However, many people with disabilities have gone on to lead successful, productive lives full of personal and professional accomplishments. Chances are, you’ve even heard of some of them!
Justin
Timberlake has OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) as well as ADHD (Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). He first gained fame in the late 1990′s as a
member of boy band N’Sync, perhaps best known for their hit song “Bye Bye Bye.”
After N’Sync broke up in the early 2000′s, Timberlake went on to become one of
the biggest celebrities of the 21st century. In addition to writing, producing,
and releasing two solo CD’s of his own, he has also starred in a number of
highly successful movies including The Social Network and Friends
with Benefits, written and produced songs for other artists, and won
multiple awards, including three Emmys and six Grammys. Other celebrities with
OCD include actor Leonardo DiCaprio, soccer player David Beckham, and actress
Megan Fox.
Michael Phelps
was diagnosed with ADHD as a young boy. He had so much trouble sitting still
and paying attention in school that his teachers told his mother that he would
never be able to focus on anything. He was able to channel his energy into
swimming, and went on to become a competitive swimmer. He proved his teachers wrong by winning 19
gold medals in the Olympics and breaking the Olympic record. Other celebrities with ADHD include “Dancing
With The Stars” finalist Karina Smirnoff, actor and rapper Will Smith, actor
and comedian Jim Carrey, and pop superstar Britney Spears.
Samuel L.
Jackson had a serious stutter as a child. At the suggestion of his speech
therapist, he got involved in acting as a way to improve his speech. He grew up
to become an Academy Award-winning actor, starring in movies such as Pulp Fiction and Shaft. Other celebrities who
once had speech impediments include Bruce Willis and Julia Roberts.
John
Mellencamp has spina bifida, a disorder of the spinal column. His disability
didn’t stop him from becoming one of America’s most beloved rock singers and a
member of the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. His numerous hit songs include “Small
Town,” “Little Pink Houses,” “Jack and Diane,” and “Hurts So Good.” Other celebrities with spina bifida include
Grammy-winning folk/country singer Lucinda Williams and pro golfer Sebi Garcia.
The hit
television series Glee includes
several cast members with disabilities. Jane Lynch, who stars as cheerleading
coach Sue Sylvester, is deaf in one ear. Lauren Potter (Becky Jackson) and
Robin Trocki (Jean Sylvester) both have Down Syndrome. Also, The
Glee Project, a reality TV show/talent competition in which the winner gets
cast on Glee, included three contestants
with disabilities this past summer. Ali Strocker has been paralyzed since she
was in a car accident as a toddler, and uses a wheelchair. Charlie Lubeck has
ADHD and autism. Mario Bonds is blind. Although none of them won the
competition, the disability community became more represented on TV as a result
of these three finalists.
So, if you
have a disability, think of all that these celebrities have accomplished, and
say, “bye bye bye” to the notion that you’ll never be successful!
- Authored by Becky
Rizoli
