Stephen Hawking in a wheelchair

Why Was Stephen Hawking in a Wheelchair? How His Disability Became a Catalyst for Discovery 

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If you are a science geek, the name Stephen Hawking requires no introduction. He contributed to major scientific theories, including Hawking radiation, the area theorem, the information paradox, and singularity theories, proving he was one of the greatest scientific masterminds of the modern era, despite his physical limitations. Yes, the English scientist lived in a wheelchair for the majority of his life, living with paralysis and speech impairment. 

But why was Stephen Hawking in a wheelchair? The answer is ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). In simple language, the motor neuron disease that slowly paralyzed his body over the years and took away his speaking ability eventually. Once he was diagnosed with ALS, the disease gradually reduced his muscle strength and control of his body, which led to permanent paralysis. Years after the physical paralysis, he also lost his speaking ability. An advanced computer attached to his wheelchair became his best friend and the only source of communication with others.

Understanding the disease ALS

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neurons of the spinal cord and brain. With the slow death of the body’s motor neurons, they fail to send messages to other parts of the body— from legs and arms to shoulder muscles, leading to muscle weakness and eventual paralysis. Besides the upper and lower limbs, ALS can impact facial muscles, making speaking or even eating and drinking challenging. 

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Hawking was diagnosed with ALS in his youth. The Oxford graduate’s life took an unexpected turn at 21 when he was officially diagnosed with the disease, hinting at a possible short life expectancy. During his university days, he saw some notable changes in his body. While he became more fumbling with basic everyday physical tasks, his words started to slur gradually. The doctors gave him only a two-year life expectancy after his ALS was confirmed. 

However, the prediction proved to be wrong as Hawking lived 56 more years following the ALS diagnosis. It’s important to understand that the disease has a significant impact physically, but it doesn’t diminish the intelligence of a creative mind. The renowned scientist’s intellectual thinking and razor-sharp mental acuity remained intact until his demise in 2018. Even though the disability changed his life physically, his wisdom never faded. Talking to Los Angeles Times in 1990, Hawking reflected on his ALS and disability, 

” I fit the part of a disabled genius”. 

How the ALS diagnosis changed Stephen Hawking’s life

Before ALS impacted his life, Stephen Hawking was a bright young man with incredible potential. He succeeded academically and scored highly in each science subject, showing early signs as a physicist and cosmologist. As a teenager and a young adult, he enjoyed numerous physical activities from rowing and running to  playing board games. While awkwardness in his walk or talk was still noticeable, things didn’t become serious until he was officially diagnosed in 1963.

When Stephen discovered his ALS, he slipped into depression with an uncertain future and a possible short life span. This is when he shifted his concentration and dedication to cosmology— a shield that prevented him from falling into a deep depression and fostered a genius mind. It became the turning point of his life. Even without the ALS, Hawking still would have been one of the revolutionary names of science last century.

By the 1970s when Hawking was in his early 30s, he was completely dependent on a wheelchair. While the gradual decline in his physicality and the transition to a wheelchair were heartbreaking, it was a defining moment that fueled his big ideas in isolation.

The wheelchair became a limitation but a symbol of freedom and ideas 

Stephen Hawking’s wheelchair was special— far more than just a mobility device. His ALS created visibility in the disabled community, inspiring an advancement of wheelchair technology. Before Hawking became physically disabled, wheelchairs were mostly manual, mainly used for  basic mobility. But when his condition worsened, he began using motorized wheelchairs that gave him independence and freedom compared to manual models. 

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Unfortunately, in the mid 1980s, the acclaimed scientist lost his complete speaking ability following a lung infection. Although many people assumed it was the end of his public speech ability,  a ground-breaking technological partnership unfolded, giving Stephen Hawking an opportunity to convey his messages without opening his mouth. 

How did it happen? Speech Plus, a California-based company, developed the technology, making the renowned scientist’s life easier. Their engineers built a cheek muscle sensor that enabled him to type with only one facial movement. After typing, the wheelchair-attached computer would create Hawking’s robotic speech, giving him an artificial voice. His advanced wheelchair became iconic by displaying a brilliant blend of technology and humanity, proving how we deal with necessary adjustments. 

Interesting facts about Stephen Hawking’s disability 

While Stephen Hawking was an admired personality in the science world, still some questions raised on why was Stephen Hawking in a wheelchair? Let’s clear up the common misunderstanding about the British scientist. 

1) ALS restricted Hawking’s physical abilities and activities. However, the disease didn’t affect his intelligence. His mental sharpness and brain capacity didn’t change throughout his life.

2) Hawking’s ALS and disability didn’t improve with time. In fact, his condition— particularly the physical part— went downhill as the years passed, forcing him to rely on his wheelchair and technology.

3) Hawking’s disability didn’t affect his work, thanks to modern technological progression. Living till 76, the physicist lived a decent life, enjoying wheelchair mobility and independence. He still traveled all around the world and delivered lectures in front of large audiences. 

Stephen Hawking’s impact on disability community 

Stephen Hawking’s contribution to science is incomparable, but his influence on the disabled community is nearly as significant. He proudly showcased that it isn’t an obstacle to innovators, leaders, and creators, setting a bright example. Instead of limiting him, the British genius moved through Oxford hallways, science conventions, global stages, and hearts of millions. Talking about his condition, Hawking once gave valuable insight to disability,

“My advice to other disabled people would be, concentrate on things your disability doesn’t prevent you doing well, and don’t regret the things it interferes with. Don’t be disabled in spirit as well as physically.”

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Avik Das

Avik Das
Avik Das
Avik is a professional content writer with more than seven years of experience, contributing to renowned brands and specializing in a wide range of niches. He holds a Master's Degree in English Literature. He navigates ADHD every day and is committed to empowering the disabled community through his writing and perspective.