The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1919-03-21
DISABLED SOLDIERS PROVIDED
FOR.
Vocational Rehabilitation Act En-
ables Them To Qualify For
Positions

Vocational Rehabilitation Act En-
ables Them To Qualify For
Positions.
Thousands Of American soldiers,
SO manned in the fighting in France
as to be unable to return to their old
employment, men who have lost
arms or legs or suffered the impair
ment of eyesight or other faculties,
are unaware that the American gov
eminent has made every provision
for their complete rehabilitation in
life.
Many of the wounded will be able
to go back to their old jobs so Uncle
Sans greatest anxiety is to find and
tell those who can not that he will
train them for new vacations, pay
all the bills including the living ex-
penses, and also assist any depend
ents of the soldier while he is being
refitted for civilian usefulness. 1t
is matter of paramount import
ance to the nation and the soldier
alike and accordingly the program
provided by Congress is the most
liberal adopted by any nation in the
war.
At least 10000 disabled fighters
are entitled to the benefits offered
by the Federal Board for Vocational
Education and so well started is the
work that more than 500 have
actually begun the re-education that
will give them new trades and pro-
fessions fitted to their handicaps.
1t is the hope of the Federal Board
that no disabled soldier or sailor
will fail to avail himself of the SER
vices to which he is entitled because
he did not know of them. To this
end the country is being combed
from coast to coast to locate any who
do not understand that new start
in life that will make him self-sup-
porting and independent is his for
the asking.
The act of Congress under which
the Federal Board carries on the
work is known as the Vocational
Rehabilitation Law. 1t was passed
unanimously and signed by the
President on June 27,191S. 1t
charges the Federal Board with see
ing that every disabled soldier,
sailor or marine entitled to compen-
sation under the War Risk Insurance
Law gets his old job back or another
suitable one. And for those whose
disabilities make it impossible for
them to take up their old callings
retraining in a new vocation at the
governments expense is provided.
1t further provides that while the
soldier, sailor or marine is thus
being trained he will be supported
jointly by the Federal Board and the
War Risk Insurance Bureau, while
any dependents also receive Federal
aid. To cover this expense ST.
100000 has already been appropri-
ated and there is ample assurance
that more will be forthcoming If
needed.
Tuition, books and other equip
ment and living expenses are pro-
vided all disabled fighters taking
training courses approved by the
Federal Board, which may range
from six months shop training to a
full four year college course. The
compensation allowed while training
lasts equals the monthly sum to
which the soldier, sailor or marine
is entitled under the War Risk In
surance Law or sum equal to his
pay for the last month he was in
active service, If that be greater.
In no case will single man or one
required by his course of instruction
to live apart from his dependents
receive less than $4,000 month,
exclusive of the sum paid depend
ents, nor will man living with his
dependents receive less than $500
per month, inclusive of the amount
paid the family.