ASSISTANCE TO HANDICAPPED

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30451, 27 May 1964, Page 20

ASSISTANCE TO HANDICAPPED

Need For Hostel Being Studied Organisations connected with the care of physically or intellectually handicapped persons in Christchurch have received a circular from the Co-ordinating Council for the Handicapped asking for opinions on the need for a hostel for handicapped persons. For some time organisations have been discussing the matter at their meetings, and it was brought to a head with the visit of Group Captain G. L. Cheshire, V.C., recently. Organisations concerned include those dealing with crippled children, the deaf, those needing rehabilitation after leaving hospital, epileptics, and sufferers from multiple sclerosis. There are about 20 organisations affiliated . with the council and others which are interested.

The circular says that the broad fields to be considered are a single hostel, foster homes for individuals, foster homes for the intellectually handicapped, and foster homes for the physically handicapped. The council asks for reasons to be given if it is thought the four groups can be combined or if further subdivisions will be necessary. The council also asks organisations how many persons they know who would need the hostel for stays of various periods, for an opinion on the possible cost of running a hostel, and the cost of setting up the group. Organisations are asked to suggest where the hostel should be and what the maximum size should be to prevent the isolation of individuals or to prevent its becoming “just an institution.”