Jacob Bolotin
- Born:
- January 3, 1888, Minsk, Russian Empire (present-day Belarus)
- Died:
- January 1, 1924, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Labor Economist, Advocate for the Blind
Early Life and Education
- Emigrated to the United States with his family as an infant.
- Became blind shortly after birth due to ophthalmia.
- Attended the Illinois School for the Blind.
- Earned a Bachelor's degree and Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Chicago.
Career and Major Achievements
- Dedicated his career to advocating for the employment of blind individuals.
- Worked as an economist, specializing in labor market issues.
- Actively challenged discriminatory hiring practices against the blind.
- Demonstrated his capability in various fields to disprove prejudices against the blind.
- The posthumously published manuscript, 'An American Visionary: How Jacob Bolotin Invented His Future', provides insight into his remarkable life.
Notable Works
- Extensive lectures and public speaking engagements on disability rights and economic opportunities for the blind.
- Contributed articles to journals and publications on labor economics.
- 'An American Visionary: How Jacob Bolotin Invented His Future' (Posthumous publication).
Legacy and Impact
Jacob Bolotin's tireless advocacy significantly improved employment opportunities for blind individuals and helped challenge societal perceptions of disability. He is remembered as a pioneer in disability rights and a testament to the power of determination and intellectual capacity in overcoming adversity. The existence of materials like 'Dr Jacob Bolotin biography of Abraham Lincoln' (though the precise details or authorship by Bolotin remain unverified) showcases the broader intellectual engagement of individuals with disabilities in the early 20th century.