Illness and Disability - Fun Zone - Did you Know?
Illness and Disability -
Fun Zone
Did you know?
There are many famous people who did not let their illnesses
or disabilities stop them from going after their dreams. So, don’t let
anything stop you from going after yours!
- NBA Superstar Magic Johnson became infected with HIV in
1991 and educates young people about how to avoid getting the virus.
- Miss America 1995, Heather Whitestone, is hearing impaired.
She was the first woman with a disability to be given this crown.
- Television Star Nicolas Brendon has dealt with stuttering
his whole life, and is now serving as honorary chairperson of the Stuttering
Foundation of America.
Lessons from history
There are many leaders, teachers, entertainers and others with illnesses and
disabilities who have made a difference in America’s history. Read on
to find out who some of them are.
- Harriet Tubman, an anti-slavery crusader, had epilepsy.
- Walt Disney, cartoonist and founder of Walt Disney World ®, had a learning
disability.
- Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt led the nation from a wheelchair,
after he lost the use of his legs from the polio virus.
- Artist Leonardo Da Vinci, who created the famous Mona Lisa painting, had
epilepsy.
- Judy Garland, star of The Wizard of Oz, suffered from depression.
Are your parents in the know? Be a history teacher for a day
and quiz your parents to see if they know what these famous people in history
have overcome.
Click here to read personal stories,
play games, and talk with other young people with illnesses and disabilities.
For more information...
4Girls Glossary
Last updated April 2004
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