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Community Care
53
Holidays
Thirty-eight blind persons received assistance with holiday arrangements during 1969. Some of
them were accommodated at special holiday Homes for the Blind, and others made their private
arrangements and were assisted financially. The cost of this assistance amounted to £355.
Radio Sets
The Council acts on behalf of the British Wireless for the Blind Fund by issuing radios to persons
on the Blind Register.
The Fund supplies to the Council the number of sets required, and when issued the Council
pays for the maintenance and repair of these sets and provides batteries when required.
The Department issued 38 new sets during 1969 and altogether 143 sets are in current use.
Exemption Certificates
Blind persons may obtain wireless licences free of charge by producing an exemption certificate
which is provided by the Council on request. During 1969, 28 certificates were issued.
Talking Book Machines
These machines are issued to Blind and Partially-Sighted persons who are unable to read ordinary
print. They are provided by the Nuffield Talking Book Library, and the Council pays the rental
charges of £3 per machine per annum. There were 32 new issues during 1969, and altogether 114 are
in current use.
Deaf Blind Persons
During 1969 there was no change in the register of persons who have the double disability of
deafness and loss of sight.
There were 4 such persons, who needed the services of the specialist teacher of the Deaf Blind.
This specialist is shared between several London Boroughs, and her salary is paid on a pro rata basis.
Guide Dogs for the Blind
There are now 12 blind persons in the Borough with Guide Dogs which are provided through
the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
Social Rehabilitation
The Royal National Institute for the Blind is responsible for training courses to assist newly
blinded housewives to adjust themselves to carrying out their domestic duties as blind persons.
During the year arrangements were made for 2 blind persons to attend these courses, but for
various reasons they were unable to accept the vacancies.
Domiciliary Visits
During 1969 Social Welfare Officers made 2,333 visits to blind and partially sighted persons in
their own homes.
PEACE TIME EMERGENCIES
During the year under review it was not necessary for the Department to put into operation
its scheme to provide temporary accommodation in peace time emergencies.