Beyond Their Disability
By Changemaker students
G block
Story by Briana Espindola
Long before Alexander became an inventor, he was just a small child who loved science and creating machines.
Alexander was born on March 2, 1847, in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. Alexander had a learning disability, which most likely could have been dyslexia. Alexander had two younger brothers. His mom was almost deaf and his dad was a teacher for the deaf. When Alexander was 12, he was at a friend’s family mill and he thought dehusking wheat grains took a lot of effort and were very boring to do. So, he built a machine that would help dehusk wheat grains much faster. This was one of his first inventions. Alexander was homeschooled until he was 11 and then he went to Edinburgh’s Royal High School for four years. He didn’t do very well in school but he did love science.
When he was 19 or 20, he went and tried to read the book of Helmholtz’s work but it was all in German. So he followed and misunderstands the images in the book. He thought that Helmholtz had already gotten the idea to make it. Alexander was set to create human speech out of electricity. At 23 years old, he built a new workshop in his new family house and he continued to experiment with his idea until he did it.
When he was 27, he actually want to test out his invention. He went and applied for a patent (rights to own something that you made) in the UK first because they were granted only if they had not first been granted in another country. Alexander told his attorney to apply for the USA only after the patent has been accepted in the UK. A man named Elisha Gray applied for a USA patent and Alexander’s attorney applied the same day. Gray claimed to have invented the telephone but on the other hand, Alexander already had the idea in hand before Gray. Alexander made and used his own setup then used Gray’s setup.
Alexander Graham Bell had to go through 600 lawsuits to be recognized as the inventor of the telephone.
Alexander was born on March 2, 1847, in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. Alexander had a learning disability, which most likely could have been dyslexia. Alexander had two younger brothers. His mom was almost deaf and his dad was a teacher for the deaf. When Alexander was 12, he was at a friend’s family mill and he thought dehusking wheat grains took a lot of effort and were very boring to do. So, he built a machine that would help dehusk wheat grains much faster. This was one of his first inventions. Alexander was homeschooled until he was 11 and then he went to Edinburgh’s Royal High School for four years. He didn’t do very well in school but he did love science.
When he was 19 or 20, he went and tried to read the book of Helmholtz’s work but it was all in German. So he followed and misunderstands the images in the book. He thought that Helmholtz had already gotten the idea to make it. Alexander was set to create human speech out of electricity. At 23 years old, he built a new workshop in his new family house and he continued to experiment with his idea until he did it.
When he was 27, he actually want to test out his invention. He went and applied for a patent (rights to own something that you made) in the UK first because they were granted only if they had not first been granted in another country. Alexander told his attorney to apply for the USA only after the patent has been accepted in the UK. A man named Elisha Gray applied for a USA patent and Alexander’s attorney applied the same day. Gray claimed to have invented the telephone but on the other hand, Alexander already had the idea in hand before Gray. Alexander made and used his own setup then used Gray’s setup.
Alexander Graham Bell had to go through 600 lawsuits to be recognized as the inventor of the telephone.
Alexander Graham Bell
Inventor
Inventor
Long before Alexander became an inventor, he was just a small child who loved science and creating machines.
Alexander was born on March 2, 1847, in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. Alexander had a learning disability, which most likely could have been dyslexia. Alexander had two younger brothers. His mom was almost deaf and his dad was a teacher for the deaf. When Alexander was 12, he was at a friend’s family mill and he thought dehusking wheat grains took a lot of effort and were very boring to do. So, he built a machine that would help dehusk wheat grains much faster. This was one of his first inventions. Alexander was homeschooled until he was 11 and then he went to Edinburgh’s Royal High School for four years. He didn’t do very well in school but he did love science.
When he was 19 or 20, he went and tried to read the book of Helmholtz’s work but it was all in German. So he followed and misunderstands the images in the book. He thought that Helmholtz had already gotten the idea to make it. Alexander was set to create human speech out of electricity. At 23 years old, he built a new workshop in his new family house and he continued to experiment with his idea until he did it.
When he was 27, he actually want to test out his invention. He went and applied for a patent (rights to own something that you made) in the UK first because they were granted only if they had not first been granted in another country. Alexander told his attorney to apply for the USA only after the patent has been accepted in the UK. A man named Elisha Gray applied for a USA patent and Alexander’s attorney applied the same day. Gray claimed to have invented the telephone but on the other hand, Alexander already had the idea in hand before Gray. Alexander made and used his own setup then used Gray’s setup.
