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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,
11 blind and 6 partially sighted persons were employed in open
industry: 6 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,
249 reside in the Borough; these services have been extended considerably
and in addition to direct provision, such as special equipment
on loan, grants are made in approved cases towards the cost of
structural adaptations to meet special home needs. Voluntary
organisations 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
home-bound.
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