Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1921-11-11
FRIDAY. NOVEMBER II. 1921

All Wisconsin citizens should be in
terested in the Rehabilitation Law rec
emily passed by the Legislature for
this enactment, Wisconsin enters a
new and very fruitful field of activity
and service. Wisconsin employers and
laboring people have coopsrated splen-
didly to make the Women's Compensa-
ton Act successful economic venture
and all who have given this matter
thought, agree that this system OF
compromising accidents is far better
than the old common law of procedure.
But compensation alone has proven
inadequate. It affects industrial acct
dents only; it leaves untouched the
large number of civil accidents; it COM
pensates for part of the wage loss but
does not rehabilitate; it does not retain
or reeducate the injured so that he a
gain may seek remunerative employ
ment in competition with his more for
tunats fellowmen. It goes far, butnot
far enough.
The Great War with its many casual
tiles, taught US that it is physically
possible to convert handicaps into econ
CYNICAL assets to the state, to employers,
to themselves, and to their families.
Wisconsin will do this for its incapaci-
tated through the Rehabilitation law,
regardless of whether the handicap is
the result of industrial or civil acci
dent, or even short coming at birth.
Briefly explained, this lsw is as foil
ows: During the seth United States
Congress, our Federal Government, by
passage of the Industrial Rehabilita-
ton Act, offered financial assistance to
such states as are willing to provide an
equal amount for the purpose ofsalvag-
ing the wreckage of Industrial and civ
il accidents.
Wisconsin accepted the offer of the
Federal Government by proclamation
of the Governor and by passage of the
Industrial Rehabilitation Law during
the recent legislative session at which
time appropriation was made to carry
on the work. The State is just embark
ing on this important work under the
direction of the State Board of Voca-
tional Education.
Four Weeks---F Forty Cases
Only four weeks have elapsed since
this field was opened but even in that
brief period, nearly forty cases have
been reported to this department.
insufficient time has elapsed since
the inception of this work to close any
cases completely, but nearly all the
handicaps reported to Us have been wis.,
tied personally and plans made for
their rehabilitation and reeducation.
Ten cases are in training at this writ
ing, some In the shops, some in the vo-
eational schools, others through cores
pondence courses The handicapped for
eigner is learning to read and write our
language; becoming versed in our con-
stitution. 1t is hoped, and allindications
that sympathetic and purposeful COOP
Grafton from individuals, community,
and commercial and private agencies
will be forth coming. Many of them
have already responded to circular lett
ers sent them, and where personal con-
tact has been made the results have
been gratifying indeed need but cite
the case of Mr.. s ............. Milwaukee
Mr.. S........-, u man of 81 years,
married and having two children, lost
an arm in q machine on which he was
working. Wages at the time of acci-
dent 572c an hour. Six months after
the accident, Mr.. S.. has about
completed course of training ION the
job" After his training, he will be q
competent " lay out man and 'in-
spector" capable Of earning better
wages than previous to his accident.
While training ION the job, he earns
45c an hour. Needless to say Mr.. S.
his employer, and his family, realize
what REHABILITATION in Wiscon-
ain means.
The Rehabilitation Board will attem-
pit to reproduce the results in Mr.. 5
.....--.....--., case. in all cases. But, obvi-
ously, 1t will need worthy. cooperation
and assistance from employer and 9TH
ers just rs it didin that instance. There
are many ways in which the State
Rehabilitation Board may be assisted.
/. Cases may be reported to it.
2. Influence may be brought to bear
on handicaps to show them how they
may benefit by rehabilitation
8. Financial assistance may be given
q handicap to tide him over the train
ing period while his income is small.
1 Medical Services may Do nscsss-
airy.