Alexander Graham Bell had to go through 600 lawsuits to be recognized as the inventor of the telephone.
Alexander was born on March 2, 1847, in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. Alexander had a learning disability, which most likely could have been dyslexia. Alexander had two younger brothers. His mom was almost deaf and his dad was a teacher for the deaf. When Alexander was 12, he was at a friend’s family mill and he thought dehusking wheat grains took a lot of effort and were very boring to do. So, he built a machine that would help dehusk wheat grains much faster. This was one of his first inventions. Alexander was homeschooled until he was 11 and then he went to Edinburgh’s Royal High School for four years. He didn’t do very well in school but he did love science.
When he was 19 or 20, he went and tried to read the book of Helmholtz’s work but it was all in German. So he followed and misunderstands the images in the book. He thought that Helmholtz had already gotten the idea to make it. Alexander was set to create human speech out of electricity. At 23 years old, he built a new workshop in his new family house and he continued to experiment with his idea until he did it.
When he was 27, he actually want to test out his invention. He went and applied for a patent (rights to own something that you made) in the UK first because they were granted only if they had not first been granted in another country. Alexander told his attorney to apply for the USA only after the patent has been accepted in the UK. A man named Elisha Gray applied for a USA patent and Alexander’s attorney applied the same day. Gray claimed to have invented the telephone but on the other hand, Alexander already had the idea in hand before Gray. Alexander made and used his own setup then used Gray’s setup.
Alexander Graham Bell had to go through 600 lawsuits to be recognized as the inventor of the telephone.
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Story by Connor BarryLoading...
Lil WayneRapper
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Once there was a little boy who loved music. His name was Lil Wayne. Actually, his name was Dwayne Carter. He grew up to become the legend of all rappers.Lil Wayne was born in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1982 with a condition called Epilepsy. Epilepsy, is a disorder where the nerves in the brain that causes seizures. Because of his epilipsy, Lil Wayne suffered from seizures every day.
He was born in a poor neighborhood. His parents divorced when he was young. As an escape, Lil’ Wayne would write songs. He wrote his first rap song at age 8 and in 1991 he met his mentor, the co-founder of Cash Money Records. Not everyone was supportive of his talent. His mom told him to stop rapping, and he got so mad he tried to hurt himself. Luckily, he didn’t get too hurt.
Lil Wayne became a popular rapper in 1995, when he was only 12 years old being the youngest rapper signed to a major label. When the music industry was struggling to make legitimate sales, Lil Wayne found a hole in the market and used this to multiply his recognition in the music business. He rose to fame while other people struggled, and then he passed the success on to his team.
Over his career he has released 13 studio albums. He has over 284 singles and is reported to be worth $150 million making him one of the richest rappers in the world. Over his life, Lil Wayne has gotten much recognition and has his song says, “Welcome to your name in lights. All the lighters in the sky (I must be famous)”.
Story by David Ortiz
Chris Burke is the youngest out of his 4 siblings, and when he was born he had a disability called Down Syndrome. His parents were told they should put him in an orphanage, but they refused and raised him along with his his siblings.
After a few years later Chris wanted to go to a private school, but no school would accept him because of his disability, but his siblings cared for him and they homeschooled him.
A few years later, Chris wanted to become an actor. He was in a play called the “Emperor’s New Clothes” and he loved being on stage. He wanted to do more acting.
When he was 24 signed up to audition for the show "Life Goes On". He played the character named Corky and showed the world what he was capable of. He did great and got on the show. He was also the first ever actor to have Down Syndrome and be on National Television.
When he was an actor, he showed how important representation is. He showed everyone that there were no limits to what he could achieve. He wants people to see him as an actor not a disabled actor. He said in an interview: “It’s not about performing disabilities. It’s about performing abilities. That’s the message.”
After a few years later Chris wanted to go to a private school, but no school would accept him because of his disability, but his siblings cared for him and they homeschooled him.
A few years later, Chris wanted to become an actor. He was in a play called the “Emperor’s New Clothes” and he loved being on stage. He wanted to do more acting.
When he was 24 signed up to audition for the show "Life Goes On". He played the character named Corky and showed the world what he was capable of. He did great and got on the show. He was also the first ever actor to have Down Syndrome and be on National Television.
When he was an actor, he showed how important representation is. He showed everyone that there were no limits to what he could achieve. He wants people to see him as an actor not a disabled actor. He said in an interview: “It’s not about performing disabilities. It’s about performing abilities. That’s the message.”
