5 inspiring stories of famous people with disabilities
This Disability History Month, we’re shining a light on 5 famous disabled people who have made a huge impact on the world. They have shown that their disability isn’t a barrier to successful careers. With the right support, anything is possible.
This year’s theme for Disability History Month is Disability, Livelihood, and Employment. For too long, disability has been unfairly associated with unemployment. We know this isn’t always true.
Sometimes, living with a disability can mean people challenge your aspirations or define what they think is possible for you.
At Kids, we reject this notion. When the world says we can’t, kids say we can. We believe that every child and young person should have equal opportunities.
For this year’s Disability History Month, we’re shining a light on 5 disabled people who have made history through their careers and continue to inspire the world.
1. Greta Thunberg
Greta Thunberg is an activist who sparked a global movement for climate action.
In 2018, she led the School Strike for Climate movement, urging Sweden to meet the Paris climate agreement. The movement grew to millions of students worldwide, with weekly climate strikes.
Through her work, she has addressed the European Parliament, the UN, and the World Economic Forum. She has earned multiple Nobel Peace Prize nominations, been named Time’s Person of the Year (2019), and ranked among Forbes’ 100 most powerful women (2019).
Thunberg has been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome (now autism spectrum condition; ASC), selective mutism, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This may have helped to focus her environmental passions and contributed to her creating powerful change in the world.
2. Emma Watson
If you’ve not heard the name Emma Watson, you’ll certainly know the name of her most famous role: Hermione Granger.
Emma Watson rose to fame at age 11, with the film Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. She starred in all 8 Harry Potter films and made a name for herself as an actor in other independent and blockbuster movies.
Beyond the screen, Watson served as the UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and addressed the UN in 2014. Her role was instrumental in bringing gender equality to the centre of the UN agenda.
Watson was diagnosed with ADHD at age 9 and has openly discussed using medication to manage her condition. She has shared how ADHD helps her focus intensely on her passions, allowing her to fully dedicate herself to both her acting and advocacy career.
3. Scott Kelly
Scott Kelly is an engineer, retired astronaut, and naval aviator.
Kelly commanded the International Space Station three times, including a yearlong mission – the longest by an American astronaut. In 1996, he and his brother Mark were the first ever relatives selected to become NASA astronauts.
Before NASA, Kelly served 25 years in the US Navy as a jet pilot, flying over 8,000 hours in more than 40 aircraft. After NASA, he became the UN Champion for Space. Speaking at the UNISPACE50+ conference, he discussed the limitlessness of human potential.
Kelly has always navigated attention challenges, and as a child, wondered if this might stand in the way of becoming an astronaut.
Although never formally diagnosed with ADHD, he says that he would certainly be diagnosed with the condition today. He mentions that ADHD may have fuelled his passion for space and contributed to his success as an astronaut.
4. Kadeena Cox
Kadeena Cox is an athlete who has excelled in both sprinting and cycling.
Cox began her career as an able-bodied sprinter, competing at a national level in the 100m sprint. In 2014, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which changed the trajectory of her sporting journey.
In 2016, Cox reached the Rio paralympic games where she won gold as both a paralympic sprinter and a para-cyclist. Since 2016, she has won gold in three world para-cycling championships, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Off the track, she was awarded an OBE in 2022 for her services to athletics and cycling.
She continues to represent the UK in para-cycling and acts as a public facing ambassador of the sport.
5. Nikola Tesla
Nikola Tesla is one of the most important figures in the history of modern science.
In 1888, Tesla developed the system for distributing alternating current (AC) electricity, which is still used to power homes and businesses today. His work also led to early advancements in X-ray imaging and the invention of remote-controlled vehicles.
In the 1890s, he developed a model for wireless power distribution and communication, laying the groundwork for modern technologies like mobile phones.
Whilst Nikola Tesla was never diagnosed with autism, some experts believe he showed traits associated with it, such as hyper focus and repetitive behaviours. These qualities could have contributed to his groundbreaking work in physics that continues to shape the world today.
Empowering young people with SEND to shape their future
At Kids, we’re proud to support many young people with SEND as they accomplish amazing things and navigate the journey to adulthood. Whether it’s preparing for the workplace, gaining independence, or exploring new passions, we believe in championing young people to shape their own futures.
Not every job means winning a gold medal. Not every job takes you to space. But, your disability won’t stop you from reaching these heights. Your goals are your own. Your future is in your hands.
Young person with SEND working at Marwell Zoo
Charlie, a young person with SEND, shows us what it’s like to work at Marwell zoo. He shares his tips and experiences through a typical working day and his colleagues discuss the value of inclusion in the workforce.
To discover more real-life stories of young people with SEND thriving and reaching their goals, visit our Young People’s Hub.