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Two persons were sent by the Council on a 13-week Social Rehabilitation Course arranged by the
Royal National Institute for the Blind at their Torqu ay Centre.
Five Social Workers are employed to assist the blind and partially sighted. Braille and Moon type
reading were taught either at home or at classes. Five handicraft classes were held weekly in the afternoons,
and negotiations are in progress to rent three further premises with a view to starting additional classes in 1966.
The social worker also arranged various social activities and suitable training for persons of working age.
The six social clubs run by voluntary associations continue to be held either weeky (one club),
fortnightly (4 clubs), or monthly (one club) and were much appreciated. Social workers and welfare assistants
attend four of the clubs to give assistance.
During the year, 63 assisted holidays were arranged for the blind and partially sighted.
A total of 244 wireless sets have now been issued free on behalf of the British Wireless for the Blind
Fund, and 74 talking book machines on behalf of the Nuffield Talking Book Library for the Blind. The
contract with a local firm for the maintenance and repair of the wirelless sets was continued. In May, the
Council decided to pay the annual subscription of £3 for all blind persons being in need of and receiving a
talking book machine.
Partially Sighted
On 31st December, there were 170 persons on the register. There were 33 new cases (excluding recertifications
and transfers from other areas) during the year. Eight persons were transferred to the blind
register. The classification of partially sighted persons by age groups is as follows: —
Under 5 years 1
5-15 21
16 - 20 15
21 - 49 33
50 - 64 26
65 and over 74
Of the 21 children of school age, one is at Lower Place School for the physically handicapped, 16 at
special schools for the partially sighted, two at ordinary schools, and one is uneducable. Three young people in
the 16-20 age group are still at school.
Of 40 persons "near and prospectively blind" (aged 16 and over), 11 are employed, one is available
for work, and 28 are not available or not capable of work. Of 47 persons "industrially handicapped", 41
are employed, 3 are available for work, and 3 are not available or not capable of work. Fifty-eight persons
require "observation only".
WELFARE OF THE HANDICAPPED
On 31st December, there were 817 persons on the register. Details of registrations and an analysis
of disabilities of the general classes are shown in Tables 25 and 26. Home visits were made by five social
workers who maintained close liaison with the handicapped person and the family. There was also close
co-operation with voluntary agencies to improve the social life of the handicapped.
The demand for aids and gadgets continued. One hundred and thirty-six personal aids, e.g. pick-up
sticks, special knives and forks, can openers, etc., and 57 larger aids, e.g. metal walking aids, hoists, cantilever
tables, etc., were issued. Eighteen adaptations to property, e.g. construction of downstairs toilets,
ramps, handrails, widening of doors, etc., were carried out, in order to assist the handicapped to lead a
more independent life.
At the Work Centre, Church Lane, N.W.10, 32 handicapped people were employed on outwork
obtained from local factories. This light assembly work was supervised by an Industrial Works Organiser
who also delivered and collected homework from 11 housebound handicapped persons.
Seventy-one persons went on holidays to specially adapted holiday homes run by Dorincourt
Estates, the Donkey Clubs, the W.V.S., the British Epilepsy Association, the Shaftesbury Society and lewish
Welfare Board; to special guest houses; or to boarding houses, relatives or friends. Payment towards the
holiday was made on an assessment basis. Private escorts or British Red Cross Society escorts were arranged
as necessary.
British Red Cross workers continued to teach crafts at the two Handicraft Classes. They were held
one afternoon a week at 170/172, High Road, Willesden, and 563, High Road, Wembley. Two choral classes
and a drama class met weekly and were well attended. Transport was provided by the Council where
necessary.
Four social clubs, run by voluntary organisations, catered for the special needs of handicapped
persons, including a club for the deaf and dumb in Queensbury.
At the beginning of the year, the Council had one specially adapted coach for transporting the
handicapped to clubs, classes, etc., but this transport was insufficient. An additional coach and two minibuses
were purchased which enabled more people to take advantage of the facilities available.