Chris Burke
Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome
Chris Burke is the youngest out of his 4 siblings, and when he was born he had a disability called Down Syndrome. His parents were told they should put him in an orphanage, but they refused and raised him along with his his siblings.
After a few years later Chris wanted to go to a private school, but no school would accept him because of his disability, but his siblings cared for him and they homeschooled him.
A few years later, Chris wanted to become an actor. He was in a play called the “Emperor’s New Clothes” and he loved being on stage. He wanted to do more acting.
When he was 24 signed up to audition for the show "Life Goes On". He played the character named Corky and showed the world what he was capable of. He did great and got on the show. He was also the first ever actor to have Down Syndrome and be on National Television.
When he was an actor, he showed how important representation is. He showed everyone that there were no limits to what he could achieve. He wants people to see him as an actor not a disabled actor. He said in an interview: “It’s not about performing disabilities. It’s about performing abilities. That’s the message.”
After a few years later Chris wanted to go to a private school, but no school would accept him because of his disability, but his siblings cared for him and they homeschooled him.
A few years later, Chris wanted to become an actor. He was in a play called the “Emperor’s New Clothes” and he loved being on stage. He wanted to do more acting.
When he was 24 signed up to audition for the show "Life Goes On". He played the character named Corky and showed the world what he was capable of. He did great and got on the show. He was also the first ever actor to have Down Syndrome and be on National Television.
When he was an actor, he showed how important representation is. He showed everyone that there were no limits to what he could achieve. He wants people to see him as an actor not a disabled actor. He said in an interview: “It’s not about performing disabilities. It’s about performing abilities. That’s the message.”
Story by Dillon West
People who ride dirt bikes like taking risks. But Darius Glover didn't know that one jump would change his life forever.
Darius Glover was born on April 5, 1991. Since he was 7, he had a huge addiction to dirt bikes. He ended up getting so good he started racing. At 15 years old though he crashed really badly. He went up for a jump that was too wet and didn't realize it. The tire lost traction and made him slip and underthrow the jump. He ended up crashing with his dirtbike on top of him, which broke his back.
Everyone thought it would ruin his career, but instead it gave him an opportunity to better himself and the people around him. When he was in the hospital, lying in the bed, he had already begun designing his new adaptation to life. Now, this wasn't his amazing wheelchair or things that could help him walk, but it is things that can help him ride. He designed adjusted handlebars and a roll cage to help him ride a dirtbike.
Darius today still rides and his story has been changing lives. Especially his mother's because he has made her realize to keep pushing no matter what. He also inspires others to keep pushing and lets other people in wheelchairs know they can still have fun.
Everyone should remember Darius Glover not just as a dirt bike rider but should be remembered as an amazing inventor and a person who doesn't stop.
Darius Glover was born on April 5, 1991. Since he was 7, he had a huge addiction to dirt bikes. He ended up getting so good he started racing. At 15 years old though he crashed really badly. He went up for a jump that was too wet and didn't realize it. The tire lost traction and made him slip and underthrow the jump. He ended up crashing with his dirtbike on top of him, which broke his back.
Everyone thought it would ruin his career, but instead it gave him an opportunity to better himself and the people around him. When he was in the hospital, lying in the bed, he had already begun designing his new adaptation to life. Now, this wasn't his amazing wheelchair or things that could help him walk, but it is things that can help him ride. He designed adjusted handlebars and a roll cage to help him ride a dirtbike.
Darius today still rides and his story has been changing lives. Especially his mother's because he has made her realize to keep pushing no matter what. He also inspires others to keep pushing and lets other people in wheelchairs know they can still have fun.
Everyone should remember Darius Glover not just as a dirt bike rider but should be remembered as an amazing inventor and a person who doesn't stop.
Darius Glover
Dirt Bike Rider
Dirt Bike Rider
People who ride dirt bikes like taking risks. But Darius Glover didn't know that one jump would change his life forever.
Darius Glover was born on April 5, 1991. Since he was 7, he had a huge addiction to dirt bikes. He ended up getting so good he started racing. At 15 years old though he crashed really badly. He went up for a jump that was too wet and didn't realize it. The tire lost traction and made him slip and underthrow the jump. He ended up crashing with his dirtbike on top of him, which broke his back.
