
20) Contemporary Authors Online. Gale, 2004.
21) Contemporary Heroes and Heroines, Book III.
22) Coolidge O. Eugene O'Neill . New York NY: Scribner 1966.
23) Current Biography Yearbook. New York NY: HW Wilson 1940-1998.
24) DeafPeople.com. http://www.deafpeople.com
25) Delphi. http://www.0/delphi.com/disable/famous.htm
26) Dictionary of Hispanic Biography. Gale Research, 1996.
27) Dictionary of Literary Biography Documentary Series: An Illustrated Chronicle.
Detroit MI: Gale Research 1982.
28) Disability Social History Project http://www.disabilityhistory.org
29) Drury W. Norton I: Emperor of the United States: A Biography of One of
Americas Most Colorful Eccentrics. New York NY: Dodd, Mead and Co. 1986.
30) Dury Ian. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Dury
31) E!Online. http://eonline.com/Facts/People.
32) Edwards A. Vivien Leigh: A Biography. New York NY: Simon and Schuster 1997.
33) Egan EW. Kings, Rulers, and Statesmen. Compiled and edited by Edward W
Egan et al., Rev. Ed. New York NY: Sterling Pub Co 1976.
34) Elcar Dan. http//www.series-80.net/us/actor/biography/dana-elcar.html
35) Encyclopedia Britannica. New York NY: Simon and Schuster 1994.
36) Encyclopedia of Latin America. Helen Delpar, Ed. New York NY: McGraw Hill
1974.
37) Encyclopedia of Latin American History. Michael Rheta Martin and Gabriel Lovett
(Eds.) Indianapolis IN: Bobbs-Merrill 1968.
38) Encyclopedia of World Biography, 2nd. Ed. 17 vols. Gale Research, 1998.
39) Encyclopedia of World Biography Supplement, Vol. 19, Gale Group, 1999.
40) Encyclopedia of World Biography Supplement, Vol. 22, Gale Group, 2002.
41) Encyclopedia of World Biography Supplement, Vol 26. Thomson, Gale, 2006.
42) Encyclopedia of World Biography Supplement, Vol 27, Gale, 2007.
43) Epilepsy International. http://epilepsy-international.com/english/history
44) Epilepsy Services. http://epilepsyservices.com/famous.htm
45) Facts on File Encyclopedia Twentieth Century. John Drexel, Ed. New York NY:
Facts on File 1991.
46) Facts on File World News Digest. May 2, 1991;p31603.
47) Gallaudet Encyclopedia of Deaf and Deafness. John Van Cleve, Ed. New York
NY: McGraw Hill 1987.
48) Goodrich, Charles A. Lives of the Signers to the Declaration of independence.
New York: William Reed & Co., 1856. Pages 149-153.
49) Gray D. Yes You Can, Heather! Grand Rapids MI: Zondervan Publishing House
1995.
50) Great American Country. http://www.gactv.com
51) Grey-Thompson, Tanni. http://www.wikipedia.com
52) Halliwell L. Halliwell's Filmgoer's Companion 12th Ed. New York NY: Harper
Collins 1997.
53) Harris J. They Triumphed Over Their Handicaps. New York NY: Franklin Watts
1981.
54) Harris N. The Life and Works of Lautrec. Great Britain 1994.
55) Hershman DJ and Lieb J. Key to Genius. Buffalo NY: Prometheus Books 1988.
56) Hickok R. Who's Who of Sports Champions: Their Stories and Records. Boston
MA. Houghton Mifflin 1995.
57) When the Going Gets Tough. Highlights for Children. June 1998;53(6):6,7.
58) International Motion Picture Almanac. New York NY: Quigley Publishing Co
1999.
59) Internet Movie Database. http://www.imdb.com/
60) Johnson E. Charles Dickens, His Tragedy and Triumph, revised and abridged.
New York NY: Viking Press 1977.
61) Jordan B. http://www.davisonk12.mi.us/dsm/project/women/ajordan.htm
62) Joseph P. Los Angeles Lakers. Edina MN: Abdo and Daughters 1997.
63) Kaplan B. Inner World of Mental Illness; a Series of First Person Accounts of
What It Was Like. Reading PA: Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers 1964.
64) Kent D and Quinlan KH. Extraordinary People with Disabilities. New York NY:
Childrens Press 1996
65) LPGA. http://www.lpga.com/toru/bios/spencer.html.
66) Martin Casey. http://www.wikipedia.com
67) Mayfield Curtis. http://www.biography.com
68) Merrick Joseph Carey. http://www.wikipedia.com
69) Morgan B. The Magic: Earvin Johnson. New York NY: Scholastic 1991.
70) Nash John. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Forbes_Nash_Jr
71) National Women’s History Museum.
http://www.nwhm.org/Education/biography_mrunyan.html
72) Nemeth Abraham. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Nemeth
73) Newsmakers, Issue 3. Gale, 2008.
74) The Sting of Superstardom. Newsweek. August 15, 1983:79.
75) New York Times, N.Y. / Region, November 21, 2000.
76) Nijinsky V. Diary of Vaslov Nijinsky, Kyril FritzLyon (trans) and Joan Acocella
(Ed.) New York NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux 1999.
77) NOW Homepage. http://now.org/press/01-96/01-17-96.html
78) Osbourne Ozzy. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozzy_Osbourne
