The Sidney herald., 1960-08-24

cept by the help of relatives or I
friends. 1t is important, therefore,
for the retarded child to learn to
get along with people. Beginning
with his own family, the child can
learn to cooperate and share. The
acceptance and love of parents,
playing with other children, taking
responsibility for small duties,
assisting in the home, lay the
foundations on which socialized
outlook and behavior are built.
10. HOME TRAINING CLASSES
In some districts, teachers provid-
ed by the state, make regular visits
to homes and assist the mother to
plan and carry out a training pro-
gram. Where available, this SER
vice offers encouragement to the
family as well as skilled help to
the child.
EMPLOYMENT
The retarded are found in a great
variety of occupations. 1t is not
possible, therefore, to make sweep
ing statements about what they
can or can not do. The usual re-
commentator, routine work
under supervision" fits many
cases, but not all. Some general
considerations that usually apply
follow. They should have:
l. Work within Their Ability
The rearded are usually slow,
therefore not adapted to work re-
curing speed, such as adjustment
to fast machines. They have little
Judgment. therefore work requir-
ing judgment is not suitable
They often have poor coordination,
therefore work requiring fine
movements may not be suitable.
q. Work In Which They Will Be
Reasonably Satisfied
The retarded tend to give up easily
and to drift from one job to an
other. 1t is desirable, therefore, to
find work in which they will be
satisfied. One of the chief elements
in contentment in work is success
full accomplishment. Another is the
personality of the employer or
supervisor. A "boSs' with patience
and discrimination in assigning
work is almost an essential.
3. Work Where They Are Not In
Danger
Fast moving machines, work on
platforms, or with sharp or hot
material, are more of a danger to
mental detectives than to others
because of their poor coordination
and lack of alertness. 1t is some
times necessary to protect the re-
tarded against exploitation anc
overWork.
A. Work Where They Do MOI En-
danger Others
Retarded boys are often founc
driving trucks, and mentally de-
fective girls caring for younger
children. Some o fthem do such
work well, but for the majority
positions involving less responsib
ility for others are desirable.
S. Work Where There Are No
Great Temptations
Many of the retarded can be safe
ly left near valuables. But to plac,
them where there is easy acceS
to money or jewelry is to invit
trouble.
s. Work Which Is Not Seasona
Seasonal work creates financia
difficulties for normal people. Fo
the retarded it is even more ser
iouS because they cannot readil,
adapt themselves to another kin,
of work during dull seasons.
is seldom, also, that they acquir
skill in more than one occupation
Such work conditions NAV b
thought too much to expect. /
times of unemployment it may b
necessary to take whatever wor,
is offered. Some consideration @
the suitability of the job, will how
ever, be found worth while.
The present trend appears t
be to train the retarded for per
Sonal service. For boys this mean
such jobs as assistant to janitol
helper in garage, worker on farm
IN greenhouse, delivery boy. Fo
girls such positions as errand gir
packer, domestic assistant, ar
practical.
1t hardly need be said that
aptitude is shown, an effort Shout
be made to take full advantage {
it.
1t is sometimes a problem I
decide how much to say to a DO:
sible employer. This is an indivic
ual matter. With some employers
is best to make a frank statemen
With others such a statemel
would end the conversation. It