NEW SCHOOL FOR HANDICAPPED

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29273, 3 August 1960, Page 7

NEW SCHOOL FOR HANDICAPPED

Better Training For Pupils Planned

A new school for intellectually handicapped children will shortly be opened in Worcester street subject to approval by the City Council. The building will be the headquarters of the Intellectually Handicapped Children's Parents’ Association and a craft centre for senior pupils 16 years and over.

The first private school for intellectually handicapped children in New Zealand was established in Merivale lane about 10 years ago. The school, for pupils up to the age of 16, is now run by the Education Department The Government does not provide instruction for handicapped children over 16 except in mental institutions. A privately-run school for persons who have left the occupation centre at Merivale operates for a few hours each week in the St. Andrew's Church kindergarten rooms. Attended by 25 pupils, the school has two teachers who give instruction in sewing, weaving, pottery, basket work, cooking and woodwork. The rooms are available for only a short time each week. Lack of space is another disadvantage. The new premises, owned by the association, will be able to accommodate more pupils, and more elaborate machinery. The school Will operate five days a week with a time-table similar to. ordinary colleges. Pupils capable of doing factory work are trained in shelter workshops. The Intellectually Handicapped Children's Parents’ Association caters for those who cannot be trained to this degree. The treasurer (Mr W. M. Rumbold) said that it hoped to be able to manufacture simple items for sale. Proceeds from the Tex Morton show, and from street appeals conducted by the Canterbury University Students' Association, and money given by the Christchurch Junior Chamber would be used to finance the school, said Mr Rumbold.