The employment rate of people with non-disabled people is 82%, whereas that of people with disabilities is 53%. These statistics are pivotal in presenting the true picture of individuals living with disabilities, highlighting the sheer courage and determination of those who fight against all such odds to make the most of their lives.
Such statistics also bring to light various inspirational stories of individuals who have risen beyond biological and cultural constraints, some of whom are discussed ahead.
This article acknowledges their patience and perseverance in bringing their story to the rest of the world. Most of them have gone on to become a disability speaker and inspire others with their stories of motivation.
Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson
Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson is a well-known disability speaker globally acknowledged for her numerous accolades as a wheelchair racer. She holds 11 Gold Paralympic medals, six London Marathon wins, and a whopping 30 world records that set her apart from everyone else. She represented Team GB at numerous Paralympic Games and, after serving for several years, has since retired to work as an advisor, consultant, disability speaker, and television presenter.
Tanni was born with Spina Bifida, a disorder that compelled her to use a wheelchair her entire life. But that wasn’t enough to hinder her path to success in the sporting world. Apart from her resounding impact in this industry, she has been a keen advocate for disability awareness through her various talks. She has been a part of the National Disability Council, a Patron of Tees Wheelyboats Club, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the London International Forum for Equality.
In honor of her innumerable services to the disadvantaged and disabled community, Tanni also holds an Honorary Doctorate of Science, making her an icon and a true role model for various celebrations on Disability Awareness Day.
Ellie Simmonds
If you are interested in disability speakers, you must recognize Ellie Simmonds as a highly distinguished British Paralympian who holds the honor of winning four Paralympic Gold medals before turning 20. Sounds incredible, right? This is an honor that not many athletes without disabilities have been able to secure, making her a true role model. She was born with Achondroplasia, but despite that, Ellie has made her mark in the S6 Paralympic events. She presently holds five Gold, one Silver, and two Bronze Paralympic medals for her outstanding performances.
But that isn’t all: she also boasts the honor of being the youngest person to ever be appointed as an MBE. Ellie was also named the Best British Sporting Performance for an Athlete with Disability award at the Jaguar Academy of Sport Annual Awards, propelling her to further fame.
Despite her glittering sporting career, Ellie has always made time to advocate for athletes with disabilities, which is significantly prominent in her endeavors as a Patron of the Dwarf Sports Association UK.
Ade Adepitan
Ade Adepitan contracted Polio in his early childhood. The infection affected his legs significantly, causing a complete loss of function, thereby changing Ade’s life forever. But despite this difficulty, he found ways to power through and make the best of his life in order to accomplish his goals and aspirations. His perseverance and hard work allowed him to materialize a highly successful career as a wheelchair basketball player, which has continued for two decades.
Ade’s exceptional career as the representative of Team GB at the 2004 Paralympic Games made him an icon and a role model for all athletes with disabilities, letting the world know that anything is possible if you have the right amount of willpower.
Ade holds a Paralympic Bronze medal and is also the proud presenter of a number of his own television shows. These include Climate Change: Ade on the Frontline and Africa with Ade Adepitan. Thus, advocating for athletes with disabilities is not the only way he gives back to his society, but he also delves into other serious topics, including climate change.
Ever since he was appointed to the position of MBE for Services to Disability Sports, Ade has established himself as a devoted disability advocate. His exemplary services have won him the Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of East London and placed his name on the 2020 Powerlist of the Most Influential Black British People. He is widely known in the disability speaker circle as a powerful and eloquent leader capable of turning his audience with his words alone.
Summing Up
Living a life with a disability is a lot harder than it may seem, with the mental and emotional toll being much more challenging than the physical effects. This is why all individuals who work to break the chains of their disability to excel in their careers are an inspiration for all, no matter the intricacies of their condition.
These professionals are just a few of the long list of disability speakers who have made their mark on the world with their perseverance and continue to advocate for change with their constant efforts in the industry. Visit here to related post to learn more about such inspirational stories!
