Pin, Insignia
Object number2024.10.13 a,b
OriginUnited States of America
MediumBrass; Enamel
Credit LineGift of Joyce Bender
DescriptionBrass wheelchair accessibility pin in the shape of a person (stick-figure) in a wheelchair leaning slightly forward with arms bent and raised behind them indicating movement. The symbol is the Accessible Icon which is a modern version of the International Symbol of Access. Inside the wheel is a blue enamel rectangle. Reverse has post near center with brass clutch back fastener.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (a-b): 0.813 x 0.813 x 0.5 in. (2.1 x 2.1 x 1.3 cm)Height x Width x Depth (a): 0.813 x 0.813 x 0.375 in. (2.1 x 2.1 x 1 cm)
Diameter x Depth (b): 0.5 x 0.25 in. (1.3 x 0.6 cm)
Marks(b)
Face has engraved text around center "MADE IN / USA".
Historical NotesDisability awareness pin. New Galilee, Pennsylvania native Joyce Bender worked as an IT recruiter in Pittsburgh in the 1980s. A request to train students with disabilities in resume writing and interviewing at the Community College of Allegheny County’s Institute of Handicapped Children led to a pivot in her career. Joyce realized that people with disabilities were underemployed and not utilizing their skills and degrees. She started Bender Consulting which focused on finding competitive employment for people with disabilities in the IT sector. As an adult, Bender was diagnosed with epilepsy and lost hearing in her right ear as a result of fall related to a seizure. Through Bender’s advocacy, CCAC rebranded this program as the Institute of Advanced Technology. She became known for her saying, “People with disabilities need paychecks not pity.”
Previous owner
Joyce Cilitti Bender
Related institution
Bender Consulting Services, Inc.
Terms
On View
Not on view
1944-1945
1974-2012
