Extended Services To Blind Urged

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31029, 7 April 1966, Page 18

Extended Services To Blind Urged

“It seems quite evident that to maintain adequate help to the blind several of the foundation’s services will need to be extended,” said the chairman of the Christchurch advisory committee to the New Zealand Foundation for the Blind (Mr I. D. Wood) yesterday.

Mr Wood, presenting his annual report to a meeting of the committee and Christchurch branch staff, said enrolments for the year ended March 31 in the area north of the Waitaki river numbered 717—an increase of 65.

“No particular factor can be given as responsible for this increase, which is nearly double the average of the last few years,” he said. There was a waiting list of more than 60 for “Fernwood” hostel for blind men and women. Only six men and three women had been admitted during the year as permanent residents. Temporary accommodation was provided for 22 additional people, including post-operative cases. It was pleasing to record that authority from the Government to proceed with a new wing for the hostel had been received last December, Mr Wood said. “This, when

completed, will supply an additional 30 rooms.” Work Increases

The work of the auxiliary to the Christchurch branch had substantially increased, he said. “Voluntary drivers have been used on no less than 2164 occasions, and readers, sewers, escorts, letter writers and hostesses have continued to provide other much appreciated service.” Much additional good could accrue from the extension of the branch’s occupational therapy department. “Many more people could benefit if staff were available to visit in the homes, and likewise the scope of achievement could be widened if more accommodation was available.” Increasing enrolments meant that the occupational therapy and welfare services would have to be increased, said the assistant manager of the branch (Mr C. A. Pilgrim). About 80 people a week came to the occupational therapy classes, he said. “We’ve three girls there and they are ‘flat out.’ Every one of those 80 people has a different article to be prepared each week.”

More staff were needed, but there was a lack of space for them. The branch’s two welfare officers had 717 cases to visit, to maintain contact and see to their general requirements Mr Pilgrim said.