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 |
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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 on February 2, 1983, is an amazing person who achieved many firsts! She is the world's first pilot to fly an airplane using only her feet. She also became the first person without arms to earn a black belt in Taekwondo from the American Taekwondo Association. Jessica was born without arms because of a rare condition.
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Early Life and Education
Jessica Cox graduated from the University of Arizona in 2005. She earned a degree in psychology and also studied communications.
Since she was 14 years old, Jessica has not used prosthetic arms. She uses her feet for almost everything, just like most people use their hands. For example, she can drive a regular car without any special changes. She can type on a keyboard very quickly, about 25 words per minute. Jessica can even pump her own gas and put in her contact lenses. She is also a certified scuba diver, exploring the underwater world.
Amazing Career Achievements
Flying Airplanes with Her Feet
Jessica Cox first flew in a single-engine airplane in 2004. This was through a program called Wright Flight. She spent three years training to become a pilot. On October 10, 2008, she earned her pilot's certificate. This made her qualified to fly a light-sport aircraft up to 10,000 feet high! She received her flight training with help from an Able Flight scholarship.
Jessica's pilot certificate is for an ERCO 415-C Ercoupe airplane. This type of plane was designed in the 1940s without rudder pedals. Instead, the rudder (which helps steer the plane) is connected to the ailerons (which help the plane roll). This special design allows Jessica to control the airplane with one foot on the yoke (the steering control) and the other foot on the throttle (which controls speed).
In 2019, Jessica received a 1946 Ercoupe 415-C airplane. She plans to use this plane to share an important message: "disability does not mean inability." In July 2020, she flew the airplane with retired Senator Tom Harkin. This flight celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Senator Harkin had introduced this important law in the US Senate in 1990.
Becoming a Taekwondo Black Belt
When she was 10 years old, Jessica started training in taekwondo in her hometown. By the time she was 14, she had earned her first black belt! Later, while attending the University of Arizona, she continued her Taekwondo training.
Her instructors at the ATA club created a special training plan for her. They changed the usual moves to fit her unique abilities. For example, instead of a punch, Jessica performs a knee strike. Since then, Jessica has earned her second and third degree black belts in the ATA. In 2014, she also became the Arizona State Champion in forms, competing against others without special rules. In 2019, Jessica earned her fourth degree black belt.
Motivational Speaking and Writing
Jessica Cox is also a popular motivational speaker. She has traveled to 26 different countries to share her inspiring message.
In 2014, Jessica competed in a 40-mile bike ride called El Tour de Tucson.
In 2015, Jessica wrote a book about her life called Disarm Your Limits. She wrote it to inspire people to overcome their own challenges. The book shares the lessons she has learned throughout her life.
Media and Influence
Jessica Cox is the main subject of a documentary film called Right Footed. The film was directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Nick Spark. This documentary shows Jessica's life, how she helps others, and her trips to Ethiopia and the Philippines. It also highlights her efforts to help pass the CRPD in the US Senate.
An engineer from the United Arab Emirates, Reem Al Marzouqi, was inspired by Jessica. Reem invented a special system that allows people to drive a car without using their upper body.
See Also
- Patrick Henry Hughes, a musician who was born blind and cannot 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.
