94 Inspirational quotes for people with disabilities
- Last Update: September 12, 2023
A person with a disability has his own set of challenges and struggles. It may make life seem more difficult and more complicated. In Stephen Hawking’s words “However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.” It may be tough to lead a life with a disability, especially in a fast-paced world like ours.
However, a disability should not define someone and one should never stop dreaming. In light of all the hardships, one should learn to believe in his\her abilities. Here, we offer you a selection of 94 beautiful inspirational quotes for people with disabilities as a hint of optimism.
Dream Quotes For People With Disabilities
Some of the greatest words that have ever been spoken are “I have a dream.” by Martin L King. Don’t let your disability limit how you live life, and make you think like you cannot achieve your dreams. Challenges are made to be overcome and nothing is impossible.
It may seem hard to find your dream job, break records and invent great things, but with hope and hard work, one can reach his stars and pass every obstacle that may lay ahead.
Here are 12 of dream quotes to inspire you to make your dream come true.
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop
Confucius is a Chinese philosopher, poet and politician who aimed at making teaching a vocation and education available for all. In his words, one must not give up and carry on walking his path no matter how slow his steps are. It is consistency that takes you to the place you never dream of.
So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.
Limitations only go so far.
Robert M. Hensel was born with a birth issue called Spina bifida and holds the Guinness World Records for the longest wheelie non-stop wheelie in a wheelchair.
Believe you can and you're halfway there.
Theodore Roosevelt was a journalist, author and advocate for women’s suffrage. known as “The Mother of the Everglades” for her efforts to transform the Florida Everglades into a national park.
Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get afraid. Courage means you don’t let fear stop you
Bethany Hamilton was a professional surfer who lost her hand to a shark attack in 2003, but continued to compete in professional surfing. Bethany Hamilton hints that Everything you dream of is on the other side of fear. Accept your fear and use it as a push to go further down the road.
Obviously, because of my disability, I need assistance. But I have always tried to overcome the limitations of my condition and lead as full a life as possible. I have travelled the world, from the Antarctic to zero gravity.
Stephen Hawking was a brilliant theoretical physicist who contributed greatly to physics despite his diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
The measure of a man, or woman, is not so much what they have accomplished, though that has weight. It often is much more though what that man or woman has overcome to accomplish what they have.
Leif Gregersen, through The Withering Storm. Leif Gregerson teaches creative writing and is a successful author with 12 published books.
Never give up.
Nick Vujicic was a famous Australian-American motivational speaker. Born with tetra-amelia syndrome and helps people through his organisation “Life Without Limbs”.
I take advantage of everything I can - age, hair, disability - because my cause is just.
Marjory S. Douglas was a journalist, author and advocate for women’s suffrage, known as “The Mother of the Everglades” for her efforts to transform the Florida Everglades into a national park.
Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time
Thomas Edison was an American inventor and businessman who was recognized as the father of electric power generation and created many other devices. To become successful, one must never let failure control him. Keep trying and fighting until you reach your dreams. Develop the ability to use failure to your advantage and bounce back to making progress.
There’s nothing wrong with shooting for the stars.
Justin Randall Timberlake is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor.
If you really want something you can figure out how to make it happen.
Cher is an American actress and a singer, known as the “Goddess of Pop”.
Attitude Quotes For People With Disabilities
In every situation in life, believing in yourself is key to success. If the world views people with disabilities as incapable, that shouldn’t be how you view yourself.
It is a person’s attitude that determines how far he can go, so stay hopeful and be positive. Use your strengths and overlook the boundaries you set for yourself.
The mind is a very powerful tool and your mindset controls your surroundings. Learn to live by your own rules and live your life to the fullest.
These are 17 of attitude quotes. That’ll help you stay hopeful and be positive.
A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.
Christopher Reeve was an American actor and former athlete who suffered a neck injury that left him paralyzed. known for his role in his movie “superman”. His words means that Superpowers don’t have to be anything like flying, ability to become invisible or shoot lasers out of your eyes, it can simply be the ability to endure life’s obstacles.
Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.
Winston Churchill was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945. He led Britain through world war 2 and is well known for his inspiring speeches. It is your attitude that pushes you beyond limits and helps you reach your goals. Believe in yourself and your cause and stay focused on your version. Your will-power will never be broken as long as you maintain the right attitude.
