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these 764 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 that the service was extended 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.
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.
(viii) 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.
(ix) Some 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.
(x) Exhibition of Handicrafts
A permanent exhibition of handicrafts made by the disabled at the
Centres continued to be displayed at the shop, No. 551 Fulham Road,
adjoining the Town Hall, where they are on sale to the general public.
(xi) 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 given 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 ration attendance often to one day a week. An additional
Centre is urgently needed and another has been planned for 1972/3, possibly
in the South of the Borough.
(xii) The Deaf
There were 56 deaf persons registered in the Borough at the end of
1969, and these received some services through the Royal Association for
the Deaf and Dumb who act as agents for local authorities in the London
area. There is an excellent Social Centre and Church in Old Oak Road and
many of our deaf attended the various activities.
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