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The "Friends of Hillcrest", a voluntary association of local residents, was formed in January 1968
to provide extra amenities for the residents. Outings and musical evenings are arranged, presents given to the
residents on birthdays and at Christmas, and a fully equipped ladies' hairdressing salon and a putting green
for men have been provided. An amplifier, speakers and a microphone have been purchased to facilitate the
entertainments programme, and sufficient funds have been raised for a sun lounge to be erected early in
1970.
There are similar voluntary associations giving invaluable help at "Courtfield" and "Kenton Grange".
WELFARE OF THE BLIND AND PARTIALLY SIGHTED
Blind Persons
On 31st December, there were 527 persons on the register. There were 45 new cases (excluding
re-certifications and transfers from other areas) during the year. The majority of referrals for registration
came from hospitals. The classification of blind persons by age groups and at age of onset of blindness are
shown in Tables 21 and 22. Ninety of those registered suffer from additional physical and/or mental
handicaps.
Four children are under five years of age. Of the eight children of school age, four attend special
schools, the remainder are unsuitable for education at school. Four young men between 16 and 20 years of
age continued their education.
One hundred and eight persons were in full employment, and an analysis of their occupations is
shown in Table 23.
Four hundred and three persons were unemployable or unavailable for work. Of these, 50 were in
residential accommodation provided by local authorities, two in other Homes, and 13 were in hospital for
extended periods.
Domiciliary visits to both blind and partially sighted persons were made by social workers with an
average case load of 144. Individual teaching was given in both Braille reading and writing, Moon type
reading, and typewriting.
Three handcraft classes were held weekly in the afternoons, seven evening classes organised by the
Education Committee and eight social clubs offered variety of occupation. Free transport facilities to classes
and clubs continued to be provided by the Council.
At the Brent Show on 13th and 14th September, an exhibition, competition for handcrafts, and sale
of goods made by blind and other physical handicapped persons, were staged.
Ninety-five wireless sets were issued on behalf of the British Wireless for the Blind during the year
bringing the total issued to 291. The rental of talking book machines issued by the British Talking Book Service
for the Blind was paid by the Council in respect of 167 readers; 25 were issued during the year. Various
Braille and Moon magazines were circulated free.
Two hundred and six free aids, e.g. typewriters, watches, electric shavers, alarm clocks, pingers, bread
cutters, etc. were issued.
One hundred and forty-two applicants applied for assisted holidays. Fifty-eight were directly arranged
by the Council, and 43 persons who arranged private holidays and 41 who stayed with relatives or friends
received financial aid from the Council.
Partially Sighted Persons
On 31st December, there were 192 persons on the register. There were 27 new cases (excluding
re-certifications and transfers from other areas) during the year. Five persons were transferred to the blind
register.
The classification of partially sighted persons by age groups is as follows: —
Under 5 years Nil
5—15 20
16—20 13
21—49 41
50—64 25
65 and over 93
Of the 20 children of school age, 17 attend special schools, two attend other schools, and one
remains at home. Five of those in the 16—20 age group are still at school.
Of 50 persons "near and prospectively blind" (aged 16 and over), 13 were employed and 37 incapable
or not available for work. Of 50 persons mainly "industrially handicapped" (aged 16 and over), 43 were
employed, two are undergoing training, and five are not available for employment. Sixty-seven persons mainly
over 65 years requiring "observation" only, and unemployable or unavailable for work, constitute the
remainder.
WELFARE OF THE HANDICAPPED
There were 266 new registrations during the year, and on 31st December 1,259 persons were on the
register. Of these, 31 were deaf with speech, 98 deaf without speech, 29 were hard of hearing, and 1,101 were
in the 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 252, enabled 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.