I choose not to place ‘DIS’, in my ability.
Every person was born with an unique set of skills. Do not overshare your abilities by focusing on your disabilities. Choose to move forward and harness your inner strength.
Know me for my abilities, not my disability.
I don’t have a dis-ability, I have a different-ability.
I have a Disability yes that’s true, but all that really means is I may have to take a slightly different path than you.
Being born with a disability can sometimes be a struggle, but it is the ability to overcome such a challenge, that makes it so worth the fight. NEVER GIVE UP!!!
No disability or dictionary out there is capable of clearly defining who we are as a person.
Optimism Quotes For People With Disabilities
Sometimes things may get harder and every individual struggles with their overwhelming emotions. It is okay to feel down from time to time, as it is what makes you enjoy the beautiful times.
Acknowledge your situation and make the best out of what you have, to create the future you aspire for. The words you say to yourself are powerful and they push you towards achieving more.
Here are 20 of the encouraging words that you need to smile and be optimistic for a future full of possibilities.
I don't know what lies around the bend, but I'm going to believe that the best does.
L. M. Montgomery was a Canadian author published amazing literary work: 20 novels, 530 short stories, 500 poems, and 30 essays, well-recognized for her book Anne of Green Gables 1908.
Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming of it.
Helen Keller was an American author who advocated for disabled people’s rights. She was a lecturer and an activist in politics despite losing her sight and hearing at the age of 19 months.
Her words suggest that one should not focus on only the bad going on around the world, for there is also good and joy to be celebrated. Aspire to be the change people need.
Disability is a matter of perception. If you can do just one thing well, you’re needed by someone.
Martina Navratilova is a former professional tennis player and coach, recognized as one of the best tennis players of all time.
Abled does not mean enabled. Disabled does not mean less abled.
Khang Kijarro Nguyen is a photographer, artist and performer.
If the world thinks you’re not good enough, it’s a lie, you know. Get a second opinion.
Take this quote as an advice to Never look down on yourself. There is greatness inside each one of us and you should never listen to people who might try to bring you down.
Being disabled does not mean Un-abled, just Different Abled.
Mr Noel Helm is the director of the Office of Student Accessibility at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College.
It was ability that mattered, not disability, which is a word I'm not crazy about using.
Marlee Matlin is actress, author and activist. First deaf performer to nail an Academy Award and win in the best actress category.
Disability cannot stop me from becoming a complete personality.
Samyak Lalit does amazing social service with 90% disability in both his legs. He is an author, a social worker and a disability rights activist.
I am different but not less.
Temple Grandin is a scientist diagnosed with autism. She studies and deals with animal behaviours.
When you have a disability, knowing you are not defined by it is the sweetest feeling.
Anne Wafula Strike is British Paralympic wheelchair racer. She is a courageous athlete, author, and sporting ambassador known for her services towards Disability Sport and Charity work.
Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.
Hope is a powerful tool. It makes you believe in a brighter future and boosts your will towards getting there. Always dreaming more and be hopeful of a better place.
As a disabled man, let my life be a reflection of the endless amount of ability that exists in each and every one of us.
A bend in the road is not the end of the road. Unless you fail to make the turn.
Develop the ability to adapt to the circumstance and keep climbing towards more success. A curve in the road doesn’t mean you should stop and always seek new roads.
Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content.
Keep your face to the Sunshine and you will not see the Shadows.
If I regarded my life from the point of view of the pessimist, I should be undone. I should seek in vain for the light that does not visit my eyes and the music that does not ring in my ears. I should beg night and day and never be satisfied. I should sit apart in awful solitude, a prey to fear and despair. But since I consider it a duty to myself and to others to be happy, I escape a misery worse than any physical deprivation.
We could never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world.
I thank God for my handicaps, for through them I have found myself, my work and my God.
Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.
No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit.
One must lead a life with an optimistic view. The notion is true, positive attracts positive. only those who dream and long for more with positive views can reach for the stars.
Your success and happiness lie in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.
When you hear the word ‘disabled,’ people immediately think about people who can’t walk or talk or do everything that people take for granted. Now, I take nothing for granted. But I find the real disability is people who can’t find joy in life and are bitter.
