On Different Roads: An Autobiography by Geraldine Lawhorn

Geraldine Lawhorn—actor, teacher, and DeafBlind pioneer—recounts a nearly century-long life of grit and grace in On Different Roads. 
Geraldine “Jerrie” Lawhorn (1910s–2016) was a DeafBlind actor, pianist, and beloved Chicago teacher whose life’s work centered on accessibility, independence, and the arts. For decades she mentored students who are blind or DeafBlind, blending performance with advocacy. Her 1991 memoir, On Different Roads, captures the grit, humor, and community that shaped her remarkable journey.
From childhood in Chicago to a career on stage and decades teaching students who are blind or DeafBlind, Lawhorn shares setbacks, humor, faith, and the mentors who opened doors. Published by Vantage Press in 1991, this concise 156-page memoir offers first-person insight into accessibility, independence, and community—an essential addition for readers seeking lived-experience narratives that illuminate disability history.
 
📌 Perfect for
Book clubs discussing resilience & disability rights
Teachers, counselors, and librarians building inclusive shelves
Readers of Helen Keller, Haben Girma, and Temple Grandin
Chicago history & arts enthusiasts
❤️Why you’ll love it
Authentic, first-person voice from a DeafBlind educator and performer
Short, highly readable chapters ideal for classrooms & groups
Uplifting without sugarcoating barriers—great discussion starter
A lesser-known Chicago icon whose story deserves the spotlight Chicago Sun-Times
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Being Heumann — Judith Heumann
The Country of the Blind — Andrew Leland