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CATEGORIES OF HANDICAPPED PUPILS: SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL TREATMENT. The following
changes have been made in the definitions of the different categories of handicapped pupils
(a) The definition of a deaf pupil remains unaltered, but the definition of a partially deaf
pupil has been slightly amended with a view to clarification.
(b) A diabetic pupil is now included in the general category of delicate pupils.
(c) In the1945 Regulations, epileptic and physically handicapped pupils were so defined as
to imply that they could not be educated in an ordinary school. Circular 269 states,
"Many children who are in fact epileptic or physically handicapped can be educated in
ordinary schools if special arrangements are made or facilities provided to enable them
to overcome their particular difficulties. Such arrangements or facilities constitute
a departure from the normal regime of ordinary schools, and the effect of the amended
definitions is to bring within their scope all physically handicapped and epileptic
children who are able, with some degree of special help, to attend ordinary schools."
(d) The definition of a pupil suffering from speech defect has been slightly simplified.
(e) The definition of a delicate pupil has been changed so as to make this a kind of residual
category, covering all handicapped pupils who do not specifically come under the heading
of one of the other handicaps. More latitude has also been given so that we can take
account of the fact that some delicate pupils can be educated under the normal regime of
an ordinary school but may need a change of environment to make this possible.
A handicapped pupil for whose education at school arrangements are made by the Authority
shall be educated:-
(a) if he is blind or deaf, whether or not he also falls within some other category of
handicapped pupils. In a special school unless the Minister otherwise approves;
(b) if he is not blind or deaf, in a special school or an ordinary school as may be appropriate
in his case.
BLIND AND PARTIALLY SIGHTED CHILDREN. A blind child is defined as one who has no sight,
or whose sight is or is likely to become so defective that it requires education by methods
not involving the use of sight. A partially sighted child is one who, by reason of defective
vision, cannot follow the normal regime of an ordinary school without detriment to its sight
or to its educational development, but can be educated by special methods Involving the use
of sight. The Authority has made no direct arrangements for the education of blind and
partially sighted children, but where possible, arrangements are made for these children to
be admitted to residential or day special schools conducted under other auspices. The following
figures relate to work carried out in connection with blind and partially sighted children
during the year:-
BL1ND
Number ascertained during the year 1
Number in residential special schools at end of year 3
Out of school 1
PARTIALLY SIGHTED
Number known to the Authority during the year 37
Number ascertained during the year 2
Position at the end of the year:
In day special schools 11
In residential special schools 1
In ordinary schools 23
Out of school 2
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