Walt Whitman was a Famous English poet, journalist, and essayist. Well-recognized for his amazing poetry including his remarkable one “Leaves of Grass”.
Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.
Shane E. Bryan was diagnosed with Dystonia, but it didn’t stop him from realising his dream of being an author and inspiring people through his published books. Like Bryan, Your disability can be a blessing in a curse’s clothing. Don’t look at it as a defect in your life, rather a blessing and a gift. You just have to learn how you channel it.
I’m officially disabled, but I’m truly enabled because of my lack of limbs. My unique challenges have opened up unique opportunities to reach so many in need.
The challenges in our lives are there to STRENGTHEN our CONVICTIONS. They are NOT there to run us over.
When you have a disability, knowing that you are not defined by it is the sweetest feeling. In My Dreams, I Dance
Don’t allow your disability to determine what you are and what you aim for. You are who you set yourself to be and you can always reach what you commit to. Victory over your disability has a nice taste to it.
Disability is not a brave struggle or 'courage in the face of adversity.' Disability is an art. It's an ingenious way to live.
Neil Marcus was a great artist and a playwright and an actor. He was an activist in the disability culture and was diagnosed with dystonia when he was 8 years old.
Having no expectations shows pity, which shows sadness, sorrow & regret. A child with a disability needs support. Stand behind him, champion and back him! Believe in him and have expectations! They inspire hope, excitement, eagerness and success! Which would you want others to give you
Joan Scanlon-Dise is an occupational therapist helping patients with Cerebral Palsy, Brain Damage, Auditory Processing Disorder among others.
Acceptance and Recovery Quotes For People With Disabilities
The first thing a person must do is to accept the situation and the settings around. There is great power within each person no matter with disability or without. Promise yourself to look forward and make the best out of the hand you’ve been dealt.
Learn to adapt and rock your disability bravely, enjoy the improvement and aspire for more. It is important to focus on what lies ahead and not let the circumstance stop you.
Remind yourself of how powerful you are as you read 17 quotes that we chose for you.
Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.
Nido Qubein is the President of High Point University, an American/Jordanian businessman and motivational speaker. The hand you’ve been dealt doesn’t necessarily determine the outcome of the game. Do not limit yourself by what you have right now, recognize your strength and aspire to build the life you dream of.
Aerodynamically the bumblebee shouldn't be able to fly. But the bumblebee doesn't know that so it goes on flying anyway.
Mary Kay Ash was an American businesswoman and creator of the largest cosmetic companies in the world. She was a feminine-looking role model and helped many women achieve great results.
If you're going through hell, keep going.
You play the hand you’re dealt. I think the game’s worthwhile.
We, the ones who are challenged, need to be heard. To be seen not as a disability, but as a person who has and will continue to bloom. To be seen not only as a handicap but as a well intact human being.
My advice to other disabled people would be, concentrate on things your disability doesn’t prevent you doing well and don’t regret the things it interferes with. Don’t be disabled in spirit as well as physically.
It is a waste of time to be angry about my disability. One has to get on with life and I haven’t done badly. People won’t have time for you if you are always angry or complaining.
Do not waste your life regretting the presented situation, rather aspire to change it and move forward. Focus on finding solutions, not the problem.
However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.
Remember that there is always a way to reach your destination. No matter how difficult things may appear, keep putting in effort and a path will present itself for you.
When you can’t change the direction of the wind — adjust your sails.
H. Jackson Brown was an American novelist, known for his inspirational books. writer of New York Times’ bestseller: Life’s Little Instruction Book.
Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn’t mean he lacks vision.
Stevland Hardaway Morris, known as Stevie Wonder. He is an American musician. Despite losing his sight shortly after being born, he renovated the music culture and inspired people through his songs.
Use the skills that I have got. Do not focus on what I have not. Of course, I am aware of my limitations. Yet, I am a part of God’s wonderful creation.
William E. Lightbourne is an American pastor and an advocate for persons with disabilities. Within his lines, he urges to focus on the positive side and use unique set of skills. Do not feel helpless for the things you do not have, rather rely on your strong points and make the best out of them.
If you get into what's missing, you don't appreciate what you have.
