So many disability quote collections are the same: inspirational quotes only, and from a select few people. In reality, everyone with a disability is unique, with different views and different experiences as well as different needs–emotionally and otherwise. 

Sometimes, you want something to uplift you. Sometimes, you’re down and want anything but that. In any case, the most comforting things are understanding and validation. 

With that said, here’s a range of disability quotes for various occasions.

Quotes on disability and individuality

Everyone with a disability is their own person, with different views and experiences, all of which have value. Here are some quotes that drive the point home.

“The world would be poorer and life duller if we were all the same.” –Neil Milliken

“I’m not going to be one of those amputees who dances and everyone finds inspiring. I’m not inspiring. I’m just me.” –Katherine Locke

“Disability cannot stop me from becoming a complete personality.” –Samyak Lalit

“Every person with a disability is an individual.” –Itzhak Perlman

Disability quotes on accessibility

Accessibility is a major topic in disability spaces. Here are some quotes on accessibility and its importance.

“The one argument for accessibility that doesn’t get made nearly often enough is how extraordinarily better it makes some people’s lives. How many opportunities do we have to dramatically improve people’s lives just by doing our job a little better?” –Steve Krug

“Accessibility allows us to tap into everyone’s potential.” –Debra Ruh

“There is a plan and a purpose, a value to every life, no matter what its location, age, gender or disability.” –Sharron Angle

“You know, no amount of smiling at a flight of stairs has ever made it turn into a ramp. Never. Smiling at a television screen isn’t going to make closed captions appear for people who are deaf. No amount of standing in the middle of a bookshop and radiating a positive attitude is going to turn all those books into Braille.” –Stella Young

Sayings about moving beyond disability

Disability can take from us–but it can also give, whether the gift is empathy, knowledge, a unique life path, or something else. Here are some quotes about that.

“Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.” –Albert Einstein

“My disability has opened my eyes to see my true abilities.” –Robert M. Hensel

“My unique challenges have opened up unique opportunities to reach so many in need.” –Nick Vujicic

Disability quotes on intersectionality and equity

Intersectionality and equity are two different, but very important, elements when we talk about disability. Here are some quotes on these topics. 

“It is so important to showcase people with disabilities with intersectional identities because that allows viewers to see beyond disability. People with disabilities are multilayered. We are complex breathing human beings defined by more than just what we lack.” –Lauren Ridloff

“Part of the problem is that we tend to think that equality is about treating everyone the same, when it’s not. It’s about fairness. It’s about equity of access.” –Judith Heumann

“If we are to achieve a richer culture, we must weave one in which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place.” –Margaret Meade

Quotes on disability positivity

In society, disability is sometimes viewed either as something that’s inherently negative–or something that should be inspirational at all costs. Here are some quotes that challenge this belief.

“If disabled people were truly heard, an explosion of knowledge of the human body and psyche would take place.” –Susan Wendell

“People with disabilities have abilities, too.” –Mary McAleese

“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” –Dale Carnegie

“Abled does not mean enabled. Disabled does not mean less abled.” –Khang Kijarro Nguyen

“I have a Disability. Yes, that’s true. But, all that really means is I may have to take a slightly different path than you.” –Robert M. Hensel

“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” –Ralph Braun

Disability quotes on barriers and challenges 

No matter who you are, some days will be harder than others in life. Here are some disability quotes on barriers and challenges for the tough days:

“There are all sorts of barriers out there that you never even notice unless they affect you personally.” –Kamome Shirahama

“I think that everyone has something about themselves that they feel is their weakness their disability. And I’m certain we all have one, because I think of a disability as being anything which undermines our belief and confidence in our own abilities.” –Aimee Mullins

On the meaning and perception of disability

As mentioned, the perception of disability in society is not always accurate or as desired. Here are some quotes to inspire change and understanding.

“Disability is not a brave struggle or ‘courage in the face of adversity.’ Disability is an art. It’s an ingenious way to live.” –Neil Marcus

“Let’s stop “tolerating” or “accepting” difference as if we’re so much better for not being different in the first place. Instead, let’s celebrate difference–because in this world, it takes a lot of guts to be different.” –Kate Bornstein

“A lot of disabilities are invisible, your reaction to them isn’t.” –Unknown 

“I have found that the people whom society has deemed to be the weakest are inevitably the strongest.” –Michael Bihovsky

“The world worries about disability more than disabled people do” –Warwick Davis

“Disability is natural.” –Benjamin Snow

Disability quotes on overcoming obstacles: 

You don’t have to be positive all of the time, but sometimes, a boost could be what you need. Here are some quotes for when that is the case.

“Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.” –Helen Keller

“Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get afraid. Courage means you don’t let fear stop you.” –Bethany Hamilton

“We, the ones who are challenged, need to be heard. To be seen not as a disability, but as a person who has and will continue to bloom.” –Robert M. Hensel

“Compassion, acceptance, and love are the cure to MOST of the issues that plague this world.” –Yvonne Pierre

“If the world thinks you’re not good enough, it’s a lie, you know. Get a second opinion.” –Nick Vujicic

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