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147
During the year, some 357 applications were dealt with regarding
holidays for handicapped persons. For various reasons 101 of
these were subsequently cancelled and the actual number proceeding
on holiday was 256, an increase of 75 (41%) over the 1966
figure. Of these, 148 were accommodated at the Council's own
hotel at Westgate-on-Sea.
Persons receiving holidays are assessed to contribute towards the
cost according to their means.
Transport
For many handicapped people, one of the most distressing
features of their disability is a severe impairment of mobility. A
suitable means of transport for such people is a prime necessity in
fostering interests and activities outside the home.
The Council's transport for the disabled comprises a fleet of
minibuses and four specially designed coaches equipped with a
tail-lift for loading the severely disabled. Each coach can accommodate
up to three patients in wheelchairs in addition to those in
the passenger seats. These vehicles are used mainly to convey
people, who are unable to use normal transport, to clubs and
centres organised by the Council and numerous voluntary agencies.
Transport is also provided by the department for holiday schemes
and occasional outings.
Christmas Shopping Expedition
Many handicapped people are virtually homebound. Many
others have extreme difficulty in shopping, particularly at times of
the year when the pavements and shops are exceptionally crowded.
For this reason a Christmas Shopping Expedition for about 80
physically handicapped persons was arranged on a Wednesday
evening in December. Invaluable assistance was received from a
number of large stores in central Woolwich, which closed late
especially for this purpose. Transport was provided by the
Council to convey the handicapped to and from the shops and a
large number of voluntary helpers were recruited to push wheelchairs
and generally assist the shoppers. The expedition was very
greatly appreciated by the handicapped persons who participated.
Future Development
Considerable scope for the improvement and expansion of
services for the handicapped exists which can only be fully satisfied
when finances become readily available. Notwithstanding, it is
anticipated that, in the near future, the opening of combined
centres will provide urgently needed facilities for handicapped
persons.