Donald J. Trump is a politician, businessman and is the 45th President of the United States.
But pain... seems to be an insufficient reason not to embrace life. Being dead is quite painless. Pain, like time, is going to come on regardless. Question is, what glorious moments can you win from life in addition to the pain.
Lois McMaster Bujold is a science fiction writer. Her work granted her to win the Hugo Award for best novel four times
Disability doesn’t make you exceptional, but questioning what you think you know about it does
Stella Young is an Australian comedian and activist for disabled people’s rights. She was born with osteogenesis imperfecta which made her aspire to change how society views people with disabilities
One of the most ignored disabilities on earth is allowing one’s thoughts to discourage one from taking advantage of one’s abilities in life.
Your thoughts are the fuel to your will. Your mindset and the thing you believe in have an impeccable impact on your life and in order to succeed, one must not let his inner thoughts discourage him.
Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.
Albert Einstein, one of the most famous theoretical physicists. made great contributions in several fields and also the discoverer of relativity theory. Learn to accept reality and current situation. It is only you have accepted the circumstance can you begin to fetch solutions.
My advice to other disabled people would be, to concentrate on things your disability doesn’t prevent you from doing well and don’t regret the things it interferes with. Don’t be disabled in spirit as well as physically.
“I Am Strong’’ Quotes For People With Disabilities
In order to achieve your goals, you must stay focused and always make progress.
A disability may be difficult to deal with, but nothing is ever impossible when you put in enough work and believe in yourself. Your circumstances are what you choose for them to be and life has so much more to offer. Always remind yourself that you are more capable to achieve your goals and reach your dreams.
You have our support and here are 6 quotes of empowerment to keep you moving forward.
We rise to great heights by a winding staircase of small steps.
Consistency and continued effort are what build empires. Whenever life becomes gloomy and unclear, take only the next step and it will all unravel at some point.
Continuous effort – not strength or intelligence – is the key to unlocking your potential.
When everyone else says you can’t, determination says- YES YOU CAN.
As you grow in life, you’ll realise that a lot of people will try to convince you that you are not capable of much. Stay focused on your goals and believe in yourself.
Placing one foot in front of the other, I’ve climbed to higher lengths. Reaching beyond my own limitations, to show my inner strength. No obstacle too hard for this warrior to overcome. I’m just a man on a mission, to prove my disability hasn’t won.
Setting goals is the first step into turning the invisible into the visible.
Tony Robbins is motivational speaker and coach. He gives life advice and inspires many people through his published books and famous speeches.
I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.
Helen Keller’s words inspire meaning in our daily routines. Every detail in life has great significance. It is the little things that attract bigger ones and every effort you make no matter how small can bring great change to your life.
Empowering the disabled and embracing disabilities
Societies need to start taking a closer look at people struggling with disabilities.
A disability should not define a person and communities should start embracing it. People with disability require all the support we can offer and the recognition they deserve. We must not label a disability as a sign of inability, for once there is a will, there is a way.
People need to welcome individuals with disabilities and their own unique skill sets.
Focused on 20 quotes that empower disabled people.
There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more.
A lot of people within our communities are too hung up observing one’s disabilities thatcher the true values and character one holds within himself.
When you focus on someone’s disability you’ll overlook their abilities, beauty and uniqueness. Once you learn to accept and love them for who they are, you subconsciously learn to love yourself unconditionally.
Yvonne Pierre, The Day My Soul Cried: A Memoir. She’s a writer, producer and advocate for human rights. Being a survivor, she uses her voice to make a change.
Compassion, acceptance and LOVE is the cure to MOST of the issues that plague this world.
Communities need to overlook their differences and accept one another. Love and care for others are what creates harmony and peace.
Disability is natural. We must stop believing that disabilities keep a person from doing something. Because that’s not true . . . Having a disability doesn’t stop me from doing anything.
The Benjamin Snow, Grade 8 student in his essay “Attitudes About People with Disabilities”, he is an actor and a writer, known for his part in A Spark in Nothing.
If we are to achieve a richer culture, we must weave one in which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place.
Margaret Meade was an American cultural anthropologist who was also an author and speaker about societal issues.
The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped.
Hubert Humphrey Served as the 38th vice president of the United States from 1965 to 1969, known for his advocacy in many different liberal causes such as civil rights.
