Putting Handicapped Back to Work

Community Action - Putting Handicapped Back to Work. Moderator: Chester Williams; Guests: Margaret Bailey, a rehabilitation counselor for the central labor council AFL-CIO, Dorothy Niece, exec, Sec'y. of Brooklyn Longshoreman's Medical Center, and John Trainer, a laborer who helped by the project. They discuss various aspects of the labor rehabilitation program.

The 2-year old project "Putting the Handicapped Back to Work" is the only one of its kind in the country funded by the Central Labor Council. It is a unique pilot project for union members and their families who confront disability. Keeping handicapped people on the job and helping those who have developed handicaps and need professional assistance in getting back to work.

Bailey describes John Trainer's problem and how he came to her attention. Trainer was hard of hearing and manning a token booth. How the problem was solved, and Trainer got a hearing aid.

Dorothy Niece talks about an issue with the 16-year-old son of a longshoreman who had reported a false fire alarm and got into trouble. Boy placed in a private clinic for juvenile delinquents and is now gainfully employed, How the agency helped the family.

Bailey discusses how community service committee began during the war. She says union members feel more comfortable being treated in a union-affiliated center. Much praise to the Central Labor Council.

The longer a person has been out of work, the harder the problem. No statistics on success but Bailey says they have helped a high proportion of those served. Bailey says they try hard not to have waiting lists, and to see people after regular hours so that they do not lose pay. Talks about the case of a depressed woman whose brother was disabled and she was his sole caretaker. The man's hip was fixed, and he was discovered to have epilepsy. He is now treated with medication and may be returning to work soon.

Bailey suggests there is a certain timidity on the part of workers in their seeking out help. Trainer says there are others like him who may be too proud to ask for help. Discussion of how referrals work through an association with vocational rehab people.

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 150625
Municipal archives id: T613