Provision for the Disabled
Many lessons were learned during and after the last war in regard to provision for disabled men which must be applied and extended in the present war. The report issued last week by an inter-Depart- mental Committee makes recommendations both for the immediate present and for the period after the war, and they can be applied in the case of men injured in industry no less than in fighting. There are special institutions already at work for servicemen and for miners which are applying methods of rehabilitation closely studied for the last twenty-five years with a view to making disabled men physically and mentally capable of taking up their old work on terms of perfect equality with their fellows. Amazing recoveries have been effected through these means ; but it is most important that the number of institutions giving this treatment should be increased, and also the persons trained to supervise it. The report calls for special attention to this aspect of rehabilitation. But there will remain large numbers of persons capable only of some kinds of work, and it is suggested that a register of disabled persons should be made, and a statutory proportion of such persons employed in business establishments. This register would supersede the King's Roll. There is yet another class of disabled persons who will only be fit for work when highly specialised provision is made for them, and it should be the business of the Government to provide the appropriate service. All of these different aspects of rehabilitation demand immediate attention. Public opinion undoubtedly demands that no possible improvement in the care of the wounded and disabled should be neglected.
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