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Published February 2008 Filed in Intellectual Disabilitiescategory

Role Models for Motivating Students with Significant Disabilities

People with disabilities can also be taught to set goals, be self-determined and be great contributors in their life-time.  So, where are the role models of people with disabilities demonstrating what they are doing and inspiring students with stories of what can be done?  Below is a list of people with disabilities who can be role models and provide motivation to your students.

 

Role Model

Where to Find Information

Mattie Stepanek, writer, philosopher

http://www.mattieonline.com

Bradley Walker, Blue Grass singer

http://www.bradleywalker.com

Stephen Hawking, writer, teacher

http://www.hawking.org.uk

Franklin D. Roosevelt, U.S. President

 http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu

This site has wonderful video and audio resources about FDR. Including student resources such as the The Roosevelt Rap.

Greg Smith (is “America’s Strength Coach)

http://www.thestrengthcoach.com

Dan Keplinger,  (King Gimp) Artist

http://www.kinggimp.com
Dick and Rick Hoyt, “Team Hoyt” http://teamhoyt.zrainmedia.com/videos/todays-heroes.htm
Hellen Keller, individual with dual-sensory impairments http://www.afb.org/braillebug/hkindex.asp

Other Ideas:

Contact local disabilities agencies for a list of people who may be interested in speaking to your students.

Ask other teachers in your division for a list of older students who could speak to or mentor your students.

Tags: disabilities, disability awareness

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