It is now well know that Franklin D. Roosevelt suffered from a paralytic illness. (It was thought to be Polio, but now many experts believe it was Guillain-Barre syndrome). Although he was paralyzed from the waist down, the public was unaware of the fact! There are only two known photographs of Roosevelt in a wheelchair.

Roosevelt took great pains to insure that his disability would remain as inconspicuous as possible. His primary wheelchair was one that he built himself by modifying a standard kitchen chair. He was able to stand using leg braces, and was even able to walk somewhat by swiveling himself with a cane. When appearing in public he was often supported by an aide or was able to support himself by holding on to the lectern. Although he was extremely loathe to be seen in a wheelchair, he could sometimes be seen with crutches.

Roosevelt refused to accept the fact that he was permanently paralyzed, and sought out all sorts of remedies. In 1926 he got hooked on to hydrotherapy and founded a hydrotherapy center in Warm Springs, Georgia.

To be sure, the general public knew that the president had a disability, but the extent of his disability was effectively masked. People did not realize that in truth he was unable to walk. Roosevelt felt that he must maintain that image if he was to be effective as President of the United States. This was probably true at the time.

Ironically, today at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, there is a statue of Franklin D. Roosevelt depicting him sitting in a wheelchair! The statue seems dishonorable as he personally did not want to be seen in a wheelchair. Perhaps, it is not a contradiction nor improper. Today, thanks to increased public awareness and acceptance, Roosevelt would more likely be depicted as a hero for overcoming his paralysis and becoming President of the USA. His embarrassment was largely due to his correct assessment of the then popular public perception of people with severe disabilities.

Another interesting thing to consider is how media coverage has changed over the years. Roosevelt asked news reporters not to ever show him in a wheelchair – and they all complied! No way would that be possible today. How times have changed.