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27
Of 48 persons "near and prospectively blind" (aged 16 and over), 10 were employed, one undergoing
training, and 37 incapable or not available for work. Of 50 persons mainly "industrially handicapped"
(aged 16 and over), 43 were employed, three available and four not available for employment.
Sixty-two persons requiring "observation" only, mainly over 65 years and unemployable or unavailable
for work, constitute the remainder.
WELFARE OF THE HANDICAPPED
One hundred and ninety-seven new cases were registered during the year, and on 31st December there
were 1,014 persons on the register. Of these, 32 were deaf with speech, 103 were deaf without speech, 25 were
hard of hearing, and 854 constituted general classes. Details of registrations, an analysis of disabilities, and
occupational grouping of the general classes are shown in Tables 24, 25 and 26.
Domiciliary visits made by social workers, with an average case load of 170, enabled considerable
general assistance to be given, and ensured regular contact with the handicapped person and the family. Close
liaison with statutory and voluntary bodies, along with allied services was maintained.
General Classes of Handicapped Persons
Sixty-four persons continued normal employment in open industry, 7 worked in sheltered industry and
13 practised a form of home industry.
Seven hundred and seventy were unemployable or unavailable for work, including 7 children under
sixteen years of age. Thirty-eight of these were maintained in residential homes.
The Work Centre at Church Lane, N.W.10, supervised by an Industrial Works Organiser and Assistant,
continued to offer part-time occupation of a rehabilitative character to over 32 persons. Light assembly
work was obtained from local factories.
The demand for aids and gadgets continued to increase; these are issued on free loan, and are invaluable
in assisting the handicapped person. Three hundred and eighty-one such aids were issued including metal
walking aids, hoists, pick-up sticks, special knives and forks, and can openers.
Seventy-five applications for adaptations to the home received approval, e.g. provision of ramps, handrails
and major constructions such as garages. One hundred and two car badges were issued to disabled drivers
with medical certificates.
One hundred and eighty-five applicants applied for assisted holidays. One hundred and thirty-five
were directly arranged by the Council, either in guest houses, where British Red Cross helpers assisted, or in
orthopaedic designed homes, like those run by Dorincourt Estates, Shaftesbury Society, the Jewish Association
for the Physically Handicapped and the Women's Royal Voluntary Service Winged Fellowship. These latter
homes make provision for more severe disabilities by providing ground floor sleeping accommodation or lifts,
easy access for wheel chairs to all parts of the building, and numerous adaptations for the free movement of
the individual. Most homes are situated within easy reach of the sea, or in the country.
Families are encouraged to arrange a united holiday privately, and 31 applicants were assisted. Nineteen
handicapped persons who stayed with relatives or friends received financial aid from the Council.
British Red Cross workers continued to teach crafts weekly at two handcraft classes during the afternoon
at 170/172 High Road, Willesden, and 563 High Road, Wembley. An increased response was received
for the six evening classes in choral, drama, dancing and pottery, organised by the Education Committee. The
pottery class was introduced during the year and proved highly successful. The combined choral classes took
part in an Annual Choral Festival on 11th November at Lafone School, Feltham. There are four Social clubs,
run by voluntary organisations.
The Council continued to provide free transport facilities, including the use of specially adapted
coaches with rear tail hoists to accommodate wheel chairs, and adapted minibuses designed for easy access and
comfort. Four special coaches were placed free at the disposal of the Willesden Association for the Welfare
of the Handicapped for the annual outing to Sunbury-on-Thames on 26th August. A number of Brent Handicapped
were conveyed to and from the Brent Show on 9th and 10th September.
An integrated Club activity in the form of a Christmas dinner and entertainment for blind and other
physically handicapped persons was held at Brent House on 14th December.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons
Help has been afforded to the deaf and hard of hearing both in the social and employment field.
One hundred and thirty-five congenitally deaf persons are on the register, including a boy of 4 years.
Of the 25 hard of hearing, a high number are severely deaf due to accident after birth.
In the field of employment the closest co-operation is maintained between the Ministry of Labour and
the Council, in seeking to provide suitable and appropriate work.
There are two Clubs within the vicinity of Brent, meeting fortnightly; the Queensbury Deaf/Dumb
Club, and the Wembley and Willesden groups of the Middlesex and Surrey League of the Hard of Hearing.
The Council provides transport to the latter.
Close liaison is kept with voluntary organisations such as the Royal Association in Aid of the Deaf
and Dumb, the South East Regional Association for the Deaf, and the Middlesex and Surrey League of the
Hard of Hearing, to all of which the Council makes a grant, and also with the Royal National Institute of the
Deaf concerned with general welfare, and the training of officers at the College of Deaf Welfare.