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Indiana University Studies 



the time it was made, Ohio had the following laws which 

 touched on the situation: (1) maintenance of a special 

 school for crippled children; (2) appointment of teachers to 

 this school just as tc other regular public schools; (3) compul- 

 sory attendance of crippled children at special school; and 

 (4) medical inspection of these children. The fruits of this 

 survey are seen in an editorial from a Cleveland newspaper on 

 March 20, 1919, which is quoted as follows: 



The present Legislature can hardly refuse to help along the move- 

 ment for a state institution for crippled children. The Legislature 

 two years ago without a dissenting vote took the initial step by appro- 

 priating $90,000 with which to start the work. But before a begin- 

 ning could be made America entered the war, and practically all pub- 

 lic construction was stopped. The appropriation of $90,000 has since 

 lain untouched in the State treasury. All the present Legislature has 

 to do is to reappropriate this $90,000. No project with more real 

 merit behind it has come before the Legislature for years. The State 

 provides liberally for its blind and deaf children. Yet there are today 

 more than 2,000 crippled children in Ohio, practically all of whom should 

 become wards of the State so that they can have expert treatment, be 

 educated properly, and be trained to become self-supporting citizens. 



This plea brought the desired results, as the Ohio state 

 legislature did pass the bill reappropriating the $90,000 for 

 the establishment and organization of an institution for de- 

 formed and crippled children, and the commission appointed 

 to carry out the plan of this bill remained on the same status, 

 with the prospect of commencing constructive operations at 

 once assured. 



Legislation in Various States. Laws directly in reference 

 to the care of crippled children have been passed in 11 states, 

 and the gist of their respective appropriations and enactments 

 is as follows: 



Florida. 1. Erection of a hospital for indigent crippled 

 children by the State Board of Health. 2. Annual appro- 

 priation of $10,000 for maintenance. 



Illinois. 1. Authorization of Surgical Institution for 

 Children under fourteen unable to pay for private surgical 

 care. 



lotva. 1. Power vested in Juvenile Court to compel 

 medical and surgical treatment for children under sixteen. A. 

 Free treatment at State University Hospital for patients 

 unable to pay. 



