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Town Hall when about 1,600 elderly people enjoyed themselves and greatly appreciated the concerts
provided by the Entertainments Committee.
(vii) Services for the Blind and the Physically Disabled
The register continued to increase and now numbers nearly 2,000 - of these 960 are registered
blind or partially-sighted. The services are largely integrated, although specialist services
are provided for certain aspects of blind welfare, e.g. the teaching of Braille and Moon.
The blind continued to benefit from the Talking Book Service, and it was pleasing to learn
that a talking book system was being introduced for the house-bound disabled. The "Books"
should be available for issue in the early Summer and provision has been made in the estimates
so that a number of severely disabled housebound persons can get more enjoyment out of life.
"Ulverscroft" Large Print Books have been made available to the blind and partiallysighted
in residential homes and others can borrow them througji the Library Service.
I
Aids, Gadgets and Adaptations
Like the blind, the disabled have been loaned a large number of aids and gadgets and a
number of structural alterations and adaptations have been carried out to the homes of disabled
persons to help them overcome their disabilities. These included the provision of ramps,sliding
doors, fitting special grab rails in baths and toilets, extra hand rails on stairs and in corridors,
improvements in kitchens, the issue of safety devices, overhead hoists, and many other useful
items to enable the disabled persons to be as independent as possible. Many seriously disabled and
frail elderly persons today are able to move about without help simply through the use of a light
weight walking frame.
(viii) Social Clubs have been run daily at Blythe Hall and twice weekly at Bishop Creighton
House and St. Simon's Church Hall. Meals are served at Blythe Hall and handicraf ts provided for
those who wish, and are able, to take part.
A small number of blind persons continued to be employed in the Sheltered Workshops. Some
have gone on Training or Rehabilitation Courses run by the Royal National Institute for the Blind.
(ix) Holidays for the Blind and Disabled
Holidays were arranged for a large number of blind and disabled persons and these provided
a great deal of pleasure and interest for those who went.
(x) Social Work support helped many of those with domestic or financial problems and advice
is freely sought. Periodic visits are made to all on our registers.
(xi) Exhibition of Aids
A permanent exhibition of aids and gadgets continued to be maintained at the shop,No.551
Fulham Road, adjoining the Town Hall where products of the disabled are also on sale to the
general public.
(xii) Transport
This is absolutely vital to the services for the disabled and blind. Without it many of the
activities would have to cease. Much depends on the kindness and understanding of the drivers
who get to know their " Charges" well, and often give that little extra attention which makes so
much difference.
The special transport includes vehicles with hydraulic tail lifts which enable wheelchairs
and the severely disabled to be handled with greater ease, to the comfort of the person concerned.
The vehicles are also used to provide transport for a number of voluntary bodies in the
Borough and thanks have been received from these organisations.
The main Centre at Blythe Hall is very fully committed and at present it is necessary to
ration attendance severely, often to only one day a week. An additional Centre is urgently needed
and it is hoped that the time is not too far distant when another can be provided, possibly in the
South of the Borough.
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