Successful People With Disability

I don’t know how anyone would define success, I think it really differs from one person to another. Well, radically, I think success is just a perspective in life. Any normal person can say that success is obscure, and not suitable for everyone in this world. But, If we, normal people can say that, how can we motivate and inspire those people who had lived with handicap and disability?

While browsing online of stories about people with disabilities, I have realized that these people are actually the ones inspiring us to live a better life. The journey they made to overcome the struggles of disability and to persevere living the life suited for them at the present were just overwhelming to say that these are success stories and they have conquered the hardest of time and situation. 

Jogging my memory back to the time when I was so fond of watching talent shows on TV, I stumbled upon great musicians, singers and even songwriters who happened to have physical disabilities as well. It’s amazing that despite their condition, they continued to pursue their dreams and passion.

David Francisco 

He is a Spinal Cord Injury survivor after a road traffic accident. However, that didn’t stop him from making songs and sing again. Just recently, I subscribed to his YouTube channel and he is really talented, not only in singing but also in playing different musical instruments like the guitar and the piano. In a documentary video, I learned that before the accident he has been recording music and all that sorts. It’s amazing how he was able to bounce back with a career and a great following on YouTube after his depressing ordeal with paraplegia. You can check out one of his videos from YouTube that I love to listen.

This song just speaks so much about his life and struggles. Mind you, the photos and videos from this video are his during his hospitalization and Physical Therapy sessions.

Sirine Jahangir, IG: Sirine_music

I’ve seen her on one of the famous talent shows in Great Britain, and she sings like an angel. Sirine is a British Pakistani who has a really touching story about her disability. I really don’t know the exact cause of her blindness but she’s not born blind actually. The blindness started when she was 11, and since then her struggles about adjusting from the colorful world she used to see disappear. However, that didn’t stop her from chasing her dreams.

Rick Allen 

If you’re from the 90’s, you might recognize how popular “Def Leppard,” an English rock band. I can easily connect this band with their song “When Love and Hate Collide” because I can always hear this song back then in every radio station in our city. Rick Allen was that energetic drummer of the group. In 1984, he got into a tragic vehicular accident and lost his left upper extremity. I’ve seen his interview with BBC from 8 months ago, and it’s astonishing how he was able to stride back playing the drums still in perfect tune. With the help of technology, of course, his drum set was customized, more fitting for his disability. Moreover, he continues to inspire others with his art and passion for music.

There are really plenty of inspiring success stories from persons with disabilities that I can share with you here. I'm sure they too experienced the frustration and self-pity. Behind these successes are tears, sweat and labor, its a painstaking journey of falling and getting up again. I'm glad that we have these stories to reflect and be motivated to keep fighting. Perhaps in the next few days I can talk about more success stories of these people who have been making names and waves online and in the little communities they are in. 

This week, I thought about writing about it to celebrate National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation week. This happens every third week of July here in the Philippines, though I guess the International day for Persons With Disabilities would still be in December. 

Anyway, I encourage my co-authors here to celebrate with me, write and share a story of someone you follow online or anyone in your community with a disability and inspire the world with their story and dedication for self worth and social responsibility despite their disability.

Thanks for reading everyone and let me leave you with this before I hit the sack.

"I praise YOU because I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." - Psalm 139: 14

Yes! You are!

Lead Image from Pixabay

Music Video from YouTube (not mine)

All Original Content (unless specified otherwise)

07/17/2022

©️ LykeLyca

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