Individuals with disabilities empower and inspire every day. Strong advocates encourage change and support consumers to make informed decisions. Advocates promote human rights and collaborate with the public to motivate change. Individuals with disabilities disprove negative stigmas and stereotypes regarding the disability community every day. The following are examples of just some of the individuals who have surpassed challenging obstacles to make a difference in the world for themselves, friends, family and other individuals with disabilities.

Helen Keller (June 27, 1880-June 1, 1968) was only 19 months old when she lost her sight and hearing to an illness described by doctors as “an acute congestion of the stomach and the brain.” By the age of 6, Helen had developed her own version of sign language or “home signs” to communicate with her family around the house. In 1886, the Perkins Institute for the Blind issued Helen an instructor, Anne Sullivan, who was also visually impaired. The pairing of these two young women began a life-long relationship of education and companionship. Through Sullivan's teachings, Helen developed sign language and learned how to read Braille not only in English but also French, German, Greek and Latin.

In 1904, a 24-year-old Keller graduated from Radcliffe College, becoming the first deaf blind individual to earn a bachelor of arts degree. Helen Keller was an author, advocate and lecturer. She supported individuals with disabilities while advocating as a suffragist, a pacifist, and an avid Socialist. Helen Keller met every U.S. president from Grover Cleveland to Lyndon B. Johnson as she actively participated in politics and organized the American Civil Liberties Union in 1920. Helen Keller was a mover and a shaker and left behind a legacy that continues to motivate and inspire individuals across the world. Helen Keller is an American icon.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver made a substantial impact on individuals with intellectual disabilities when she founded the original Special Olympics. The First International Summer Games were held in the 1960s. Shriver was a strong advocate for the disabled, inspired by her sister, Rosemary Kennedy, who had an intellectual disability; she organized day camps for the disabled. Shriver saw the ability and potential for disabled individuals to compete in sporting events and athletic competitions.

Today, the Special Olympics provide an opportunity for disabled individuals across the world to gain self-confidence, social skills and personal success through competition. The Special Olympics promotes participation from the community at large. Friends, family, volunteers and spectators recognize the need for equality, respect and acceptance for these athletes. Athletes develop a sense of skill, enjoyment, team work and personal growth from competition. As each athlete performs to the best of their ability, one can not be affected by the pure determination and success of these individuals. Special Olympic Athletes recite the same oath spoken by Roman Gladiators as they entered the arena facing significant battles, “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Take time to recognize and remember individuals and organizations that have made an impact on our culture. So many motivational people surround us everyday; co-workers, consumers, government leaders, everyday citizens. One person can make a change. One dream can make a difference. And one idea can motivate a society.

Quote of the Week:

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world”

- Mohandas Gandhi

Amanda Derby is the housing advocate for Options for Independence, located at 75 Genesee St., Auburn.