If you could have one superpower, what would it be? To fly? Be invisible? Superhuman strength?
Although (SPOILER) superpowers aren’t real, they sure are fun to think about. That’s why many of today’s superhero movies are some of the world’s biggest blockbusters. It’s hard not to sit back and think, “Wow! What if I had that superpower?”
In order to put yourself in the shoes (or cape) of a superhero, it helps to have something in common with the character. For people with disabilities, it’s inspiring to know that a number of today’s superheroes (whether in comic books or on the big screen) are featured with some sort of relatable disability.
At 101 Mobility®, we thought the idea of having disabled superheroes overcoming their circumstances can be empowering.
Here are the 6 disabled superheroes that inspire us:
Daredevil
Disability: Blind
When thinking about superheroes with a disability, it’s likely that Daredevil is the first one to come to mind. Matt Murdock, Daredevil’s secret identity, was blinded as a child by an accident involving dangerous chemicals. This disability is actually what led him to receive his superpower – using echolocation to get around and fight crime!
Professor X
Disability: Paralyzed
As the leader of the X-Men, Professor X possesses the superpower of being a telepath. Using his signature wheelchair to get around, Professor X (also known as Charles Xavier) was accidentally paralyzed by his friend (and soon to be the villain) Magneto. However, his wheelchair definitely doesn’t slow him down. Charles devoted his life to helping others, which is why he founded Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters.
Hawkeye
Disability: Deaf
Hawkeye, who is featured in every iteration of The Avengers, has the superpower of being a skilled bow-and-arrow marksman and martial artist. He founded the West Coast Avengers with his wife Mockingbird and takes on plenty of crime-fighting, all while being deaf. Although the live-action movies haven’t portrayed Hawkeye’s hearing loss yet, there’s a chance we might see this change in the future.
The Oracle (Batgirl)
Disability: Paralyzed
For those of you who read superhero comic books, you might know that Batgirl (whose secret identity is Barbara Gordon) is eventually paralyzed after a run-in with the Joker. Instead of giving up on her career in fighting crime, she instead becomes the Oracle, and assists Batman right from her wheelchair!
Iron Man
Disability: Heart Condition
Iron Man, one of the world’s favorite superheroes, even has a disability himself. Throughout his comic book and movie run, Tony Stark (Iron Man’s identity) has to wear a special electromagnet and ARC reactor as part of his chest plate. That’s because he sustained shrapnel during an injury at war, and the chest plate keeps the small pieces from entering his heart. It is clear that writers drew out the Iron Man character with a disability in mind.
Captain Marvel, Jr.
Disability: Paralyzed
Different from the Marvel character with the same name, DC Comics created a disabled newsboy character with plenty of superhero strength. Just by muttering the words “Captain Marvel!” the boy could transform from being paralyzed to able-bodied, and back again.
Which superhero is your favorite? Do you have any other superheroes that you would add to this list? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
About 101 Mobility®
101 Mobility® is a full-service franchise business that specializes in mobility and accessibility equipment. Products include stair lifts, ramps, auto lifts, patient lifts, pool lifts, bath lifts, vertical platform lifts, and more. Visit 101Mobility.com to learn more.
101 Mobility® franchisees are supplied with geo-specific online marketing campaigns, in-person training, on-going support, and a proprietary business management platform. Visit 101MobilityFranchise.com to find more information about our franchise process.
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