Library Collections: Document: Full Text

A fellowship of physically handicapped and non-handicapped people who together share interests of the mind and develop their creative abilities.

In 1953, Mrs. Nancy Nickerson returned to her home and family in New Canaan, Conn., after a long stay in a polio respirator center, and sought a new pattern of living through creative writing. She was encouraged in her efforts by Mrs. Rachel Baker, an author and teacher of writing in the adult education system of Stamford, Connecticut.

Soon, several friends interested in writing joined her in weekly study sessions with Mrs. Baker. From this event, Resources Unlimited has grown like Jack's Beanstalk, and many communities have organized similar groups.

The national purpose of Resources Unlimited is: To bring together, in professionally taught study classes, groups of approximately equal numbers of physically handicapped and non-handicapped people who share creative and intellectual interests.

Here people, working together, explore their latent abilities, take strength from mutual accomplishment, and, finding that physical differences disappear in the excitement of a common human adventure, discover that their resources are truly unlimited.

Interested in starting such a group? Here are some suggestions from the Resources Unlimited, Inc. headquarters: Begin with one or more handicapped persons interested in the idea. Add non-handicapped persons, equally interested in a study group, who will assist the class members who are limited physically.

Check to see if your state is one in which adult education departments are required by law to furnish a teacher and classroom if a certain number of students apply. Seek the cooperation of local educational institutions on the adult level, such as adult education departments, universities, museums, libraries, who may furnish teacher salaries, classroom facilities and supplies.

The most popular courses seem to be creative writing, art and ceramics, and music appreciation. While the non-handicapped share in the intellectual and cultural aspects of the group, they also aid in typing, transportation, turning pages and preparing palettes.

For information about Resources Unlimited and how to start it in your community, write to: Mrs. William D. Patterson, 11 Fairview Rd., Westport. Conn.