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28
WELFARE OF THE HANDICAPPED
Two hundred and seventy-five new cases were registered during the year, and on 31st December there
were 1,124 persons on the register. Of these, 28 were deaf with speech, 101 deaf without speech, 24 were
hard of hearing, and 971 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 190, 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, 19 worked in sheltered industry,
and 21 practised some form of home industry.
Eight hundred and sixty-seven were unemployable or unavailable for work, including 10 children
under 16 years of age. Forty-five 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 appointment of an additional Organiser enabled the service to be
extended, particularly in the field of home industry.
The Council at their meeting on 20th November, 1968, agreed that the former Civil Defence Headquarters
in Carlton Avenue East be used as a rehabilitation/work centre until such time as the premises are
required for the extension of the adjoining telephone exchange, and that application be made to the Ministry
of Housing and Local Government for consent to borrow £18,750, 75% of the transfer price, to secure the
premises. A scheme for the adaptation of the premises was prepared by the Borough Architect and submitted
to the Health and Welfare Committee on 16th December, 1968. The estimated cost of the scheme was £13,350,
including furniture amounting to £2,200 and fees. The Council approved the proposals in January 1969 and
they were submitted to the Ministry of Health for financial consideration.
The demand for aids and gadgets continued to increase; these are issued on free loan, and are invaluable
in assisting the handicapped person. Four hundred and twenty-three such aids were issued including metal
walking aids, hoists, pick-up sticks, special knives and forks, and can openers.
Ninety-three applications for adaptations to the home e.g. provision of ramps, handrails and major
constructions such as garages, were approved. Sixty-six car badges were issued to disabled drivers.
Two hundred and eleven applicants applied for assisted holidays. One hundred and thirty-six were
directly arranged by the Council. Two parties, under the supervision of social workers and British Red Cross
helpers, spent a fortnight at the Little Oyster Holiday Camp, Isle of Sheppey. Nineteen severely handicapped
persons went to Crabhill House, South Nutfield, run by the Women's Royal Voluntary Service Winged Fellowship.
The Jewish Association for the Physically Handicapped, and the Shaftesbury Society also provided
holidays for those requiring orthopaedic designed homes which make full provision for severe disabilities.
Most homes are situated within easy reach of the sea, or in the country.
Families are encouraged to arrange a united holiday privately, and 45 applicants were assisted. Thirty
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 held during the
afternoon at 170/172, High Road, Willesden, and St. John's Church Hall, Wembley. A further handcraft
class was introduced, and supervised by social workers. This class is based on equal participation between
registered blind, partially sighted, and other handicapped persons. There was an increased demand for evening
classes in choral, cookery, dancing, drama and pottery, organised by the Education Committee. Pottery introduced
last year, and cookery this year proving highly successful additional classes. 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 at the disposal of the Willesden Association for the Welfare of
the Handicapped free of charge for their annual outing to Sunbury-on-Thames on 15th June. A number of
Brent handicapped were conveyed to and from the Brent Show on 14th and 15th September. Nine vehicles
conveyed over 100 handicapped persons of all classes on a shopping expedition to three major stores in the
Willesden area on 9th December. Shop hours were extended by the Managements to permit the party unhampered
freedom of movement. A considerable number of voluntary escorts supervised by social workers assured
the success of the event.
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 twenty-nine congenitally deaf and 24 hard of hearing are on the register. Most of
the hard of hearing are affected due to accident after birth.
The greater number in both categories are between the ages of 16-49; many of whom were gainfully
employed. In the field of employment, the closest co-operation is maintained between the Department of
Employment and Productivity and the Council, in seeking to provide suitable and appropriate work.
There are two Clubs in the vicinity of Brent, meeting fortnightly; the Queensbury Deaf/Dumb Club,
and the Wembley and Willesden groups of the Middlesex and Surrey League for the Hard of Hearing, run by
voluntary committees. The Council provides transport to the latter.