Haben Girma advocates for equal opportunities for people with disabilities. She developed a text-to-braille communication system that created an exciting new way to connect with people. Girma pioneered her way through obstacles, graduated from Harvard Law and now uses her talents to advocate for people with disabilities.
Dancer Mary Verdi-Fletcher founded Cleveland-based Dancing Wheels in 1980 as the US’s first professional dance company to include dancers with and without disabilities.
1800s Irish novelist
Korean-American disability rights activist
One of Australia’s most successful Paralympians.
Born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bones Disease) that limits her range of motion, the violinist, singer, and songwriter plays the violin with a technique like that of a cellist. Her original songs and approach to traditional fiddle music are enhanced by her incorporation of live looping and sonic exploration.
Rhythm-and-blues artist Toni Braxton launched her recording career with Atlanta’s LaFace Records label in the early 1990s and has gone on to win numerous Grammy Awards and American Music Awards. Her best-known songs include “Breathe Again” (1993), “Un-Break My Heart” (1996), “You’re Makin’ Me High” (1996), and “He Wasn’t Man Enough” (2000).
Transgender woman killed in 2013
Deaf woman who ministered to the Catholic hearing impaired community of Cleveland.
ADAMS, ALMEDA C. (February 26, 1865-September 8, 1949) overcame sightlessness to help found the Cleveland Music School Settlement and achieved a long career as a teacher, author, and lecturer.