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In a recent letter, a member of the crutch brigade describes his efforts to obtain a position as an accountant. He feels that he has had eminently good preparation for such a position and that he could compete with anyone. He only asks that chance -- to compete -- but he has met discouragement so far. The employer's reaction is the obvious one with able-bodied unemployed applying for every job. "Why experiment?"

The prejudice against employment of the handicapped is overstrong in a normal employment market, but in a period of widespread unemployment it becomes wellnigh insurmountable. What to do, then?

For those who have the necessary business ability and who can devise workable ideas, this is an excellent time to launch ventures in which they become their own employers. With recovery evidently under way, the factors external to these ventures would seem to favor success, and, given the ability to provide a service the public wants, such ventures should succeed. The handicapped person will find the public a kinder judge than the employer.

Such ventures should have modest beginnings, for getting financial backing for any pretentious scheme would prove as discouraging as the job hunt.

For those who cannot undertake the risks and responsibilities of individual ventures, this should be a time of preparation, and more preparation. It is a time to consider investment in physical recovery or educational training. It is a time to plan to meet the return of employment opportunity with the best physical and mental equipment possible.

In short, it is a time for investment by the physically handicapped unemployed. Some will invest in employment and experience; others, in treatment of their physical disabilities and in education. Given the will to do, the means for investment can be found