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The physical benefit derived is accompanied by a development of the
child's confidence and sense of well-being. One is struck by the complete
absence of fear that most of these children have in the water. If a
little timid at first they are quickly re-assured when they sec some of their
fellows, whose movements on land are slow and awkward, swimming
with confidence if not highly skilled. Though it is not always possible
to teach a handicapped child to swim by the methods used for the normal
child, most of them learn to float and quite a number are able to swim
in a short time the width of the bath and a few the whole length.
Cerebral Palsy
Dr. William Dunham, Consultant in charge of the cerebral palsy
unit, on his appointment early in the year, immediately sought the cooperation
of all concerned. A meeting at which all parents of children
with cerebral palsy attending the School were invited was held at the
Lordship Lane Medical Centre on the 4th August 1954. Teachers,
school medical officers and medical auxiliary staff also attended and
general principles were fully discussed with Dr. Dunham as leader of
the team. Those who have the care of the spastic child were reminded
by Dr. Dunham that "in any child during his formative years every
activity serves to fix more firmly habitual positions and habits of movement
of the body. In the child with cerebral palsy there is a natural
tendency for those to be faulty and a constant watch must therefore be
kept to see that good habits of posture and movement are formed. For
this the co-operation of all in contact with the child throughout the day
must be obtained. Periodical interviews with parents to discuss individual
problems are held and advice given as to what provision is required
in the home. In the School new furniture, built to measure for each
child, is being provided. For children with cerebral palsy some activities
are difficult or imposs blc and special training is required to ensure that
they shall make the most of their possibilities. This is the special province
of the physiotherapist though here too, she works in close cooperation
with teachers and parents, an arrangement which makes it
possible for progress to continue uninterrupted during school holidays".
When accommodation is available it is hoped to widen the scope of the
cerebral palsy unit by providing for the examination and supervision
of babies and children too young to be accepted in the School so that
they may reccive the benefit of skilled handling before reaching school
age.
The majority of the children attending this School sulfer from orthopaedic
handicaps and are under the supervision of the visiting consultant,
Mr. E. Hambly, f.r.c.s., who also works closely with Dr. William
Dunham in relation to the cerebral palsy unit. Routine medical care
of all the children at the School is undertaken by one of the whole-time
school medical officers and a school health visitor is in daily attendance.
Physiotherapy and speech therapy are arranged for on a sessional basis
as required.
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