§ Mr. Braineasked the Minister of Health if he will give details of the nature and scope of the studies of the disabled and the services provided for them currently being undertaken, and the dates by which it is hoped these studies will be completed.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonThe list of current studies relating to the physically disabled (other than the blind or deaf) which are sponsored or otherwise assisted by my 285W Department is as follows. In addition other relevant studies are being under-
Study Purpose Carried out by Expected completion date Residential institutions for the physically handicapped. To try to gain a more sympathetic understanding of contemporary problems in varying institutions, the differing perceptions of the problems as between governing bodies, staff and residents, and the different approaches that are being tried. Centre for Applied Social Research, Tavistock Institure of Human Relations October, 1968 Prevalence of impaired Physical Functions. Pilot study to determine whether it is possible to define and measure critical minimum levels of locomotor and manipulative abilities; to devise and test records and question forms and other methods required to complete a successful study; and to consider methods of ascertaining how many in the population are disabled. Social Research Unit, Department of Sociology, Bedford College, University of London September, 1967 School-leavers suffering from multiple handicap. To ascertain how many school-leavers with severe and/or multiple handicaps are not able to take advantage of, or benefit permanently from, existing facilities for training and employment; to discover the features which make them unsuitable for training and employment or, conversely, to find out what facilities are lacking for which conditions. National Bureau for Co-operation in Child Care 1970 Survey of Spina Bifida To obtain information on the prevalence of spina bifida in children and the severity of their handicaps. Research and Intelligence Unit, Greater London Council 1969 Comprehensive rehabilitation services for the severely disabled. Appraisal of the value of comprehensive rehabilitation services for the severely disabled, by carrying out a detailed comprehensive review of services provided by the Disabled Living Research Unit, Mary Marlborough Lodge. Mary Marlborough Lodge, Headington Oxford 1969 Younger chronic sick in hospital. To discover numbers and needs Ministry of Health End of 1967 Surgical footwear To find improvements in materials for and in production of surgical footwear, including closer conformity with contemporary design. Ministry of Health December 1967 Design of wheelchairs To improve the design Loughborough University of Technology End of 1968