University of Virginia Library

Jack's Problem

Jack, however, had a different problem.
Multi-handicapped with no intelligible speech,
Jack had been kept at home for almost 27
years. While being mentally retarded, he was
also kept busy with work. He was preparing
furniture in the basement of the house.

Mr. Tappen explained to visitors that Dan
was not very bad off. His comprehension of his
environment was excellent and he was
becoming more independent as time went on.

I sensed he was correct when I saw Jack
wink at one of the girls in our group.

The director stated that the center is part of
the Charlottesville-Albemarle Association for
Retarded Children. The association, which is
completely private and runs on contributions
and certain fees from families, set up the enter
in 1969.

"There are only two full time workers,"
explained Mrs. Thomas, one of the workers.
"Otherwise, there are three half-time workers
and approximately twelve volunteers."