Evening star., 1946-08-19
Federation Lays Plans
To Help Physically
Handicapped by Drive

ESLdDllSlllIlenG Oh a FeQeTal COM
mission to promote welfare of physi-
|cally handicapped persons and a
national campaign in October to
increase employment opportunities
for them were goals today of the
American Federation of the Physi-
cally Handicapped, following its
third biennial convention here.
Maj. Gen. Graves B. Erskine, U. S.
NJ. c., administrator of the Refrain
ing and Unemployment Admins
alton, and Assistant Secretary of
Labor John j. Gibson, principal
speakers at the all-day meeting yes
terday in the National Press Club
auditorium, urged greater assistance
for the Nations 100000 handi-
capped persons and praised the pro-
ductive work being done by many
such employees in industry
Paul A. Strachen of Washington,
reelected president, announced to-
day that the federation had been
notified that Senator-elect Spark
man, Democrat, of Alabama will
sponsor Senate bill for a Federal
commission for the physically hand
icapped next Jenuary
Mr.. Strachen and Miss Mildred
Scott, also Of Washington, who was
reelected secretary, said the Or
ganization plans an active part in
national employ the physically
handicapped week to be sponsored
during the first week in October bv
the Federal Interagency Committee
on Rehabilitation Services for Sc
Verely Disabled Persons. That COM
mittee recently was appointed by
Gen. Erskine. He told the conven-
ton yesterday that the committee
will recommend improved methods
OF treatment and training of the Sc
verely disabled, as we'll as expansion
OF existing facilities for an overall
program.
Gen. Erskine declared that the
physically handicapped should have
vocational counseling, special med
ical and surgical treatment to de-
velop mind and body, and proper
placement in jobs so that the dis
aoled can make the maximum con-
tribution to society"
Praising the courage and effective
work of thousands of disabled per-
sons in business and industry. Gen.
Erskine and Mr.. Gibson declared
that the physically handicapped
already have proven they are the
best statesmen" of their worth to
employers.
Mr.. Gibson said a recent survey
of so industrial plants proved that
physically handicapped workers
"shatter the phobias over hiring OF
the handicapped" Though the
complete report is not yet avail
able, Mr.. Gibson said, 1t indicated
that the disabled workers produced
2 per cent more in some types OF
employment than did able workers
and that their absentee record was
far less
The convention concluded with a
forum discussion of the talks by
Gen. Erskine and Mr. Gibson and
of organizational plans for partici-
patton in the October campaign
Other officers elected were Ralph
Collins of Washington as treasurer
and the following vice presidents
Judge Vincent j. Dalton. Pottsville
Pa; Millard Rice, national service
director of the Disabled American
Veterans; Col. G. H. Rarey. Decatur
Ga; Harry Goldberg, Brooklyn;
Harvey Barnes, Pittsburgh; William
Uren, Detroit; Perry Seely, Los An
geles; Margaret N Martin, Jackson
Mich; Joseph Strohmeyer, Chicago;
Agnes Schnaus, st. Louis: Melvin
Schoonover, Monon. Ind: Eleanor
McGlurkin, Aledo, ILL.,; Ann Lehman
New York City. and Susan Hen
bricks, Roland Risa and Gunnar E
Rath, all of Washington.