Life on the Roof: Community at a Home for the Blind

This historical photograph, taken around 1915 by the Bain News Service, captures the roof of a home for blind individuals. At a time when society was just beginning to understand and address the needs of people with disabilities, such institutions played a crucial role in providing care and support. This particular home aimed to offer not just shelter but also community and services tailored for the visually impaired.

The Bain News Service, known for documenting significant events and social issues in the early 20th century, provides us with this glimpse into the life behind the walls of a specialized care facility. Buildings like this one were essential in fostering independence and promoting education for blind individuals, reflecting the evolving attitudes toward disability and support systems in American society. This image serves as a snapshot of an era that laid the groundwork for ongoing advocacy and reform in services for individuals with disabilities.