John Hancock at stayer machine making boxes at Beehive Clothing Mill, Salt Lake City, Utah.

demonstrated to the management that he could work with the dual disability of deaf-blindness. His competence actually alleviated any apprehension on the part of the management.

Mr. Hancock is operating what is known as a "Stayer Machine". This machine, operated by a foot pedal, tapes the corners of pre-scored cardboard ultimately making various sized boxes and lids. The operator must have good organization, good hand-foot coordination, and good finger dexterity. In this type of job rhythm and speed are gained by performing the duties over a period of time. Not too many hours passed on Mr. Hancock's first day of employment when it became evident that he would meet production standards.

John is doing exceedingly well,

according to Mr. Harmon, manager of Beehive Clothing Company, and Mr. Allan Birmingham, maintenance supervisor and John's boss.

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Not only is the machine and surrounding area spotlessly clean, but John is keeping his daily production record of completed boxes, relieving his supervisor of this task. After only a month on the job, he has made as many as 1000 boxes and lids per day. The company is planning to train John on other jobs so that he will have continuous employment.

As mentioned above, a successful placement needs the cooperation of many people and many agencies. It should not be forgotten that the families of deaf-blind persons must also cooperate. Had it not been for the kindness and understanding of Mr. Hancock's wife and children, his rehabilitation might not have materialized. However, since it was offered in the best interest of Mr. Hancock, he is now

gainfully employed and reunited with his family as its husband and father.

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QUESTION BOX

By Louis J. Bettica, A.C.S.W.
Director of Services

Q. At present, how long is the period of waiting before a deaf-blind person is

accepted for training at the National Center?

Q. What is the present capacity of the National Center in its temporary facility with regard to the number of trainees it can accept at one time? A. These two questions are so closely related that they can be answered as a single question.

At present the National Center finds itself in the unusual position, for the first time, of having a number of deafblind people waiting for admission. Originally, it was anticipated that the Center's temporary facility and staff would be able to handle a maximum

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caseload of 15 trainees. However, by

utilizing staff and facility to best advantage, we have been able to work with

a total of 18 clients at one time. As staff skills develop, it may be possible to work with as many as 19-20 trainees in the near future.

One difficulty is that about 22 per cent of the trainees who come to us have had very little or no education. In fact, several actually did not know their own names! For the most part, these are people whose parents could not locate educational facilities for them, as special educational programs for the deaf-blind were extremely limited until recent years. Those trainees who have been educationally deprived, and those who have other handicaps besides deaf-blindness, require a longer period of training at the Center.

We are making every effort to increase