79) Pelling H. Winston Churchill . New York NY: Dutton and Co. 1974.
80) Pendergrass Teddy. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teddy_Pendergrass
81) Pickering GW. Creative Malady: Illness in the Lives and Minds of Charles
Darwin. New York NY: Oxford University Press 1974.
82) Piersall J and Whittingham R. The Truth Hurts. Chicago IL: Contemporary Books
1984.
83) President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.
http://www.50.pcepd.gov
84) Rhodes Jonty. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonty_Rhodes
85) Rochlin H. Pioneer Jews: A New Life in the Far West. Boston MA: Houghton
Mifflin 1994.
86) Sammons J. Music of Chopin. Boston MA: Routledge and Kegan Paul 1985.
87) Sandburg C. Abraham Lincoln: The Prairie Years and the War Years. New York
NY: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich 1970.
88) Shapiro JP. No Pity: People with Disability, Forging a New Civil Rights
Movement. New York NY: Random House 1993.
89) Shearing George. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki.George_Shearing
90) Shearing George. http://www.georgeshearing.net/bio.html
91) Sporting News Baseball Register. St Louis MO: Sporting News 1977.
92) Sports Page. http://www.baseballserver.com
93) Spoto D. Kindness of Strangers: The Life of Tennessee Williams. New York NY:
DaCapo Press 1997.
94) Staring Back: The Disability Experience from the Inside out. Kenny Fries, Ed.
New York NY: Plume Books 1997.
95) Starr A. Dynamics of Creation. New York NY: Ballantine Books 1993.
96) Sting. http://www.wallofsound.go.com/artistrysting/home.html
97) Swarthmore College. http://www.sccs.swarthmore.edu
98) Terry Fox Foundation. http://www.terryfoxrun.org/foundation/facts.html
99) Thaw, John. http;//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Thaw
100) United States Congress. Official Congressional Directory. Washington DC: US
Government Printing Office 1933.
101) University of Arizona Library's Worldwide Web Home Page.
http://dizzy.library.arizona.edu
102) A Quest for the Genie of Madness. US News and World Report. November 21,
1988:16.
103) Van Cleve. Deaf History Unveiled. John Vickrey, Ed. Washington DC: Gallaudet
University Press 1993.
104) Van Gogh V. Dear Theo: the Autobiography of Vincent Van Gogh. Irving Stone,
Ed. New York NY: New American Library 1969.
105) Vincent B. Dictionary of Biography Past and Present Containing the Chief Events
in the Lives of Eminent Persons of All Ages and Nations, Preceded by the
Biographies and Genealogies of the Chief Representatives of the Royal Houses
of the World. Detroit MI: Gale Research 1974.
106) Wachtler S. After the Madness: A Judge's Own Prison Memoir. New York NY:
Random House 1997.
107) Wagner-Martin L. Sylvia Plath: A Biography. New York NY: Simon and Schuster
1987.
108) Watson Doc. http://folkmusic.about.com/od/artistsaz/p/DocWatson.html
109) Washington Post Friday, November 11, 2005: Page B07.
110) Weinstock H. Donizetti and the World of Opera in Italy, Paris and Vienna in the
First Half of the Nineteenth Century. New York NY: Pantheon Books 1963.
111) Who's Who Among African Americans. New York NY : Gale Research 1997.
112) Who's Who in American Politics. New York NY: Bowker 1997.
113) Who's Who in American: A Biographical Dictionary of Notable Living Men and
Women. New Providence NJ: Marquis Who's Who 1998.
114) Wells Mary. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki.Mary_Wells
115) Wells Mary. http://www.cmgww.com/music/wells
116) Whale James. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Whale
117) Who's Who in Entertainment. New Providence NJ: Marquis Who's Who 1988.
118) Who's Who in Government 1972-1973. Chicago IL: Marquis Who's Who 1972.
119) Who's Who in Hollywood. New York NY: Arlington House 1992.
120) Who's Who in the South and Southwest. New Providence NJ: Marquis Who's
Who 1999.
121) Who's Who in the West. New Providence NJ: Marquis Who's Who 1998.
122) Who's Who in the World. Chicago IL: Marquis Who's Who 1999.
123) Williams T. Five O'clock Angel: Letters of Tennessee Williams to Maria St. Just,
1948-1982. New York NY: Knopf; distributed by Random House 1990.
124) Wilson J. Biography of the Blind: Including the Lives of All Who Have
Distinguished Themselves as Poets, Philosophers, Artists, etc.etc... Washington
DC: Library of Congress 1995.
125) Wiltshire Stephen. http://www.stephenwiltshire.co.uk/biography.aspx
126) World Book Encyclopedia. Chicago IL: World Book Inc 1997.
127) Yoo Ye Eun. http;//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoo_Ye_Eun

