As we celebrate Black History Month this February, we wanted to look at some famous African American individuals with disabilities. Black History Month was created to remember and celebrate important people and events that helped shape the United States. Not only have these individuals done just that, but they happen to live with a disability of some kind as well, proving that a disability can’t stop someone from achieving great things!
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Haben Girma is a Deafblind lawyer who actively fights for disability rights. She is also a public speaker and was named on of Forbes “30 Under 30” in 2016. You can learn more about Haben on her website. |
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Harriet Tubman, one of the most famous historical icons, is often recognized, but not as an individual with a disability. An injury from a slave owner caused Harriet to spend the rest of her life struggling with Epilepsy. Learn more about her struggle here. |
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Simone Biles, one of the most famous and decorated Olympians, suffers from ADHD. Her disability almost cost her the opportunity to compete in the Tokyo Olympics as her medication is banned in Japan. However, Simone advocated for herself and other athletes and was able to compete. Now, she proudly stands up for individuals living with ADHD. Learn more about Simone’s struggle here. |
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Muhammad Ali is a champion boxer and an advocate for racial and social justice. He’s made a huge mark on the world, but what many don’t know is that he also has dyslexia. He has struggled with dyslexia since he was a kid, which caused him to lack confidence in school. Learn more about his experience with his disability here. |
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Lauren “Lolo” Spencer is a modern influencer, actress, and model with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. She devotes a lot of her time to educating the public on what it’s like to live with a disability. Check out her YouTube page here. |
Welcome to Lifelong Access.
You may know us as Marcfirst, but we've recently undergone a name change. Why? Because in every phase of life, it’s never a question of if we helped. It’s how we help that truly counts. And how much we helped. Because our clients never outgrow us. And, we never outgrow them. Hence, our new name: Lifelong Access.