Ekaterina Dahlinger

Russian disability rights pioneer who transformed prosthetics in 19th century

Ekaterina Dahlinger (1847–1919), born without forearms in St. Petersburg, became Russia's first professional mechanical engineer and revolutionized prosthetic design. Her 1876 articulated limb prototype featured unprecedented grip control through shoulder-operated pulleys.

Key achievements:

• Established free prosthetic workshops across the Russian Empire
• Pioneered occupational therapy concepts
• Designed specialized tools for farmers and musicians