Lauren, Aaliyah & Anastasia are shattering disability stereotypes

According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2021, there are 42.5 million people in society classified as having a disability. This includes a range of challenges, from difficulty hearing and seeing to completing tasks such as grocery shopping on their own.

Accomplishing goals and following dreams is a challenging journey for anyone, but for individuals with disabilities, the obstacles can be significantly greater. Despite these additional hurdles, many disabled individuals achieve remarkable success and make profound contributions to their respective fields and beyond. Their perseverance and determination deserve to be celebrated and recognized.

Highlighted below are just a few members of the disabled community that are inspiring others and making a significant impact.

Lauren “LoLo” Spencer

Lauren “LoLo” Spencer was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) at the age of 13. However, she didn’t allow her disability to stop her from striding on in her life. Lauren has gone on to have over 10,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel, Sitting Pretty Lolo, be on the hit MAX show, Sex Lives of College Girls and become a book author of Access Your Drive and Enjoy The Ride.

Aaliyah Booker

Photo Courtesy of instagram.com/naomiheathermakeup

Aaliyah Booker was born with Goldenhar Syndrome, a facial difference where the left side of her face wasn’t fully developed. Labeling herself, a facial difference advocate, Aaliyah has went on to be the host of the Children’s Craniofacial Association Outreach Series on YouTube, and a State Finalist for Miss New Jersey 20 24.

Anastasia Pagonis

Photo Courtesy of instagram.com/anastasia_k_p

Diagnosed with autoimmune retinopathy, which caused her eyesight to completely disappear by age 14, Anastasia Pagonis has achieved remarkable success as a Paralympian. She is a three-time World Champion and a World Record holder, and she will proudly represent the United States at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

These three women are among the many disabled individuals excelling in areas where society often underestimates their potential. This is just a glimpse of how the disabled community is thriving and proudly embracing their identities, proving they are not defined by their disabilities.