The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1918-02-17
RE-EDUCATION
IN GAINFUL
OCCUPATIONS
IS j. S. PLAN
Blinded in battle.

Blinded in battle.
Insane from actual contact with war
fare.
These are the two greatest misfor-
tunes short Of death that can befall
She American soldier engaged in the
world conflict. Because those wholly or
partially disabled represent greater num-
bers. the average man thinks OF them
a. being the most important charges Of
Uncle Sam.
Uncle Sam, however. thinks first Of the
insane and the blinded soldiers. Pro
vision has been made for those who re-
turn from the front mentally incapaci-
tGted. Now plans are being worked out
through which soldiers blinded in battle
may be re-educated and rehabilitated so
that they may return to some gainful &C.
cupstion or profession.
Plan Approved.
The War Department has recently ap-
proved a complete plan worked out by
an advisory board OF ten leading work
err for the blind in America, who has
the advantage Of counsel and advice
from instructors and workers for the
blind In all parts Of this and other war
ring countries.
In England. where hundreds Of blinded
soldiers have been re-educAted the work
has been conducted through private
Initiative and philanthropic support,
whereas in the United States everything
IL to be undertaken at the expense and
under the direction OF the Government.
Prom England Uncle Sam is getting
valuable ideas in the care and re-educa-
ton OF the blind.
1t was an American, Otto Kahn.
the New York financier, who do
mated st. Dunstan's, Regents Park.
his magnificent house and estate in
England, for the use of the blinded
soldiers and sailors care committee.
"HaDpIesl House,
St Dunstan's is now called the
'Happiest House in London" for
those blinded men. who have learned
to live their lives anew with such
gay courage, know all that is worth
knowing about happiness.
The numbers of blinded soldiers
and sailors has grown so rapidly
that II has been necessary to build
Gnnexes to ST. Dunstan's, and today
more than 1000 men are being re-
educated in the institution and pre-
pared for some occupation or pro-
1ession through which they will be
self-sustaining.
Americas plan for the rehAbilita-
ton OF the blind not only incorpO-
rates all the good features Of the st.
DunstRn Hospital. but goes further.
IT provides for the care OF men in
France before embarkation; their
training on board ship en- route
home; a complete course OF instruc-
tioH in a hospital school after their
return. and finally positions suited to
the blind will be secured for them.
Residence Donated.
A Baltimore woman, Mrs. T. Hsr-
rison Garrett. has donated TO the
Government her large and spacious
residence. with its ninety-acre estate. |
near Baltimore. and this Is now be-
ting fitted up as a complete hospital
school for the blind. including the
necessary rooms for teaching. enter
tainment, shops. swimming pool. !
gymnasium, etc.
Uncle Sam Will spare no expense in
making the school as near perfect in
its appointment as necessary.
The purpose OF the school is to train
the blind soldier TO live as blind
man. to give him faith in himself TO
teach him the mental and physical
value Of steady employment. 1t will
give him the primary essentials Of
various occupations.
Mrs. Gertrude T. Rider. librarian in