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The Amesbury adjustable chair, which holds the child firmly so that the
working surface which is an attachment to the chair can be used conveniently.
In addition, it can be tilted so that the child can relax comfortably.
Tricycle for spastic children.—The pedal mechanism and seat of an ordinary
tricycle have been adapted to meet the needs of certain spastic children.
Pneumatic suction table clamp.—This is a special suction device which
enables crockery to be held firmly in position on the table. It is obviously of
value mainly to spastic children whose powers of co-ordination and control
are limited.
To meet some of the more common needs, a loan collection of wheel-chairs, folding
adjustable chairs and walking aids of various types is maintained and these are lent to
schools as and when required.
Provision has recently been made for mechanical hoists with harness to facilitate
movement of some older children who are very heavy and, by reason of their disability,
incapablc of giving much assistance to those helping them. A good proportion of
physically handicapped children are able to take advantage of normal items of large
play apparatus such as swings, see-saws, slides, etc., and these are provided at boarding
special schools where they offer an out-of-school amenity and a valuable source of
physical activity. The ' Essex ' agility apparatus designed for normal school children
has been of the greatest use in developing the abilities of the physically handicapped.
In addition, special physiotherapy equipment, such as the Guthrie Smith apparatus and
the Balkan beam, are supplied where recommended by the school medical officer.
The needs of children who receive home tuition often necessitate the provision of
purpose-made devices for use in conjunction with domestic furniture.
School leavers
Physically handicapped school leavers, like all boys and girls who are about to leave
school, are helped with advice and assistance about employment by the Youth Employment
Service which is part of the Education Officer's Department and comprises
19 local Youth Employment Bureaux. In its headquarters unit there is a Handicapped
Young Persons Section with four specialist officers who co-ordinate the advice and
placing in employment of all handicapped young workers throughout the County of
London.
In schools for physically handicapped pupils, potential leavers are individually
interviewed by youth employment officers during the last but one term. Confidential
school reports, medical reports and reports by the Care Committee are supplied to the
Service, and in the light of them and of the expressed wishes of the child and his parents
advice about suitable work is given by the youth employment officer. Pupils receiving
home tuition are interviewed at home.
Where considered advisable, youth employment officers, working closely with the
disablement section of the Ministry of Labour, arrange for registration under the
Disabled Persons (Employment) Act, for vocational training, sheltered employment, or
for courses at Industrial Rehabilitation Units. An increasing number of physically
handicapped young people are being received in these Units for vocational assessment
or for the building-up of working fitness. Courses of further education and training
may be arranged also through the Education Committee.
Most physically handicapped boys and girls obtain employment through the Service
and successfully settle in a wide range of jobs suited to their health and ability. Employers
are generally very helpful. Time and perseverance is required to place satisfactorily any
who are chairbound, unable to travel, or who suffer with two or more disabilities.
Chronically sick young people, unfit for work, are referred to the Council's Welfare
Department which arranges, where necessary, for their entry into voluntary homes.
Youth Employment Committees endeavour to keep in touch with all young workers
up to the age of 18 years, and as necessary to give any further advice and help which
may be required. This is done by sub-committees who periodically review the progress
of physically handicapped and other disabled young workers in their areas.
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