View report page

83
Employment
Local authorities are given wide powers for promoting the
employment of physically handicapped persons. Many of the persons
included on the register are in fact fully employed and self
supporting. During the year under review no one has been placed
in sheltered employment, as distinct from residential accommodation
under Part in of the National Assistance Act, 1948.
Outwork
A pilot scheme to introduce occupational therapy by means
of simple work which patients could undertake in their own homes
and at the same time enjoy financial benefit from their work, was
introduced in July by arrangement with a commercial undertaking;
this operated very satisfactorily until early December when the
supply of work ceased. This scheme was very popular and it is
hoped to introduce a permanent scheme in the coming year.
Some difficulty was experienced in the collection and
delivery of work, however, and the purchase of a suitable vehicle
and driver was provided for in estimates for the coming year. It
has been necessary to forego this because of the economies that have
had to be made, which means that only a small number of persons will
be able to enjoy the benefits of this scheme in the foreseeable
future.
Trade Orders
Many of the patients are remarkably proficient at work
such as toy making and canework. Articles made are sold to the
trade and privately, and regular orders are received from a variety
of firms. The patients pay for the materials supplied and receive
the payment made by the purchasers for the articles produced. It
is a source of great satisfaction to these workers that the articles
they produce are able to withstand competition of the open market.
Recaning of chairs has also been introduced during the year with
considerable success, and orders are now being received regularly
for this work.
Sales of Articles
A quantity of articles are constantly being produced for
which there is no ready market. To assist with the disposal of
these a window of the Women's Voluntary Service's Centre in Ewell
Road, Surbiton, was lent for display purposes, but this will have to
be discontinued as the Women's Voluntary Services Headquarters feel
unable to allow the sale of articles on its premises.