CONCLUSIOX 



The adjustment of handicapped individuals to a life as 

 nearly similar to that of the normal as possible is a social 

 problem worthy of investigation and realization. It is 

 amazing to consider that the majority of normal average peo- 

 ple never give a thought to the large number of handicapped 

 individuals with whom they come in contact. People are not 

 intentionally selfish and unkind ; they are busy and ignorant I 

 A social problem such as the one of crippled children dealt 

 with in this study needs public education in regard to it first 

 and foremost, and then the steps of reform will usually follow 

 within due course of time. The World War with its results 

 of thousands of maimed and crippled soldiers has recently 

 brought the problem of the relationship of the cripple to his 

 community before the public eye. The wave of sympathy 

 which these war conditions have aroused has already done 

 much — and will do more — to awaken the public to a realiza- 

 tion of the problem and its social significance. The Division 

 of Reconstruction of the Surgeon-General's Office has devoted 

 untiring energy to the most scientific solving of the crippled 

 soldier's problem ; and thru its rapid strides in discovering 

 new methods of aid. the civilian cripple as well as the soldier 

 should benefit eventually. The reconstruction work includes 

 invention of new types of artificial limbs and the testing out 

 of trades and industries best adapted to the ability of disabled 

 individuals. IMention has already been made of the Red Cross 

 Institute for Cripples which was organized just before x\mer- 

 ica entered the war, and which offers all its opportunities to 

 civilians as well as soldiers. 



With the movement of reconstruction and readjustment 

 of cripples in general in the foreground of the public vision 

 at present, the importance of the crippled children's situation 

 should be emphasized and supported. There is a more opti- 

 mistic side to the children's problem, because so many of their 

 cases if given medical attention promptly can be avoided, or 

 cured, or improved, whereas the adults have less natural 

 chance of physical improvement. The Child Welfare ]\Iove- 

 ment which is being introduced into every community in the 

 country is a great asset in the movement to help crippled 

 children. From an economic point of view, the arguments for 



