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sidered necessary and these range from the construction of a ramp to the
provision of a downstairs shower and toilet. Sixteen major and minor
adaptations of homes were completed during the year.
The Work Centre for handicapped persons maintained a full attendance
throughout the year by those unable to work in open industry or
sheltered employment. The Borough's special coach equipped with a power
operated ramp is used to transport the more severely handicapped persons
to and from the centre. There is a need to expand the Work Centre
service and a scheme is under consideration which it is hoped may be
implemented next year.
With the co-operation of the British Red Cross a weekly handicraft
class is held, attended on an average by 55 handicapped persons.
The need for social activities continues to be a predominant need in
the lives of handicapped persons and apart from weekly dancing classes
and a choral class held twice a week and wholly organised by the Borough,
grants were made to various voluntary organisations to provide social and
recreational facilities for handicapped Harrow residents. The Happy
Circle social club organised by the Borough and commenced last year was
attended on average by 28 handicapped persons. The club is open to
handicapped persons of Harrow whatever their disability and it soon
became apparent that a demand existed for a similar type of social club
exclusively for the younger physically handicapped. Aproposal to form such
a club was approved by the Health and Welfare Committee on 21st
September 1967 and the club held its first meeting on 24th October. By
December 35 members were on the register and they intend to expand
activities to include films, shows, music sessions, amateur dramatics, etc.
I am grateful for the assistance of voluntary helpers, including the British
Red Cross, whose valuable services have contributed to the success of both
the social clubs.
Holidays were arranged for 79 handicapped persons who would not
otherwise have been able to arrange or afford a holiday. Various hotels
and guest houses were utilized, some of which cater especially for
handicapped persons. I am indebted to the volunteers who undertook the
necessary escort duties and thus enabled the handicapped persons to have
an enjoyable holiday.
In November the proprietors of Sopers of Harrow Ltd., and
Littlewoods Stores were approached and very kindly agreed to open on a
Wednesday afternoon exclusively for handicapped persons to do their
Christmas shopping. This worthwhile venture was made possible by the
volunteers, including members of the British Red Cross, who pushed
wheelchairs, acted as escorts and generally assisted in every way. I am
most grateful for the efforts of all concerned.