The Washington times., 1914-04-30
:. MRS GERTRUDE T. RIDER.

and Italy.
By. MRS GERTRUDE T. RIDER.
Interest in the blind, in their Cd
ucation. in the amelioration of
their condition and the improve
ment Of their opportunities, is
keen and fast growing in America.
Philanthropists and public-spir-
tied people all over the country
are pushing the new movement on
behalf Of the blind. Business men
are advocating l.. Governors and
legislatures have given il public
sanction. Much of its complete
success now depends on us, the
blind mans fellow citizens, tc
lar" to earn at least part OF his
own support
Give the blind employment. Buy
their handiwork. Sightless folks
are demonstrating to a doubling
public that they are capable of a
higher efficiency than they have
generally reached. But it rests
them with the chance to be self
supporting.
Witness what one State has done
for its blind. The Massachusetts,
State commission for the blind
grew out of a volunteer organiza-
tion which carried on inyestiga-
tions and experiments. At the ex-
pertinent station a few blind per-
sons learned to weave rugs, fab
rics suitable for curtains, table
covers, sofa pillows and other
things useful and beautiful. At
this station, industries, and pro-
cesses were tested. with a view to
increase the number of lucrative
occupations in which the blind
might engage.
State Aid Enlisted.
After it had demonstrated to the
State that blind people can be
trained for occupations lucrative for
the sightless, the association asked
the legislature for an appropriation
to extend its work. The appropria-
tion was granted, and a commission
was appointed by the governor to be
responsible for the welfare OF all the
blind In Massachusetts,.
The commission took over all TIC
work Of the association, proceeded to
take an accurate census, enlarged
the experiment plant; and opened an
shopping district of Boston The
commission furnished blind home
workers with raw material. IL starts
Trustworthy blind men and women in
business, with the understanding
that II they succeed, they will pay
back what the State has lent them.
The commission gives information
to sightless people who seek posi-
tions. Above all things. it urges
upon each community its RESPONSE
bility for the care and employment
Of the blind within its precincts.
The Ohio State commission, through
its Home Workers Guild, employs
and supervises the work Of blind
girls and women in their homes.
The commission furnishes the mate
rails and directions for making. sends
a blind teacher when instruction Is
and pays the worker when
1t is finished. The great problem In
home industries Is in
finding market for the goods.
State institutions can train the
blind man, but his fellow-'.itizens
must furnish the market for his
products, and see to 1t that he gets
his fair share of patronage.
For some months l have been ar
for a permanent exhibit of
of the blind in the Ii
orary Of Congress, to acquaint the
public with the class and quality
Of goods offered by the blind pro-
1ucers. Both quality and prices are
Equal to those asked by firms for
articles.
1t is not helpful to buy worthless
articles of the blind; in the long
run It Is harmful. For many years
people have bought
futile and childish things because
the blind made them. Quantities of
things that can appeal to no eye
save the eye of pity have passed as
specimens of the work OF the blind.
Good Work by Blind.
Under proper supervision, with ad-
vice. training and direction. articles
'f good design and good workman
ship may be made by these same
10 and a place to sell their prod
lcts. We have in our exhibit cases
of the sightless workers
n many States; Ohio. New York,
Missouri, Wiscon-
in. and our own District.
People want to buy these things.
lot out of pity for the maker, but
,ut OF admiration for the thing We
10 not sell. but we 80 direct where
you may buy these, or similar
hings; hand-woven hammocks. rugs,
apestries. aprons. towels. house
iresses, baskets. luncheon sets, a
'ariety of useful household and
ravelers' supplies and attractive
,ritted and crocheted articles.
There Is Il patented mop made
bv the sightIess without
lighted supervision. Blind agents
ron Maine 10 California are scllin.:
For years blind men have made
rooms. mattresses, baskets. mats
SO brushes. They are employed AS
veavers, masseurs, pianO-tuners,
ypists and telephone oDerators.
The number of lucrative oCcupa-
lions for sightless people Is in
'reasing as A result of thoughtful
'tudv and effort on the part of their
riends.
I am librarian for the blind. but
'ou see | am first of all their friend.
)ur work Is so much more than
imply the circulation of books. We
N int "a. ,tr lot