New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-09-22
NEW HOPE FOR BLIND
State Commission Begins Work
of Helping the SightIeSs.
PLANS SCHOOLS AND SHOPS
Board, with DR.. Finley as Head,
Also to Organize a Bureau
for Industrial Aid.

The State Commission for the Blind
which was created during the legislative
session of last winter by virtue OF Dill
introduced by Senator Malone, which be
came Chapter AZ OF the Laws OF 1913
has completed Its organization ana oeSar
work The members OF the commission
were appointed by Governor Sulzer N
conformity with the provisions OF the act
DR.. John II. Finley. who has been
president of the College OF the City OF
New York. and is about 10 enter office
as State Commissioner of Education mas
been elected chairman OF the commission
and Miss Lucille A. Goldthwaite VINO
has charge OF the blind department IN
the New York Public Library. is recorder
The other members Of the commission are
Herbert L. Satterlee. formerly Assistant
Secretary OF the Navy; Miss Gertrude
T. Bingham, I'm charge OF the Dlinh
classes in the public schools OF New YORK
and ex-senator George r. Burd, of Buff
falo. who. when in the Legislature,
strongly advocated the creation Of the
commission.
DR. Finley, who was president or the
New York Association for the Blind ana
Mr.. Satterlee, who was a member OF tue
finance committee of the ORGANIZATION
resigned from all connection with the as
ISOLATION in order that they might ac-
cept appointments upon the commission
and give their full time to the new WORK
The commission has broad powers
which will enable II TO improve the con-
II al. In state II is 10
maintain a complete register. which VIII
describe their condition. cause OF ollnn-
ness. capacity for education and indus-
trial training " is also 10 maintain II
bureau OF information and Industrial alo
TO assist the blind in finding employment
and TO teach them trades which may De
followed I'm their homes.
The commission is empowered to estao-
lish schools for Industrial training ana
workshops for the employment OF suit
able blind persons. Home teaching VIII
also be undertaken by the commission
The subject Of the prevention of blind
ness will be an important part OF the
work In this and all other matters Al
fccting blindness the commission VIII
work In cooperation with existing prl-
vate philanthropies I'm the state anu VIII
supplement their efforts.
Previous investigating commissions 10
gether with the efforts Of private as'h-
cies have determined that there ire
about $50 blind persons In this state
and the present commission expects TO
study their condition with care. Severa'
other states have preceded New YORK III
giving special official recognition TO me
needs and potential value to commuhl-
ties OF blind citizens. and the Ne" horK
commission has been created following
an appreciation of the value Of these
other official bodies.
The commission has elected Clarence VI.
Abbott. Of Albany. It's secretary, and ma
taken Offices at No 106 West 10Th street
Mr.. Abbott said yesterday that he was
anxious 10 get In touch with the bhhu'
and hoped that they and their friends
would call al the commissions ofhces.
He expects 10 correspond with the pima
throughout the state. 10 get from thehl
suggestions for work. and otherwise 70
give them the benefit Of the commission
labors.