I. King Jordan Quotes

Powerful I. King Jordan for Daily Growth

About I. King Jordan

Isaac S. (I. King) Jordan, born on July 13, 1952, in Providence, Rhode Island, is a renowned American author, academic, and disability rights activist. Blind since birth due to Retinoschisis, an inherited eye disease, Jordan's life has been a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of education. Jordan's childhood was marked by his love for reading. He would listen to books on tape and developed a knack for memorizing entire works. This passion for literature eventually led him to study English at the University of Rhode Island, where he graduated with honors in 1974. Jordan then pursued his Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition at Syracuse University, becoming the first blind person to earn a doctorate in this field in the United States. Jordan's career spans across academia and public service. He served as the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College) from 1985 to 1987. In 1988, he was appointed President of Gallaudet University, the world's only liberal arts university for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. During his tenure, Jordan implemented significant changes to make the university more accessible to students with disabilities. Jordan is also an accomplished author, with works such as "E-mail: The Management Art" (1997) and "Deafness and Philosophy: Thinking in Sign" (2006). His life and experiences have inspired numerous speeches and essays that advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. In 2003, Jordan was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve a five-year term on the United States Civil Rights Commission. He is currently the Distinguished University Professor Emeritus at Gallaudet University. Jordan's life and work continue to inspire and advocate for equal opportunities for people with disabilities worldwide.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Disability is not a lack of ability."

This quote emphasizes that having a disability does not equate to lacking abilities; rather, it highlights individual potential and talents that may be different from those without disabilities. It encourages society to focus on an individual's strengths and abilities instead of their limitations or challenges. In essence, this quote calls for inclusivity, understanding, and appreciation of diversity in human capabilities, while challenging stereotypes and misconceptions about people with disabilities.

"When you have a disability, it's important that you own your disability, rather than your disability owning you."

This quote suggests that people with disabilities should assert their agency and control over their lives, rather than allowing their conditions to dictate their experiences. It encourages individuals to embrace their uniqueness, take charge of their circumstances, and live life proactively, instead of being defined or limited by their disability. Essentially, the quote underscores the importance of personal empowerment for people with disabilities in overcoming challenges and achieving success in life.

"The only disability in life is a bad attitude."

This quote emphasizes that a negative or pessimistic mindset can be disabling, regardless of any physical or mental challenges one may face. It encourages the importance of maintaining a positive and resilient attitude, as it can empower individuals to overcome obstacles and lead fulfilling lives.

"If I can reach the highest office in the land, anyone can do anything they want to do."

This quote by I. King Jordan highlights the potential for personal achievement that exists within every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances. The fact that he, as a deaf person, rose to become the President of Gallaudet University – the world's only liberal arts university exclusively serving deaf and hard-of-hearing students – serves as an inspiring example that no dream is too big if one believes in their abilities and works towards it. In essence, Jordan suggests that anyone can accomplish whatever they desire if they are willing to strive for it.

"I would like people to see me as just another human being who happens to have a disability, and not a person who's defined by a disability."

This quote by I. King Jordan advocates for recognizing individuals with disabilities as equal members of society, rather than solely defining them by their impairment. He desires to be perceived as an ordinary human being first, acknowledging his individuality beyond the label of disability. In essence, he calls for a shift in societal perception towards inclusivity and understanding that everyone has unique abilities and qualities.

I grew up outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in a little town, and went to a regular high school. I was a... very average student in that high school. Then I joined the Navy, and while I was in the Navy, I was in a motorcycle accident and woke up deaf in a hospital.

- I. King Jordan

Student, Average, Very, Pennsylvania

I'm a psychologist. I was a psychology faculty member, and then I became an administrator of the department, then the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. At the time of the presidential search, I was the dean.

- I. King Jordan

College, Dean, Became, Administrator

At Gallaudet, deafness isn't an issue. You don't even think about it. Students can pay attention to accounting or psychology or journalism. But when a deaf person goes to another college, no matter how supportive it is, that person doesn't get the same access.

- I. King Jordan

College, Access, Supportive, Journalism

I'm committed to sign in everything I communicate, but I also speak. I still believe that I reach more people when I do that. I bridge two different cultures and two different worlds, and I think that bridge still needs work.

- I. King Jordan

Communicate, I Think, Worlds, Different Cultures

Differences among deaf people are okay, but we need to recognize those differences and work together.

- I. King Jordan

Work, Need, Okay, Together

I lived for a year in Scotland. British sign language is very different from American.

- I. King Jordan

Year, Sign, Very, Scotland

There are people who are born deaf and grow up deaf who don't speak at all, and some of them have told me that they resent a little bit that I do speak. But, you know, I have to be myself. I have to do what I'm comfortable doing.

- I. King Jordan

Doing, Deaf, Some, Resent

After becoming deaf, I realized that I'd better get an education if I was ever to do anything with my life.

- I. King Jordan

Education, My Life, Becoming, Deaf

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