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It is possible to be of service to handicapped people in many ways
and the great variety of 'aids to daily living' promote a feeling of
independence and are of great assistance to the handicapped person in
accepting his disability. Particular adaptations to the homes of handicapped
people also play a great part in this work. Guide rails and guard rails,
hoists, the extra w.c., ramps, curb crossings and garages for their
invalid tricycles are great blessings and much has been done in this field
in the first year.
81 handicapped people are visited in their own homes by the
occupational therapist and help given to them in the ultimate sale and
disposal of the articles they make. Some handicapped people are engaged
in industrial outwork in their own homes and the setting up of a work
centre to cater for them is keenly awaited. It is intended in due course
to provide a purpose-built work centre for the physically handicapped,
meanwhile a search is proceeding for temporary premises.
Visits by Welfare Officers
Social work with the physically handicapped and registration 1,236
Aids and adaptatxons 362
Occupational Therapy 673
Industrial outwork 185
(b) The Deaf
So far as this Borough is concerned, welfare of the deaf is in its
infancy, but some progress has been made and the statutory register of
deaf and hard of hearing now stands at 94.
(c) The Blind and Partially-Sighted
Work with the blind and partially-sighted proceeded satisfactorily
during the year, the number of new referrals was higher than anticipated.
Qualified home teachers for the blind are available to help blind
people overcome their disability and to live a more normal and active life.
Instruction in Braille and Moon and various handicrafts is available and
courses of social and industrial rehabilitation in conjunction with
voluntary organisations and other authorities are used as necessary.
A register of the blind and partially-sighted is required to be kept by
statute and all those using the services are so registered. Registration
is not compulsory.
Visits by Home Teachers for the Blind
Blind and partially-sighted 1,926
Number of lessons in Braille, occupational therapy,etc. 204
Escort duties to hospitals, etc. 248
(d) Transport arrangements
The Department has a specially designed ambulance capable of carrying
handicapped people in their wheelchairs to and from their own homes to
work centres, hospitals, etc. and has proved invaluable in the year under
review.
116