New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-04-27
Teaches Adults Who Become Blind.

IcdChCS AOuitS WHO oCCOTUS OHUOs
1t is to these unfortunates that the New
York Association for the Blind has devoted
its most earnest and helpful consideration.
1t has shown by this distinct service that
II is possible to teach those who have lost
their sight even after middle age the work
of their hands, or their minds in unison
with their hands. so that the work done
shall let light into their souls and hap
piness into their lives.
There are in New York City 300 blind
uersons or one for every thousand Of the
population This ought TO oe greatly re-
duced by enforcing a proper method OF
treatment for infantile ophthalmia: OF the
remainder. those Of school age should be
properly taught in the public schools. They
are unfortunate. but they are none the less
entitled to share in the system of public in
struction. which purports 10 offer equal OPP
portunity to all children. BY increasing
the power and scope of this New York
Association for the Blind all that are left
Of these 300, TO wit. the adults upon whom
blindness has fallen after they have at
tanned manhood womanhood. should be
enabled to live happier lives by training
in mental and physical work which shall
occupy their minds. stimulate their ener-
gies and relieve them as much as possible
OF that sense of dependence. helplessness
and hOpeessness which makes their lives
dismal or uncomfortable.
All honor then to the Holt sisters. who
have had so much to DO WIN me rounding
Of this association and have brought 1t
Of usefulness. May the good and generous
people of New York who are appealed 10
10 support so many good causes add TO
their list Of contributions substantial sums
for the carrying forward Of this great
work not Of mere charity to the helpless.
but of aid TO the self-help Of those who
have the heavy burden OF blindness to
carry.
responded because such is the nature Of the
work she is doing that she is entitled TO
the voice Of every lover Of his kind in eff
fecting her purpose.
Mr. Choate delivered an address in which
he reviewed the work accomplished among
the blind in this city by the New York AS
ISOLATION for the Blind since its organiza-
ton FIVE years ago. He highly commended
the work done by Miss Winifred Holt as
secretary OF the association, and said II
was a disgrace to the city that some OF
it's public spirited citizens did not provide
an ample and adequate building for the
work Of the association instead OF the
present cramped headquarters in the mar
row three story house. known as The
Lighthouse" at No. lls East 18th street
Miss Holt spoke at some length. grace
fully thanking the President and Mr..
Choate for their interest In the exhibition
and outlining the work done by the associ-
alton and the purpose Of holding the pres
ent exhibition, which, she said. was to
show the public that the blind man should
be seriously considered in the business and
intellectual world, and deserves his place
in II. Miss Holt read long letter of greet
ing from Miss Helen Keller who was un-
able TO attend. on account OF her health.
Senator Thomas =. Gore. Of Oklahoma
who is blind. was to have delivered an ad-
dress. but was unable 10 come because OF
pressing affairs at Washington. Mr.. Choate
read n letter OF regret from him
In introducing President Taft. Mr.. Choate
said that the people should all be grateful
TO him for the many things he has done
and is now doing for them
I'VE should feel grateful for his efforts
In furthering the cause Of universal peace "
said Mr.. Choate. and for his splendid
stand for reciprocity with our neighbornr
country on the north. He has come here
to-night as friend OF humanity and an
apostle Of the blind"