A deaf virtuoso percussionist and a leg-less world record-breaking runner: what do the two have in common?
In some people’s eyes, Evelyn Glennie and Aimee Mullins‘ similarity lies in their apparent disabilities. But they also share an proven ability to rise above expectation.
Aimee Mullins was born without shinbones, but only recently looked up the synonyms of the word “disabled.” What she found, she explained in a recent TEDMED talk, were words like “crippled,” “helpless” and “useless.” Fortunately, she was never forced to accept those associations. And 33 years and 12 pairs of prosthetic legs later, she has competed in national and international track events and set world records at the Paralympics.
Percussionist Evelyn Glennie was also affected at an early stage in life when she lost her hearing at the age of 12. Although she could no longer hear through her ears, she chooses instead to hear through her whole body. She often plays instruments barefoot to have a stronger sense of the movement of the music. And now a world-renowned, award-wining musician, Evelyn is the one of the first solo percussionists in history to sustain a full-time career.
In her talk, Aimee mentioned the need to redefine “disability.” No one is disabled, she says. “Everyone has something rare and powerful to offer our society. The human ability to adapt is our great asset.” Aimee and Evelyn are living proof of those assets. If we viewed “disability” as an opportunity to challenge expectation, how might this change the way we think of our bodies?
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