Handicapped Access

History

The wheelchair was the first major improvement to increase mobility for the physically handicapped. Wheeled beds and chairs first appeared in ancient Greek and Chinese art in the 6th century b.c.e., but the first official wheelchair dedicated to the transport of a disabled person (called an invalid's chair) was made for Phillip II of Spain in 1595. A variety of three-wheeled models appeared in Europe after the invalid's chair, the most popular being the Bath wheelchair designed in 1783 by John Dawson of Bath, England. In the 19th century, inventors made improvements to the Bath chair to increase comfort and self-propulsion. In 1916, the first motorized wheelchair was built in London. In 1932, engineer Harry Jennings built the first folding, tubular steel wheelchair that served as a model for the type used today. Jennings built this wheelchair for his paraplegic friend, Herbert Everest. Together they founded the company Everest & Jennings, devoted to the mass production of wheelchairs. To this day, Everest & Jennings wheelchairs are still sold in folding, reclining, and motorized models. Motorized wheelchairs allow for maximum independence, as a physically handicapped person does not need to rely on physical strength to operate them.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who became paralyzed from the waist down due to paralytic poliomyelitis, depended on braces, crutches, and a wheelchair for transport. During his time, the discussion of physical disability was taboo, and he refused to be seen in public or photographed with his braces or in his wheelchair. Roosevelt needed assistance to get in and out of the presidential [Page 658]limousine, and his limo was driven onto a ramp to avoid steps. Roosevelt's staff also provided a ramp with railings for him when he traveled by train.

Though physically disabled people with means had nurses and servants to accompany them during travel and to provide accommodations, those of limited mobility in less fortunate circumstances often remained housebound or institutionalized, depending on the level of care they required. In the mid-19th century, however, physically disabled, visually impaired, and hearing impaired individuals began attending special schools to learn how to live functional, independent lives. Living skills included how to navigate through traffic and how to take public transportation if possible.

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