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The blind continued to benefit from the Talking Book Service and it
was pleasing that a talking book system was introduced for the house-bound
disabled, and a number of severely disabled housebound persons now get
more enjoyment out of life.
"Ulverscroft" large print books were made available to the blind and
partially-sighted in Residential Homes, and others were able to borrow
them through the Library Service.
Aids, Gadgets, and Adaptations
Like the blind the disabled were 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 kitchens, the issue of safety devices, overhead hoists,
and many other useful items to enable the disabled person 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 handicrafts provided for those who wish, and are able, to
take part.
A number of blind persons continued to be employed in the Sheltered
Workshops. Some went to 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 our 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 and to the comfort of the persons concerned.
The vehicles were 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 severely ration attendance often to one day a week. An
additional Centre is urgently needed and I hope that the time is not too
far distant when another can be provided, possibly in the South of the Borough.
G.4