The Glasgow courier. [volume] (Glasgow, Mont.) 1913-current, 1921-05-13
Training Centers New Being
Established.

Education lSCOVefed early In lCS WoTk
of rehabilitating the disabled ex-ser-
vice men that it's obligations were
many and greatly diversified, for in
addition to those disabled men eligi-
BILE and able to take training there are
other ex-service men eligible but phys
ically unable to take either mstltu-
tional or placement training as GUS
tomarily provided, the latter being dl-
vided into two groups-namely those
eleigible for training but who are still
patients in hospitals, and those ellgl-
BILE but physically unable to take the
training, although they may be at
home or drifting about the country.
These groups comprise principally tu-
berculous and mental cases. 1t is the
duty of the Federal Board, in 81 far
as possible, to Salvage" these men,
not only because the Rehabilitation
Act requires it, but because society
and economic conditions render it i'm
perative.
The organizers of the rehabilitation
division early visualized this problem
and worked out a program which was
eventually to make provision for these
two types of ex-service men-the ones
who could not, because in hospitals,
and the one who did not, for a variety
of reasons, come to the Federal
Board.
In the earlier work of rehabilitating
disabled veterans of the World War,
the Federal Board made use of schools
of all kinds that were already estab-
lished; also of shops, mills and fac
tories. Soon these were filled to ca
pacity. 1t was also found that there
were types of men who could not be
taught to the best advantage in any
existing schools, which were estab-
lished and being conducted along lines
suitable to normal men, and mostly
young men. They were not adapted to
men of mature years, to men with
mental disturbances; to men afflicted
with tuberculosis; to men able to de-
vote only a part time to study; to
men with little or no education, and
to other special classes. But all these
must be given the benefits of the Re-
Mobilization Act.
Therefore,, about a year ago, the
Federal Board began to establish its
own schools or training centers to bet
ter meet the needs of the men men,
toned above. These schools are not
intended to compete with any exist
ing training facilities, but rather to
supplement them.
As a matter of administration, each
of the fourteen districts into which
the United States is divided for re-
Mobilization purposes has a special Of
ficer known as the Supervisor of Fed
eral Board Training Centers, whose
duty it is to organize, equip, and SUI
pervise the work of these special CEN
tiers. He is always a man OF expert
ence as an educator and organizer,
with a knowledge of the vocational
lines that are in demand at the pres
ent time.
Centers are established in hospitals
SO that men undergoing treatment
may, as soon as they are able, devote
part of their time to study. In this
way they begin training and also find
out what line of work they are most
interested in.
AS a matter of experience, it has
been proven that only an hour may
be devoted on the first day of this
training work, but if the mans health
improves, the time which he may be
able to spend upon his work may be
increased. Experience has also proven
that the work which he is able to do
has a beneficial result in the improve
ment of his health, and is, therefore,
welcomed by the hospital authorities.
Another fact should not be over
looked. Men enterting the hospital who
have not, as yet, been approved for
training are assisted in making out
the necessary papers in order that
an eligibility rating may be made. If
rated eligible and they are to remain
in the hospitals for some time they
will then be able to take up their
training in the hospital school. If they
are soon to leave the hospital, they
will be able to step directly from the
hospital into regular vocational train
ing.
Much of the work in the hospitals
is pre-vocational in nature, consisting
of English, spelling, letter-writing,
arithmetic, and ~penmanship. This is
especially valuable for men of foreign
birth or those who have little educa-
ton and might easily be considered
a necessity of men of all classes in all
trades and Industries. Considerable
vocational work is also done along
the lines of typewritlng, stenography,
bookkeeping, mechanical and architec-
Jutdl COiIlillciSldl dlI NiiiuS-
trating) business law, and sign paint
ing. In a few instances work of a
mechanical nature like matchmaking,
shoe repairing, and electricity is Civ
en-, looking forward to a more extend
ed course in these trades after the re-
covery of health. Frequently men are
tutored in advance subjects. In fact,
most of the work is individual rather
than class because the men are of
such different ~attainufents and needs.
Three definite things are, therefore
accomplished while the man is max
ing his stay in the hospital.
l.. He is furnished educational and
pre-vocational training as an encour-
agement so that upon his discharge he
is ready a and onxious to continue
vocational rehabilitation.
2. He is assured that time spent in
"a hospital will have a vocation as we'll
as curative value, thus saving the pa
tient much time and energy otherwise
lost.
3. An opportunity if afforded to
compile all information and to do all
paper work or the patients cast be-
fore he leaves the hospital, thereby
assuring quick action and decision re-
garding his training.
Glasses in vocational training will
inevitably become a powerful factor
for good in the lives of the eX-ser-
vice men in the hospitals and SAM,
taria, and other similar institutions
OF all the benefits which our Gov,