01/23/2026
Today, we celebrate the birthday of Ed Roberts, a visionary who fundamentally changed how society views disability and independence.
At age 14, Ed contracted polio, which paralyzed him from the neck down and required him to use an iron lung. When he sought to attend college, he was told it was "impossible," but he refused to accept the low expectations others had for his life. By becoming the first student living with a significant disability to attend UC Berkeley, he paved the way for the Independent Living Movement, proving that when society stops limiting people based on its own perceptions, everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
His work was vital in challenging assumptions and raising awareness about the importance of inclusivity and equity. From advocating for the release of critical civil rights regulations to swimming with 30-ton humpback whales, Ed lived a life of dignity and audacious action.
