Originally established in 1885 to celebrate President George Washington’s birthday on Feb. 22, the nation now celebrates all U.S. presidents on the third Monday of every February.

While much is known and remembered about the men elected to this country’s highest office, many of us do not realize that 11 of these individuals were disabled.Nearly 25 percent of the men elected to the presidency of the United States would have a diagnosis today, might be targeted to receive special services, and would most likely experience stigma associated with the label “disabled.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt had polio and used a wheelchair. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy and Woodrow Wilson all had learning disabilities. Abraham Lincoln experienced severe and, at times, debilitating depression. James Madison had epilepsy. William Clinton and Ronald Reagan both had a hearing loss, and Theodore Roosevelt experienced visual impairment.

On Presidents’ Day all Americans are encouraged to celebrate our republic and to take time to appreciate our unique system of democracy. Our nation was created on the premise that all men and women are created equal and that anyone, regardless of gender, race or disability, can aspire to hold the highest office in the land.

The Disability Options Network/Center for Independent Living honors our presidents on Monday and reminds all citizens of the incredible and inclusive freedoms we all enjoy in this great nation. Our mission, “to empower people with disabilities to live independently as they choose,” is founded on the principle that anyone can pursue and achieve their dreams even to the highest level of elected office.

So on Presidents Day remember our presidents, honor our nation and respect all citizens.