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139
There were 56 deaf persons on the physically handicapped
register of whom 15 were also dumb, although this was not
necessarily their main disability. Some 880 old persons, not
registered as physically handicapped, were reported by the
geriatric visitors as being deaf.
Although registration is normally a prerequisite to the provision
of services, no call for assistance goes unheeded by the department.
Visits
Visits to the handicapped during the year totalled 9,085,
compared with a figure of 9,643 for 1968, equivalent to a fall of
5.7%.

Welfare of the Blind and Partially Sighted
In contrast with a deaf or dumb handicap, blindness has always
had public support and sympathy and its difficulties have been
more readily understood possibly because it is easier to envisage
a world without sight than a life without speech or sound.
Congenital blindness needs the deep understanding of loving
parents but, above all, it demands constant application towards the
practical aspects of ameliorating the handicap. In this respect the
parents need skilled guidance and encouragement to ensure that a
child's full potential is realised.
A blind child's progress towards adulthood must be closely
followed and necessary adjustments made for the changes in
practical and emotional conflicts especially at the stage when a