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149
During the year, some 246 applications were dealt with regarding
holidays for handicapped persons. For various reasons 65 of
these were subsequently cancelled and the actual number proceeding
on holiday was 181.
Persons receiving holidays are assessed to contribute towards
the cost according to their means.
Transport
In addition to a fleet of minibuses, there are four coaches
specially designed for the conveyance of handicapped persons, each
of which is equipped with a tail-lift and can accommodate up to
three wheelchair patients as well as the seated passengers. The
primary use of these vehicles is to convey those who are unable to
use normal transport, to the centres and clubs organised by the
Council and voluntary agencies. Use is also made of them for
outings and holiday journeys.
Future Development
Considerable scope for the improvement and expansion of
services for the handicapped exists and it is anticipated that, in the
near future, the opening of 3 combined centres will provide urgently
needed facilities for handicapped persons.
HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Co-ordination of the Education and the
Health and Welfare Services
During the past 20 years, school population has increased by
about 2,500,000 pupils and, although accurate statistics covering all
handicaps are unobtainable, it is estimated that this has resulted in
some 250,000 being added to those requiring special educational
treatment.
Moreover, by reason of better care of the premature infant,
advances in surgery and its techniques which is saving many spina
bifida and hydrocephalic babies and new discoveries in the field of
chemotherapeutics, the actual numbers of handicapped are increasing
and the accompanying problems correspondingly more
complex.
Early identification of disability and subsequent assessment is
essential if the potential of a child is to be completely or substantially
realised.
Full assessment of any child who is handicapped may well
involve one of a number of sciences such as paediatrics, orthopaedics,
audiometry, speech therapy, ophthalmology, psychology, psychiatry,
the expert in physical medicine and occasionally, perhaps, the
geneticist. With such diverse skills and disciplines involved, no
longer is it within the compass of any single individual to make a
full assessment and the necessity of complete co-ordination is self
evident.