MUNCIE, Ind. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt didn't want a memorial in the first place, let alone one that conceals his disability, a Ball State University educator says.

Richard Harris, director of Ball State's Disabled Student Development office, feels the memorial to be dedicated May 3 in Washington should show some element of the 32nd president's disability.

Harris welcomed the news that President Clinton urged addition of a sculpture showing FDR in a wheelchair.

"People need to realize that a person with a severe disability was elected president four times and led us through a depression and a world war," Harris said.

Demonstrations against the exclusion of FDR's disability are expected at the dedication of a memorial Roosevelt never wanted, Harris said.

"He said the only memorial he wanted was a granite tablet which is located in front of the National Archives Building," Harris said. "After violating his wishes in the first place, to turn around and say he wouldn't want to have his disability portrayed is a huge irony."

Harris and FDR's granddaughter Nina Roosevelt Gibson, daughter of John Roosevelt, have given presentations on FDR and his disability, using rarely-seen photos of FDR utilizing braces, canes, crutches and wheelchair.

"FDR did more to promote disability issues than most people realize," Harris said. "While there wasn't constant portrayal of his disability on the front pages of the newspapers, there was no secret of his involvement with the Warm Springs Foundation and the March of Dimes."

FDR was known as "Dr. Roosevelt" at his Warm Springs retreat because of his pioneering interest in hydrotherapy, Harris said.

"Many biographers believe his disability shaped the leader he became," Harris said. "His ability to understand what exclusion is all about came directly from his experience with disability."