Historical Figures with Disabilities
This individual is very famous for becoming an author, political activist, and lecturer despite having both a visual and hearing impairment.
Helen Keller
This Miami athlete recently went public with his personal struggle with anxiety and panic attacks.
Kevin Love
This celebrity famously received a kidney transplant from her best friend due to her struggle with the chronic autoimmune disease, Lupus.
Selena Gomez
A common disorder that affects the large intestine. Common symptoms include: abdominal pain, bloating, gas, constipation or diarrhea.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
You see a person you think has a visual impairment struggling to find their way through a complicated building. What do you do?
- Always ask before you help
- Say hello and introduce yourself first (especially if the individual has a sight-impairment).
- Ask in a polite way. For example, "You look like you could use some help" isn't the best thing to say to someone with a disability. A better alternative would be, "May I help you with that?". It's more polite to ask if you can help, not if they need it.
- If they say no, respect that.
- Be sensitive about physical contact, they may not feel comfortable with you touching them.
- If they have a guide dog, don't pet the dog.
One of the most famous musicians of all time. This German composer struggled with a hearing impairment beginning at age 28, and continued to compose music by hearing the music in his head, and by feeling the vibrations of the piano.
Ludwig van Beethoven
This actor, famous for his film Meet the Parents, is candid about his diagnosis with bipolar disorder.
Ben Stiller
This Purple Rain singer struggled with seizures due to Epilepsy since childhood.
Prince
This developmental disorder is characterized by difficulties with social interaction and nonverbal communication.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
You see someone get very frustrated after a presentation during a meeting. In the hallway, you see them crying and having an apparent panic attack.
- Ask them if they are okay
- Ask if there is anything you can do to help or if you can call someone for them.
-If they confide in you, consider suggesting Lyra or the Employee Assistance Program. Do not ask if they have a disability.
- If they do not want to talk, leave them alone.
This famous Mathematician/Physicist had a learning disability, and did not speak until the age of 3.
Albert Einstein
This singer, often referred to as the Princess of Pop, revealed that she has struggled with mental illness, including depression and bipolar disorder, for much of her life.
Britney Spears
This famous model, well known for dating the Weeknd, has struggled with Lyme Disease for several years.
Bella Hadid
This disorder is characterized by problems paying attention, excessive activity, or struggles in managing impulses.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
You see someone on crutches struggling to carry their backpack to the office.
- Ask if you can lend them a hand. Don't ask if they need help, ask if they would like help.
- Respect their wishes if they say no.
This scientist/inventor is most well-known for patenting the first practical telephone. Many people do not know that he had dyslexia.
Alexander Graham Bell
This singer, best known for her raunchy performances and eccentric outfits, has been open about having struggled with PTSD, bulimia, and is a survivor of sexual assault.
Lady Gaga
This actress, well known for her action films and large family, underwent a double mastectomy and ovary-removal surgery after finding out she has a gene mutation that causes cancer early in life.
Angelina Jolie
A disorder that causes blood glucose levels to be higher than usual. Healthy diet, medication, and exercise are common treatment.
Type II Diabetes
You see someone you know walk into HR or talking to HR on the phone.
- If they look at you, say hi!
- You're both there to get the accommodations you deserve, don't feel embarrassed.
- Don't bring up them being part of HR in front of other people unless they tell you otherwise. It if important to respect your peers' confidentiality.
This world famous cartoon artist went on to create one of the most popular motion picture companies ever. Many people do not know that he struggled with dyslexia his whole life.
Walt Disney
This former Disney Channel star has a history of eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and addiction. They are a leader of the advocacy group, Be Vocal: Speak Up for Mental Health.
Demi Lovato
This Catwoman actress was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes after collapsing on set of a TV show. She takes insulin and watches her diet to prevent drastic blood sugar changes.
Halle Berry
This disability impacts an individual's ability to write, as well as coherence. It is usually accompanied by a learning disability.
Dysgraphia
A manager asks you why they should provide the accommodations listed on your Letter of Accommodation and asks about your diagnosis.
- You can politely let them know that they are legally obligated to provide accommodations to ensure equal opportunity to all employees.
- If they still have questions, you can put them in contact with HR.
- The manager isn't entitled to know your confidential information, only what accommodations you receive. If you wish to self-disclose, that is your choice, but you should never feel pressured to.