STEPHEN HAWKING SOARS DESPITE DISABILITY Stephen Hawking cannot speak and does not have use of his motor skills. But he doesn't let that stop him, Renowned for his work in theoretical physics, Hawking has been an influential voice in redefining the way we see black holes and the origin of the universe. He is perhaps most recognized for his book A Brief History of Time, in which he works to translate Einstein's general theory of relatively and quantum theory for a general audience. Hawking was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, a few years after his 21st birthday. Over time, ALS has gradually crippled his body, first making him dependent on a wheelchair and private nurse and then requiring 24-hour nursing care. He uses a voice synthesizer devised by a colleague that allows him to type rather than having to check letters off a card. Despite his disability, Hawking has maintained an extensive program of travel, public lectures, and television appearances even defying gravity by experiencing weightlessness on a zero gravity flight for two hours over the Atlantic, His accomplishments and ability to live a full life with three children and three grandchildren, have inspired people around