In the charity tradition, people with disabilities were seen as dependent and in need of help or saving.
The proliferation of American charitable efforts directed at people with disabilities began in the early 1800s. Philanthropy has had to contend with the fine line between paternalism and empowerment.
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This folded paper pack of needles was sold door-to-door and on the street by people who were deaf.
The back of the needle pack explains that selling such items is a matter of justice and allows the “handicapped” to make an honest living.
Arthur Fuller, in a necktie and eating a meal from a tray across his stomach, asked for support. According to his sign, “your sympathy will not pay my way.”
Harry T. Petry, shown in a nightshirt, seated in a wheelchair with his amputated lower limbs exposed, sold this card about his tragic life story to support himself.
Ralph Tompkins sold this 25-cent sheet music as he “walked around the world.” He is shown with crutches, wearing a suit with knickers, his right leg amputated.
This man with a broken neck brace is shown with his wife and child. Unlike charities that depicted children, beggars controlled their own images and kept all the money they raised.
These two men in suits smile at six-year-old Cindy Jones, on crutches and holding a March of Dimes collection card. Jones grew up to be a disability rights activist.
Ron Mace, in a typical “poster child” pose, wears rolled-up pajama bottoms to expose his leg braces. He beams at the camera while a smiling nurse approves that “he can stand alone.” Mace later helped create the field of Universal Design.
A smiling nurse at the Sister Kenney Foundation for polio watches as a pigtailed, happy girl walks away from her crutches.
Jerry Lewis holds the hand of the MDA’s National Poster Child as they stand by a wishing well.
Many charities organize walks, runs, and bike-a-thons to raise funds. This button shows the Philadelphia skyline drawn in silhouette.
This button with colorful skyscrapers was sold to support the AIDS Walk in Philadelphia--La Caminata para el SIDA.