New information and communications technologies can improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, but only if such technologies are designed from the beginning so that everyone can use them. Given the explosive growth in the use of the World Wide Web for publishing, electronic commerce, lifelong learning and the delivery of government services, it is vital that the Web be accessible to everyone.
Bill Clinton served as the 42nd president of the United States from 1993 to 2001.
Let's stop "tolerating" or "accepting" difference as if we're so much better for not being different in the first place. Instead, let's celebrate difference because in this world it takes a lot of guts to be different.
Kate Bornstein is an American author, actor, playwright, performance artist and gender theorist. To be different is to show your significance and your unique value. It is the learning process we get from the differences we have that make us strong as a unit, and people should embrace change.
Not only do physically disabled people have experiences which are not available to the able-bodied, they are in a better position to transcend cultural mythologies about the body because they cannot do things the able-bodied feel they must do in order to be happy, 'normal,' and sane...If disabled people were truly heard, an explosion of knowledge of the human body and psyche would take place.
Susan Wendell, Associate Professor of Women’s Studies at Simon Fraser University, British Columbia.
The message I’ll share…is that inclusion is extremely important for kids with and without disabilities.
Clay Aiken is an American singer and television personality. He is an actor, political candidate, and activist.
We know that equality of individual ability has never existed and never will, but we do insist that equality of opportunity still must be sought.
Franklin D. Roosevelt was assigned as the 32nd president of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945.
See the person, not the label.
It is so important to enable people to use their Abilities and TALENTS to support themselves.
Societies should create more space for disabled people to share their own experiences and abilities. Individuals must learn to support one another no matter how the condition likes.
There are so many opportunities in life, that the loss of two or three capabilities is not necessarily debilitating. A handicap can give you the opportunity to focus more on art, writing, or music.
Jim Davis is television writer, television producer, screenwriter, and film producer, best known as the creator of the television cartoon Garfield.
A good government is one with a duty to help everyone, to maximise his or her potential: Indigenous people, people with disabilities, and our forgotten families. We will not leave anyone behind.
Warren Mundine, Australian Aboriginal leader and politician. He worked as the national President of the Australian Labour Party.
Disabled people need more invested in their education, housing, job training, transportation, assistive technology, and independent-living facilities. Governments earn back this investment – and more – by making people with disabilities economically productive citizens.
Jesse Ventura, an american politician and a former professional wrestler, also a military veteran, actor, and television presenter.
People with disabilities deserve the chance to build a life for themselves in the communities which they choose to live.
Barack Obama is the first African-American president who served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017.
Every disability conceals a vocation if only we can find it, which will ‘turn the necessity to glorious gain.
C.S. Lewis was former Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Oxford University until 1954 and one of the most influential writers at his time.
The test of civilization is in the way that it cares for its helpless members.
Pearl S. Buck was an American writer and novelist recognized for her novels of life in China. She won a Nobel Prize for Literature in 1938. It is how we treat each other and care for those who need it which brings us closer to one another. People should aspire to provide for those seeking help and aid them towards a better future.
It is our culture that disables. When one is disabled, the problem is not really that they have impairments and social skill deficits. The issue at stake is that they live in an ‘ableist’ culture that rarely affords them the space or opportunity to make their unique contribution to society and does not lift up the value of choosing them as friends.
Ben Conner Write Amplifying Our Witness; Professor of Practical Theology. He is the director of a Centre for Disability and Ministry at Western Theological Seminary.
Strength doesn't come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't.
Simply taking on and overcoming a life challenge makes you a stronger, more resilient person. So take pride in your accomplishments and be inspired by them whenever you need a boost.
The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it..
Your disability is not a symbol of weakness or defeat. So have faith in your ability to overcome any circumstance.
Final Words
It can be very challenging to live with a disability, whether temporary or permanent. While it can sometimes make one feel down and struggle to achieve goals, a disability is never enough to forget about your dreams.
Always remind yourself of how capable and strong you are to take control of the situation and find new ways. Learning to enjoy life for what it is does open new paths for you and enables you to grow.
It doesn’t matter if you use a wheelchair, crutches, a cane or any kind of device, you can always arrive at where you want to go.
