Renegades

The story of a woman with dwarfism who revolutionized the world of science fiction by editing and publishing books from sci-fi writers such as Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, Philip K. Dick and George Lucas’ Star Wars in novel form. See how science fiction narratives, through their speculative and imaginative nature, offer a more inclusive and equitable lens through which to redefine disability.

Explore the story of the U.S. Senator for Hawai​`i​ who was injured in battle during World War II, resulting in the amputation of his right arm. Posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his lifelong public service, Inouye championed the cause of justice and equality for all Americans, including people living with disabilities.

The story of a street musician, born with a condition that left her limbs unusable. In 1975, Tate Harrington won a custody battle against the Philadelphia Department of Child Welfare, which sought to take away her infant daughter, claiming that she could not provide adequate care. See how Tate Harrington’s fight to be a mother and earn an independent living was a revolutionary act.

An African American composer and pianist known as one of the greatest musicians of the 19th century, Thomas Wiggins (1849-1908) was blind from birth and likely autistic. Born into slavery, Wiggins was the first African American to perform at the White House, and toured throughout the U.S., South America, and Europe.

The story of a Black Panther Party member and founder of the East Oakland Center for Independent Living, who had multiple sclerosis and used a wheelchair. Explore Brad Lomax’s under-reported contributions to the early disability justice movement, which laid the groundwork for the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act.

Daredevil Kitty O’Neil was a professional racecar driver and stuntwoman, ​and ​deaf. A trailblazer in the entertainment industry, she made history with her death-defying speeds, leaps and courage. In the 1970s, O’Neil was one of the first women accepted into Stunts Unlimited--Hollywood’s leading stunt agency--working as a double in movies and television.