View report page

has special skills and interest in blind welfare work, has been made responsible for all handcraft
instruction and braille teaching both at the classes and in blind persons' own homes.
Social clubs are held once fortnightly in Ruislip and Hayes and monthly in Uxbridge. Social
welfare officers assist at two of these clubs.
The gardening class is held at Norwood Hall, Southall.
HOLIDAYS
49 blind persons received assistance with holiday arrangements during 1970. The total cost
was £399 11 s. 8d.
RADIO SETS
25 new radios were issued to blind persons during 1970. The sets are provided through the
Council by the British Wireless for the Blind Fund. The Council is responsible for the maintenance
of these sets and the provision of batteries when necessary.
EXEMPTION CERTIFICATES
Persons whose names are on the blind register may obtain wireless licences free of charge
by producing an exemption certificate which is provided by the Council on request.
27 certificates were issued during 1970.
TALKING BOOK MACHINES
Blind and partially sighted persons who are unable to read print may be issued with a talking
book machine from the Nuffield Talking Book Library. The Council pays the rental charge of
£3 per machine per annum.
The recipients of the machines are also provided with a catalogue from which they may
select a number of books and the cassettes are then sent through the post. On 31st December,
1970, 108 machines were on issue in the Borough.
DEAF/BLIND PERSONS
On 31st December, 1970 there were four persons in the Borough who required the services
of a special Home Teacher because of the double handicap of deafness and loss of sight. This
specialist is employed by the London Borough of Richmond but her services are available to other
London Boroughs subject to appropriate financial arrangements.
SOCIAL REHABILITATION
During 1970 three blind persons from the Borough attended a three months' course of social
rehabilitation at Bridgnorth. The courses are arranged by the Royal National Institute for the Blind
and are designed to assist newly blinded persons to overcome their disabilities and live normal
lives in the community.
The Council pays the cost of these courses.
HOMELESS FAMILIES AND FAMILIES AT RISK
Social welfare officers have continued to visit families in the Borough who have been in
danger of eviction. In some cases the support and advice which they have been able to give has
enabled the families to overcome their difficulties and eviction has been prevented.
TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION
When families actually become homeless they may be admitted to the Council's temporary
accommodation. This is comprised of:
Highgrove House Hostel 14 family units
Mead House Hostel 9 family units
6 Welfare houses 6 family units
50