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76
1 newly blind person was sent on a rehabilitation course
33 people were in attendance at the handicraft class
51 people made articles in their own homes as occupational
therapy
5 people were taught Braille
4 people were taught Moon
30 people were given radio sets supplied by the British
Wireless for the Blind Fund
Social Activities - Holidays
During September 1970 arrangements were made for a party of
34 blind and partially sighted persons and their guides with two
members of the staff to spend a week's holiday at Maddiesons, Littlestone
Holiday Centre, New Romney, Kent. All had an enjoyable time and considerable
help was received from local organisations.
Handicraft Classes
Handicraft classes for the blind and partially sighted
persons are held at Surbiton, and throughout the year the classes have
been well attended. This has been achieved mainly because transport is
provided by the two sitting ambulances used for the transportation of
the handicapped. Apart from the therapeutic value, the classes provide
an incentive for blind persons to move outside their home environment.
Home Workers Scheme
The Home Workers Scheme is organised by the Home Industries
Department of the Royal National Institute far the Blind at Reigate,
Surrey. Blind home workers are employed in a variety of occupations
and supervision of their work is carried out by visiting officers of the
Home Industries Department.
The Council is now responsible for three home workers. During
the year structural alterations and the installation of certain equipment
were carried out at the home of a blind lady so that she could produce
knitted articles on a special type of knitting machine. This arrangement
was carried out in liaison with the Department of Employment and Productivity
and the Royal National Institute for the Blind.
Of the other two home workers, one is employed as a piano tuner
and the other does radio and electrical repairs.