They need to be expanded into full-scale facilities and to increase patient capacity.

Chart Q-Partial rehabilitation facilities (map)

It is believed that 38 partial facilities exist. Note the geographic distribution. Some of these partial facilities could be expanded under S. 2758 into comprehensive facilities which could handle many more patients and the more severe disabilities.

Chart R-Blind rehabilitation facilities (map)

Experience has shown that the problems of the blind are different from those in other groups of disabled and that special centers to meet their needs are desirable. The great need of the blind is to adjust to blindness. That thousands have done so, and lead normal and useful lives, is the best proof that such adjustment is possible. Like general centers, rehabilitation centers for the blind may be classified as comprehensive and partial. There are 7 comprehensive centers and 13 partials known at the present time. Geographic distribution is limited, indicating that particularly in the West and Far West blind persons do not have access to these facilities.

Chart 8—Vocational rehabilitation, past and proposed programs

The President's proposal for the expansion of the vocational-rehabilitation program calls for an increase in the number of persons rehabilitated from the present 60.000 annually to 200,000 annually by the fiscal year 1959. To meet this goal would require a great expansion of comprehensive rehabilitation facilities.

Chart T-Facilities required for President's vocational rehabilitation recommendations

To accomplish the 1959 goal set by the President, it is estimated that at least 20 percent of those served in the vocational-rehabilitation program will need to be referred to comprehensive rehabilitation facilities in order to accomplish their rehabilitation. On this basis we would need, by 1959, rehabilitation facilities that would serve at least 40,000 disabled persons per year under the vocational rehabilitation program alone. In addition, comprehensive rehabilitation facilities must serve children, aged persons, and others who need to be rehabilitated to self-care but who will not necessarily reenter the labor market.

Chart C-Proposal to increase number and capacity of comprehensive rehabilitation facilities

It is estimated that the present capacity of comprehensive facilities in the country is 8,000 persons per year. The precise unmet need is unknown, but it is known to be large. It is estimated that to construct capacity in a comprehensive rehabilitation facility for one additional person per year will cost $1,500. Assuming that $10 million Federal funds will be fully matched by $8 million State and local funds, the increased capacity to be expected will amount to about 12,000 disabled persons annually.