View report page

D .13
(viii) Holidays for the Blind & Disabled
As in previous years, holidays were arranged for a large number
of blind and disabled people and these provided a great deal
pleasure and interest for those who went.
(ix) Some Work Support
This 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, 551 Fulham
Road; adjoining the Town Hall where they are on sale to the
public.
(xi) Transport
This vital service to the disabled and blind relies heavily
upon the kindness and understanding of the drivers who get to
know their 'charges' well and often give that little extra
attention which means so much,
The special transport includes vehicles with hydraulic tail
lifts which enable wheelchairs and the severely disabled to
be handled more easily.
The vehicles have also been 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
it is necessary to ration attendance to one day a week. An
alternative centre is urgently required and has been planned
for 1972-3 possibly in the South of the Borough.
(xii) The Deaf
There were 59 deaf people registered in the Borough at the
end of 19 70, and they 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 the Old Oak Road and many of our deaf
attended the various activities.
(xin) The Deaf-Blind
The deaf-blind continue to meet on Wednesday afternoons in the
Hall at St.Vincents. Several volunteers assist with this very
essential service to those doubly-disabled persons.
Although there are fortunately only 10 deaf-blind people in the
Borough, it is a most worthwhile service and enables them to
live a fuller life.