Everyone thought it would ruin his career, but instead it gave him an opportunity to better himself and the people around him. When he was in the hospital, lying in the bed, he had already begun designing his new adaptation to life. Now, this wasn't his amazing wheelchair or things that could help him walk, but it is things that can help him ride. He designed adjusted handlebars and a roll cage to help him ride a dirtbike.
Darius today still rides and his story has been changing lives. Especially his mother's because he has made her realize to keep pushing no matter what. He also inspires others to keep pushing and lets other people in wheelchairs know they can still have fun.
Everyone should remember Darius Glover not just as a dirt bike rider but should be remembered as an amazing inventor and a person who doesn't stop.
Darius Glover was born on April 5, 1991. Since he was 7, he had a huge addiction to dirt bikes. He ended up getting so good he started racing. At 15 years old though he crashed really badly. He went up for a jump that was too wet and didn't realize it. The tire lost traction and made him slip and underthrow the jump. He ended up crashing with his dirtbike on top of him, which broke his back.
Everyone thought it would ruin his career, but instead it gave him an opportunity to better himself and the people around him. When he was in the hospital, lying in the bed, he had already begun designing his new adaptation to life. Now, this wasn't his amazing wheelchair or things that could help him walk, but it is things that can help him ride. He designed adjusted handlebars and a roll cage to help him ride a dirtbike.
Darius today still rides and his story has been changing lives. Especially his mother's because he has made her realize to keep pushing no matter what. He also inspires others to keep pushing and lets other people in wheelchairs know they can still have fun.
Everyone should remember Darius Glover not just as a dirt bike rider but should be remembered as an amazing inventor and a person who doesn't stop.
“If you do what you love and you do it with joy and you do it with a humble attitude, everything falls into line.”
-José Feliciano
José Feliciano
Singer, Musician, Actor
Singer, Musician, Actor
Story by Evan Barry
Even though José Feliciano struggled with blindness, he became a famous singer and musician.
José was born in Lares, Puerto Rico, on September 10th, 1945, with ten brothers. He was born with congenital glaucoma, which causes damage in the eyes, making him blind. José fell in love with music at three years old while playing with his uncle on a cracker can. He learned how to sing and play the concertina, accordion, and guitar. At five years old, he and his family moved to New York City. He went to school at PS 57, but he mainly focused on practicing the guitar, sometimes for up to fourteen hours per day. At nine years old, he performed at the Puerto Rican Theater in the Bronx. He quit school at seventeen years old to help his father make money by performing at coffee shops, clubs, and cafes.
At 21 years old, after playing at the Mar del Plata Festival in Argentina, RCA executives in Buenos Aires told José that he should record an album of Spanish music. He agreed and he ended up producing the famous songs “Light my Fire”, “Che Sará”, and especially “Feliz Navidad”.
José is most known for being a composer, musician, and singer. But he was also an actor, appearing in “Kung Fu”, “McMillan and Wife”, and “Chico and the Man”. He was called “The Greatest Living Guitarist” and “The Picasso of his Realm”, he got Grammy nominations and Hollywood recognition, and he was surrounded by fans in airports since when he was a teenager.
José became very famous even with his blindness, and he’s a great example of how you can find ways to be successful even when you feel different.
José was born in Lares, Puerto Rico, on September 10th, 1945, with ten brothers. He was born with congenital glaucoma, which causes damage in the eyes, making him blind. José fell in love with music at three years old while playing with his uncle on a cracker can. He learned how to sing and play the concertina, accordion, and guitar. At five years old, he and his family moved to New York City. He went to school at PS 57, but he mainly focused on practicing the guitar, sometimes for up to fourteen hours per day. At nine years old, he performed at the Puerto Rican Theater in the Bronx. He quit school at seventeen years old to help his father make money by performing at coffee shops, clubs, and cafes.
At 21 years old, after playing at the Mar del Plata Festival in Argentina, RCA executives in Buenos Aires told José that he should record an album of Spanish music. He agreed and he ended up producing the famous songs “Light my Fire”, “Che Sará”, and especially “Feliz Navidad”.
José is most known for being a composer, musician, and singer. But he was also an actor, appearing in “Kung Fu”, “McMillan and Wife”, and “Chico and the Man”. He was called “The Greatest Living Guitarist” and “The Picasso of his Realm”, he got Grammy nominations and Hollywood recognition, and he was surrounded by fans in airports since when he was a teenager.
José became very famous even with his blindness, and he’s a great example of how you can find ways to be successful even when you feel different.