Jessica Cox facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jessica Cox
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Cox interviewed by UPROXX in 2017
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| Born | February 2, 1983 Sierra Vista, Arizona, United States
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| Nationality | American |
| Other names |
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| Education | Bachelor of Science in Psychology |
| Alma mater | University of Arizona |
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| Years active | 2004–present |
| Employer | Jessica Cox Motivational Services |
| Known for |
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| Spouse(s) | Patrick Chamberlain |
| Awards | Guinness World Record: The Only Pilot to Fly With Their Feet, Inspiration Awards for Women 2012: Most Aspirational, Tucson Woman of the Year, Honorary Doctorate |
Jessica Cox (born February 2, 1983) is an amazing American woman. She was born without arms. Despite this, she became the world's first licensed pilot to fly an airplane using only her feet! She is also the first person without arms to earn a black belt in Taekwondo.
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Early Life and Amazing Skills
Jessica Cox was born in 1983. She learned to do everyday tasks using her feet. She stopped using prosthetic arms when she was 14.
Jessica can do many things with her feet. She drives a regular car without any changes. She types on a keyboard quickly. She can even put in and take out her contact lenses. She is also a certified scuba diver.
In 2005, Jessica graduated from the University of Arizona. She earned a degree in psychology.
Flying High: Jessica's Pilot Journey
Jessica Cox first flew in a small airplane in 2004. This was through a program called Wright Flight. She loved it and decided to become a pilot.
She trained for three years. On October 10, 2008, she earned her pilot's license. She can fly a light-sport aircraft up to 10,000 feet high.
How Jessica Flies Her Plane
Jessica flies a special plane called an ERCO 415-C Ercoupe. This plane was made in the 1940s. It does not have rudder pedals. Instead, the rudder is connected to the ailerons. This means Jessica can control the plane with one foot on the yoke. Her other foot controls the throttle.
In 2019, Jessica received a 1946 Ercoupe plane. She plans to use it to share an important message. Her goal is to show that "disability does not mean inability."
In July 2020, she flew this plane with retired Senator Tom Harkin. They celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This important law helps people with disabilities. Senator Harkin helped create this law in 1990.
Taekwondo: Earning Black Belts
When she was 10, Jessica started learning taekwondo. This is a martial art. She earned her first black belt at age 14.
While in college, she continued her training. Her instructors helped her by changing the moves. For example, instead of a punch, she uses a knee strike. Jessica has now earned her second and third degree black belts. In 2014, she was even the Arizona State Champion in forms. She competed against everyone, not just those with special abilities.
In 2019, Jessica earned her fourth degree black belt.
Inspiring Others
Jessica Cox is also a motivational speaker. She travels the world sharing her story. She has visited 26 different countries. She inspires people to overcome their own challenges.
In 2015, Jessica wrote a book. It is called Disarm Your Limits. The book shares lessons from her life. It helps others learn how to face their own difficulties.
Media and Influence
Jessica's life is shown in a documentary film. It is called Right Footed. The film follows her life and her trips to Ethiopia and the Philippines. It also shows her work to help pass the CRPD in the US. This is an international agreement that protects the rights of people with disabilities.
Jessica has inspired others. An engineer named Reem Al Marzouqi invented a special car control system. It lets people drive without using their arms. This invention was inspired by Jessica Cox.
See also
- Patrick Henry Hughes, a musician born blind and unable to fully use his limbs.
- Hirotada Ototake, a sports writer who was born without arms or legs.
- Nick Vujicic, a motivational speaker who was also born without arms or legs.
