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machines on loan to registered blind persons over the age of 21 years,
or to persons who have defective vision and can prove by an
ophthalmologist's report that their eyesight is so poor that they
cannot read.
A comprehensive list of books on tape is available from the
Library.
The cost of renting a talking book machine is £3 per annum
and the Borough Council has agreed to be responsible for the rental
of talking book machines in eases of need.
Wireless for the Blind Fund
Wireless sets, both battery and mains operated, are supplied
on loan to registered blind persons who do not have a set of their
own. The British Wireless Fund for the Blind provides the sets and
the distribution is carried out by the social welfare officers for
the blind.
Domiciliary Visiting
Two full time and one part time social welfare officers for
the blind (home teachers) concentrate on the care of the blind and
partially sighted persons in the borough. They are generally responsible
for making the initial contact with the newly blind, a task demanding
understanding and knowledge in order to counter the shock both to the
person and relatives. It is necessary at first for a firm relationship
to be established by regular visits, in order to learn the needs
of the person and the home and to deal adequately with problems as
they arise. The social welfare officers teach Braille, Moon and
handicrafts etc., and also arrange for the provision of talking books,
wireless sets, books and periodicals. A weekly handicraft class is
held in Surbiton.
During the year assistance was given as follows:
1 newly blind person was sent on a rehabilitation course
37 people were in attendance at the handicraft class
42 people made articles in their own homes as occupational
therapy
9 people were taught Braille
20 people were taught Moon
30 people were given radio sets supplied by the British
Wireless Fund for the Blind