CEREBRAL PALSIED

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28766, 11 December 1958, Page 7

CEREBRAL PALSIED

Need For Home Urged

The provision of a home for adult cerebral palsied and the care of such persons was discussed at a public meeting of the Adult Cerebral Palsy Society in Christchurch last evening, when a special committee of 21 persons was elected to work out a solution to the problem. The chairman of the meeting, the Mayor (Mr G. Manning), said it was wonderful to observe in the society during the last 20 years the sympathetic groups which were always ready to assist those suffering and appreciated the task of the society in attempting to provide assistance for the cerebral palsied. “Some people think we are in opposition to the Crippled Children Society, but I wish to assure you that we, as an organisation, are in opposition to no-one,” said Mrs E. V. Gibson, president of the society. “Cerebral palsy is caused in many ways, often through injury before or just after birth, and those afflicted have conditions stacked against them for the rest of their lives. The problem of the spastic is a peculiarly distressing one, as in almost every case intelligence is normal or above normal, however crippled the body may be.” she said. Dr. J. L. Will said his association with the problem covered almost a quarter of a century, and he had seen sufferers grow from children to adult knowing he could do nothing for them. Segregation Dr. Will said he believed in the segregation of adult cerebral palsied because they would draw comfort in being among people of their own kind. The future, from the parents’ point of view, was pathetic, and something should be done. Dr. Will suggested if a building was available it should be on flat ground, and nurses who were not afraid of hard work could do much to relieve the strain of parents. Provision should also be made for a type of sheltered workshop to occupy the patients. “This country has been a bit small to tackle the problem; it can be expensive, but in this Welfare State with its humanitarian work it is one problem that is well worthwhile,” he said. Mr R. R. Beauchamp said a mental home, however well run, was not the place to send sufferers, and he thought it a great pity that they should find themselves in such an environment. The member of Parliament for Riccarton (Mr M. A. Connelly) thought a scheme to provide a home was long overdue, and he was sure it would be supported by the community, the local bodies and the Government. The 21 members of the special committee, which will hold its first meeting next month, include Mr N. G. Pickering, M.P., Mr N. E Kirk, M.P., Mr Connelly, and Dr. Will. Mr Manning was elected patron of the society, and Mr N. Behringer secretary.