Famous Role Models
Dear Ruth,I am a Trustee for a small private school serving average to bright children, many of whom have mild learning disabilities or ADHD. Not all of our students are diagnosed. Some just clearly do better in a smaller environment.
One thing the students do not hesitate to tell me is that they don't want to be different kids in a special school. I'd like to show our students that they are not particularly different from most people. I want to put together a list of successful/prominent adults with learning disabilities or attention deficits. Other than Einstein and Michael Landon, I'm at a loss for examples. Any suggestions?
P.P.
Dear P.P.,
It is difficult to say with certainty which historical figures were challenged by learning disabilities or attention deficits. These are relatively new constructs, and today the criteria are evolving and changing. In addition I have some doubts about the supposed 'symptoms' of famous people. Take the case of Leonardo da Vinci, artist, scientist, musician, architect, engineer, who conceived in the 15th century designs like the helicopter. It makes no sense to me that he wrote many of his journals in mirror script out of disability, but more probably for reasons of ease, novelty or privacy.
It is also interesting that for all his genius capabilities, Leonardo had a habit of leaving his projects unfinished.
I applaud your wish to demonstrate to students that they are capable, and that what others have done, they can do. Life's challenges come in endless variety. The biography shelf at the library is full of examples of people who persisted past difficulties, and even some whose challenges turned out to be gifts.
Best Wishes,
Ruth Alice Jurey, M.S.
Speech/Language Pathologist
I wish
to encourage
belief
in the
human ability
to learn.
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