Auteur: Morrison Heady

Morrison Heady (1829-1915), known as the “blind bard of Kentucky, ” was an American author and poet distinguished not only for his literary contributions but also for his triumphs over disability. Heady lost his vision and hearing following an accident in his youth, but his indomitable spirit led him to become an advocate for individuals with disabilities. Heady is best recognized for his novel “The Red Moccasins”, which became a notable work for its insightful portrayal of Native American life and culture during a period when such perspectives were scarce in literature. His writing style, characterized by vivid descriptions and a keen sense of storytelling, transcended the barriers of his impairments and provided an inspiration to both disabled and non-disabled readers alike. Heady”s influence extended beyond literature as he invented devices to aid people with sensory impairments, further cementing his legacy as a pioneer for the rights and capabilities of the disabled community. While not as widely read today, Morrison Heady”s contributions to literature and society remain significant, his works offer a unique window into the life of a 19th-century American overcoming personal adversity to leave a lasting impact through the written word.