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for the deaf, while he did well educationally, he found himself in an atmosphere to
which he was unused, because the attitude of mind and method of thought in the
very deaf are totally different from those in the partially deaf, which are essentially
those of the hearing. Mr. Yearsley reported in 1909 on the need for classes of an
intermediate character presenting some elements both of instruction for the deaf and
for the hearing. The pioneer class was opened at Ackmar-road school in September,
1910. The demands for accommodation made it necessary for the earlier classes to
be held in schools for the deaf, although arrangements were made to keep the pupils
in the "hard-of-hearing" classes separate from those on the deaf side. Later, the
experiment having proved satisfactory, it was possible to provide separate schools.
These classes for the partially deaf have been a great boon. Indeed some of
their pupils, having returned to ordinary schools after acquiring a sufficiency of lip
reading to reinforce such residual hearing powers as they possessed, won scholarships
in competition with children of normal hearing. Mr. Yearsley has pointed out how
the teachers, especially the heads of the schools, overcame the initial difficulties of
the new venture. These classes, thanks to the teachers, the inspectorate and the
surgeon, have supplied a very real want.
This development of a new type of school attracted much attention in the
United States, and Mr. Yearsley by invitation published in an American review a
special account of the methods in use, in order that the knowledge which had been
gained might be more widely spread on that continent. Following this, classes of a
somewhat similar type have been introduced in certain American states. Mr.
Yearsley's pioneer work in this relation has been recognised generally in European
medical circles.
During his period of office, Mr. Yearsley has reported, inter alia, on the questions
of adenoids and suppurating ears, the results of the treatment of adenoids and
enlarged tonsils, the use of telephonic aids in the education of the partially deaf, the
electrophonoide method of treatment of deafness, and the prevention of deafness.
In particular, Mr. Yearsley has urged that deaf children should receive special
education from the earliest possible moment, notwithstanding that by law deafness
is a lawful excuse for non-attendance up to the age of seven. He has been very
successful in persuading parents of deaf or partially deaf children of the advantages
of attending suitable schools and a large number of children have reaped the benefits
of his efforts.
Residential and industrial schools.
There are seven residential special schools (viz., two for blind, two for deaf,
one for mentally defective deaf and two for mentally defective children) providing
accommodation for 355 residential and 216 day scholars. To each school a medical
officer is allocated and provision has also been made for inspection and treatment
by a dentist.
Three industrial schools and a place of detention have accommodation for
352 and 105, respectively.
Owing to the absence through illness of Dr. T. J. T. McHattie, the medical
supervision of Ponton-road place of detention was taken over by Dr. E. B. Argles
in September. From his detailed report the following summary has been extracted:—
During the year 938 boys and 114 girls were admitted, an increase of 209 over the number
for 1931. Thirteen children were admitted for brief periods as "lodgers" or "place of safety"
cases. The daily average number in residence was 42 • 8, the highest figure being 54 in the month
of June and the lowest 32.7 in January.
Owing to the occurrence of infectious disease and quarantine restrictions the average length
of stay was materially increased in December.
Cases were sent from 57 courts, 833 cases from London courts and 219 from out-county Courts.
courts.
Special reports were asked for by courts in 223 cases, 51 per cent. of which related to the
Islington and Toynbee Hall juvenile courts and 32 per cent. to out-county courts.