Success Despite a Wheelchair

Published: December 22, 2014

Whether or not you happen to be in a wheelchair, it’s important to realize that a wheelchair doesn’t have to hold you back. Despite having a need for a wheelchair, anything is possible — even succeeding at your dream job. To inspire more people to chase after their dreams, we’ve put together a few examples of people who have proven to be quite prosperous despite being in a wheelchair.

Stephen Hawking

Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) when he was just 21 years old, Stephen wasn’t expected to live much longer after his illness was identified. However, he’s lived more than 40 years with the disease and became a well-known professor, despite the fact that he cannot walk, talk, breathe, or swallow on his own.

Christopher Reeve

Though Christopher was very successful before being involved in an accident that left him paralyzed (he portrayed Superman in four films and starred in numerous other movies), he went on to achieve other great accomplishments while in a wheelchair. Not only did he lobby on behalf of people with spinal cord injuries, but he supported human embryonic stem cell research. Christopher also successfully founded the Christopher Reeve Foundation and co-founded the Reeve-Irvine Research Center before his death in 2004.

Itzhak Perlman

Though he conducted polio at the age of four, Itzhak went on to be quite successful and very well known. Learning to walk with crutches, he became a violinist, conductor, and pedagogue. He know uses a wheelchair and plays the violin when he’s seated. Itzhak is noted for being able to communicate the joy he feels while playing, as well as his emotions.

Joni Eareckson Tada

Joni is known for being an evangelical Christian author, radio host, and founder of Joni and Friends. Even after a diving accident left her hospitalized and paralyzed, she spent two years in rehab and still went on to write her international bestselling autobiography which was later turned into a film.

Never Give Up

If you have a dream, then it’s important to never give up on that dream — no matter setbacks you may face. No matter what your personal circumstances may be, whether or not you happen to be in a wheelchair, you can still find success.