Famous People

Justin Dart Jr.
Justin Dart Jr. was an internationally known leader in the disability rights movement. He is recognized as “Father of the Americans with Disabilities Act.”

John Nash
Dr. John Nash began to suffer schizophrenia in 1959 and managed to overcome his illness several years later. He is the winner of the 1994 Nobel Prize of Economic Science. The 2002 Oscar Best Picture, "A Beautiful Mind," is based on his story.

Red Disability 
Famous people organized by career (musician, politician,etc.)

Shawn Dale Barnett 
Known widely for his membership in the band Alice in Chains. He was a professional deaf drummer, songwriter, educator (he teaches "deaf music" to the deaf) and an inspiration not only to the deaf world, but also to the whole world.

Doc Watson
A legendary blind performer who blends his traditional Appalachian folk music roots with bluegrass, country. You can find a brief biography of him and his concert schedule at this site.

Dorothea Dix
The top 100 women of the millennium is a popular poll, not a scientific one; however, the biographies here are very informative as well as entertaining. Dorothea is ranked as number 59.

Family Village Library's Directory of Famous People with Disabilities
This site features successful persons who have beaten the odds against them. The approach of this site is very simple and clear, suitable for both children and adults.

Famous People with Disabilities
Here is another avenue for you to discover more famous people who attained their goals despite their disabilities.