Bessie Blount Griffin

Bessie Blount Griffin was an American nurse, physical therapist, and inventor. She was born in Hickory, Virginia, in 1914. She invented devices that helped injured war veterans eat on their own. She dedicated her life to helping people regain their independence.

Early Life

Griffin was left-handed as a child, but her teacher forced her to use her right hand. This experience taught her that people can learn to use their bodies in new ways. She became a nurse and physical therapist. She worked with wounded veterans from World War II.

Inventions for Veterans

Griffin saw that veterans who lost arms could not feed themselves. She invented an electronic feeding device that delivered food one bite at a time when the user bit down on a tube. She also invented a device that held a bowl in place for one-armed people. When the U.S. government showed little interest, she donated her invention to the French government.

Fun Facts

• Bessie Blount Griffin donated her invention to France when America did not want it.
• She later became a forensic handwriting expert.
• She trained injured veterans to write with their teeth and feet.

Did You Know?

Bessie Blount Griffin taught wounded soldiers to write using their teeth and feet. She believed that with enough practice, people could overcome almost any physical challenge.