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64
Speech Therapy
158 sessions were held during the year with a total of 994
attendances. 6 children were admitted during the year, making a
total of 35 children who were either under treatment or supervision.
3 of these children were on the training centre waiting list and were
seen at holiday clinics, when parents were given advice as to how to
help their children with speech and language development. One child
left during the year.
The centre has a small purpose built, sound-insulated speech
therapy room for individual treatment, which is also just large enough
for small groups of two or three children. The Amplivox Auditory Training
Unit has proved invaluable in the treatment of these children as it helps
to focus a distractable child's attention on speech.
Social Activities
Pirates Spring Holiday
33 children and adults from the centre had a most successful
week's holiday in June, at the Pirates Spring holiday camp at Dymchurch.
They included 29 trainees from the borough and 4 from Richmond, and were
accompanied by five members of the staff.
A Christmas show was performed by the trainees on 13th December
and was attended by the Mayor accompanied by the Town Clerk and more than
200 parents and friends. Christmas parties were held for junior and
adult pupils and over the year trainees have participated in a number of
outings. Thirteen children from the centre, together with boys and girls
from Rivermead and Tiffin Schools, took part in a nativity play with
audience participation arranged by the Organisation for Bringing Art
and Music to the Handicapped.
During the year the centre received many visitors, including
a number from overseas.
Voluntary Help
The centre was fortunate in receiving a number of gifts of
equipment, toys and money. Thanks are tendered to all donors, including
the Kingston Society of Mentally Handicapped Children.