Dog How, 'Matters at random: a Paraplegics' Committee?', The Cord 7 (3) (December 1954), pp. 13-15.
Dog How, 'Matters at random: a Paraplegics' Committee?', The Cord 7 (3) (December 1954), pp. 13-15.
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Related to Material relating to the rehabilitation of spinal and spinal cord injuries
Description:Notes dissatisfaction regarding arrangements for the representation of 'paraplegics' (including himself) in the British political systemt:
'I have followed more or less the affairs of paraplegics, but I must confess that I have paid far less attention to detail since I came out of hospital a long time ago. However, I believe there was never a body of paraplegics which could speak directly to the Minister or to his department. I remember experts who were notable, gifted and well grounded in their professions, who could and did make recommendations to the authorities on behalf of paraplegics; no dloubt on authority's side there were estimable individuals who received and considered points submitted. But I do not recall any one actually paraplegic - except one who was temporarily paraplegic; thus being more personally inspired and accepted as a representative of paraplegics.
Now why can we not have a Paraplegics' Committee? Its function would be to consider various problems and to present recommendations to the Ministry. It would, perhaps, be asking a lot for these recommendations to have a compulsive standing, but I feel sure that such a committee with official blessing and an assurance that its comments would be recieved and given due weight would go a long way towards reconciling the individual with the Ministry. It is absurd that those most concerned should have no voice in the solution of their own difficulties. The committee could receive suggestions from anyone interested and using their own experience of paraplegia could decide whether to pass it on, perhaps modified, or not.
I feel sure that two points (to mention only two) would receive early attention: that the disabled could do more paid work to fill many requirements of different Government departments, and that it MUST be possible for a disabled person to progress in his work and increase his earnings.
Maybe such a committee exists? I have never heard of it, bit I feel it should be very much alive.' (13)