Books with a disabled protagonist (either physically or mentally)

I have a friend who's disabled and wants to get into reading. Life has really beat him into the ground a recently. To be honest, he's starting to become something of a bitter person because of everything he's dealing with. What books can I recommend him that have a protagonist he can relate to and cheer him up? Something inspirational.

Bonus points if the main character beats the odds after being told he can't do it.