Integration the aim

Press, 23 November 1988, Page 31

Integration the aim

The underlying philosophy behind all activities of the Crippled Children Society is to assist the disabled to achieve integration into the community.

According to Ms Marilyn Vicary, manager of the Canterbury/Westland branch of the C.C.S., the process of integration is slow and requires constant lobbying for change. “We always put our views across so that the needs and wants of people with disabilities are kept to the fore of the minds of decision-makers,” Ms Vicary said. She describes the ideal

“bottom line” for each client as, “independence.” "The needs of our clients vary so greatly that all clients have individually tailored programmes from the children upward.” For the disabled the impact of the massive social change over the last four years has made the process of keeping up even more difficult, she asserts. “We must and we will.” “We are very 7 fortunate in this community that has provided wonderful support levels over the years.” The society has already felt the impact of the

rising birth rate in recent months. “There has been a huge increase in need for our services but we will not deny anyone — that is, after all, why our society exists.” The society employs social workers who in the view of fundraiser/publicity officer, Michael O’Neill, “knit everything together.” In addition the society has two full-time recreation officers whose function is leisure counselling for the disabled who often ■have plenty of time but limited physical resources.