Famous People With Disabilities Scribd

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Famous People With Disabilities Scribd

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Famous People With Disabilities Scribd

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

ENL 4132.

USF Green Team

USF Green Team’s major contributions:

 Review of all citations

Verifiable corrections signified in yellow

Source uncertain signified in blue

 Coordination of terminology to meet ADA standards

Corrections indicated in pink

 Collaboration toward creation of Cover Page

Updated and Revised Edition

ABBOTT Bud, 1900-1974, (neurological disorder),

Citation: 23, 44(link invalid), 52

ABBOTT Jim, 1967-present, (physical impairment),

ALDRIN Edwin Eugene Jr. [Buzz], 1930-present, (bipolar disorder),

ALEXANDER Grover Cleveland, 1887-1950, (epilepsy),

ALEXANDER the Great, 356-323BC, (physical impairment) (epilepsy),

ALFRED the Great, 849-901?, (epilepsy)

Citation: 44(link invalid), 105, 126

ALI Mohammad, 1942-present, (diagnosed with neuromuscular condition)

Citation: 56, 126

ALONSO Alicia, 1921-present, (visual impairment),

AMBROSI Gustinus, 1893-1975, (hearing impairment),

ANDERSON Hans Christian, 1805-1875, (learning disability),

ARAFAT Yasir [Mohammed Abdel-Raouf Arafat-al-Qudwa-al- Hussseini], 1929-

ARISTOLE, 384-322 BC, (epilepsy),

Citation: 43(link invalid)

ARMES Jay J., 1938-present, (physical impairment),

ARNOLD Hillis, 1910-present, (hearing impairment),

ASHLEY Jack, 1922-present, (hearing impairment)

BADER, Douglas Sir, 1910-1982, (physical impairment),

BALAGUER Joaquin, 1907-present, (visual impairment),

Citation: 36, 45, 122

BALLARD Kaye, 1926-present, (hearing impairment),

BEATTY Ned, 1937-present, (mental health condition),

BEETHOVEN Ludwig Von, 1770-1827, (mental health condition) (hearing impairment),

Citation: 55, 126

BELAFONTE Harry, 1927-present, (learning disability),

BELL Alexander Graham, 1847-1922, (learning disability),

BELL Buddy [David Gus Bell], 1951-present, (epilepsy),

BERLIOZ Hector, 1803-1869, (epilepsy)

Citation: 14, 126

BERNHARDT, Sarah 1844-1923 (physical impairment)

BONERZ Peter, 1938-present, (speech impairment),

BOOTH Edmund, 1810-1905, (visual impairment),

BORGES Jorge Luis, 1899-1986, (visual impairment)

Citation: 35, 126

BRADY James, 1940-present, (brain injury)

BRAILLE Louis, 1809-1852, (visual impairment),

BRIDGMAN Laura, 1829-1889, (deaf and blind),

BRODERSON Morris, 1928-present, (hearing impairment),

BROWN Christy, 1932-1981, (physical impairment),

BUCHWALD Art, 1925-2007, (mental health condition),

BUDDHA [Siddhartha Gautama], 563BC-483BC, (neurological disorder),

Citation: 15, 44(link invalid), 126

BURKE Chris, 1965-present, (developmental disability)

BURTON Richard, 1925-1984, (epilepsy),

Citation: 23, 43(link invalid), 52

BURTON Tim, 1958-present, (mental health condition)

BYRON Lord, 1788-1824, (neurological disorder),

CALLAHAN John, 1951-present, (physical impairment),