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Distribution of Age Groups (Partially Sighted)
75. There were increases in the age groups 1-4 (1-2), 21-49 (23-29),
65 and over (111-120), no change in the group 5-15 (10) and
decreases in the groups 16-20 (9-7) and 50-64 (18-16). The most
significant change was in the group 65 and over, a trend which was
not unexpected and is likely to continue.
Classification of Partially Sighted Persons
76. Of the 12 children under 15, two were babies living with their
parents, seven attended special schools for the partially sighted, one
was able to benefit from education in an ordinary school, and
two (being mentally retarded) were unsuitable for education at
school.
Employed
77. At 31st March, 1967, 29 partially sighted persons were in gainful
employment. A partially sighted person can compete on equal
terms with his fully-sighted colleagues in industry providing certain
precautions are taken. An example of this is where a partially
sighted person with a fair margin of sight can be employed as a
clerk in a well-lit office providing he is given guidance on mobility
which can be particularly difficult after dark.
Unemployed
78. Of the total of 109 unemployed, 27 males and 78 females were
over age 65, and three males and one female were available for and
capable of work. 31 persons were classified as requiring observation
only.
Visitation by Social Welfare Officers
79. A total of 1,639 visits was made by social welfare officers for
the blind during the 12 months ended 31st March, 1967.
Home Teaching Craft and Embossed Types
80. During the 12 months ended 31st March, 1967, 189 lessons
were given by social welfare officers in a person's own home, viz.:
(a) Braille 114 (b) Moon 47; (c) Handicrafts 28. Of the persons
receiving instruction in Braille and Moon, one person achieved
Grade 2 standard in Braille and two persons completed Grade 1
Moon. One partially-sighted man, in conjunction with his Braille
lessons, received instruction in typing.
Deaf /Blind
81. One registered blind woman who is also deaf attended the
annual rally of Deaf/Blind Persons at Peterborough. This event is
organised by the National Deaf/Blind Helpers League. She also
was a guest at the Deaf/Blind Christmas luncheon held at Maidstone
and organised by the Kent Association for the Blind.