Dear Sir, - The recent letters of Miss Jackson and Miss Joan Roper on the subject of dress for crippled girls have been so full of interest for me that I would like to add my humble views on one or two points, if your space will permit. The subject is one which has always interested me very greatly, and the nature of my work prior to the outbreak of war gave me ample opportunities for making it a close study both in the United Kingdom and in many Continental countries.
It has always appeared to me that the lame girl must herself decide at the outset whether she wishes to obtain the maximum degree of comfort and ease of manipulation for her crippled leg or whether she is prepared to sacrifice such comfort to obtain as much concealment as possible for her deformity.
For a number of years I was priviledged to work in a large training school, through which I saw very badly crippled girls pass. In trying to fit them ultimately to take their place as normally as possible in the world outsider the question of dress was one of many problems to which they were encouraged to give serious consideration. In such surroundings the desire for concealment did not arise, and a somewhat typical schoolgirl's uniform was worn.
With many of them I have kept in touch now that they are in their middle twenties, and in by far the majority of cases it is true to say that they sacrifice every other consideration for that of comfort.
There is one other point I would like to add to the discussion, if I may. How many lame girls go to the trouble of altering their clothes or making them to fit their deformed legs? From my own experience, though I am afraid it is somewhat meagre, I should say very few; but yet how amply it would repay them.
Miss Roper's reply to Mr. Wallace Stort with regard to the lame girl's attraction is, I think, excellent. For my own part, I feel that the majority of crippled girls set a wonderful example to their fellow men of courage, endurance and charm, and in that alone there may be some form of appeal.
Speaking purely personally, my first reaction when I see a crippled girl, even though she be a complete stranger, is a strong desire to know her and to help her. As a cripple I feel that she is unable to enjoy to the full life as her able-bodied sister knows it. "Cannot I do something to recompense her for what she is missing?" is the question which I immediately ask of myself. If in the course of my life I am only able to help a few, I feel that my efforts will not be wasted. It is hard work sometimes, and one meets with many rebuffs, but it is full of its own rewards. Would that I could do infinitely more than I can.
Yours truly,
C. R. C.