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There were 2 blind persons in the Home Workers' Scheme
operated through the agency of the Royal Society for the Blind and
2 were employed in special workshops for the blind. Additionally,
10 blind and 11 partially sighted persons were employed in open
industry; 8 blind persons from the Borough have been admitted to
homes for the blind. Occupational and recreational facilities are
also available to the blind and many are taught braille and handicraft.
Specialist officers are employed for the placement of blind
persons in local employment and close co-operation is maintained
with voluntary organisations working for the blind.
(5) Deaf and Dumb and other Handicapped Classes
The Welfare services for physically handicapped persons (other
than blind as mentioned above) as provided by the County Council
under Section 29 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, are available
for all registered handicapped persons of whom, at the present time,
232 reside in the Borough; these services have been extended considerably
and in addition to direct provision, such as special equipment
on loan, grants arc made in approved cases towards the cost of
structural adaptations to meet special home needs. Voluntary
organizations also materially assist the County Council in this work.
The County Council provide Occupational Centres for the
physically handicapped; this service is being developed and a centre
in Romford is contemplated in the ten year development plan.
Visiting of the handicapped is carried out by specialist officers and
they are instrumental in the ascertainment of individual needs, giving
advice and also instruction in handicraft, especially to the homebound.
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