HC Deb 23 March 1979 vol 964 cc284-5W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether any of the research projects listed in reply to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South, Official Report 24 November 1977, columns 895–6, have been completed; if he will list the projects commenced since that date; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alfred Morris

The following research projects listed in my previous reply to my hon. Friend on 24 November 1977—[Vol. 939, c.895–96.]—have now been completed: General Classes

  • A review of research literature on handicapped children.
  • A study of the care of patients with colostomies.
  • A survey of patients with spinal injuries.
Aids and Mobility
  • Assessment of clinical engineering research into disability due to complex neuro-muscular disorders in physically handicapped children.
  • An evaluation study of aids and equipment for the disabled.
 Rehabilitation and Speech Therapy
  • An investigation of the value of therapy in the diagnosis and treatment of low back pain and sciatica.
  • Study of employment rehabilitation at an Employment Rehabilitation Centre.
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  • An investigation into the various aspects of speech therapy and its applications.
 Hearing Impairment
  • A study of hearing-impaired people on handling of aids, equipment and appliances and of methods of rehabilitating hearing-impaired adults.
  • Study of counselling services for deaf adolescents and their families in relation to emotional and psychiatric disorders.

The following projects have commenced since 24 November 1977: General Classes

  • Research into residential care for physically disabled adults.
  • Research on attitudes towards the handicapped.
  • A study of the balance of care between hospital and home in chronic illness and physical handicap conditions.
  • Epidemiological studies of physical handicap and services provided for handicapped persons.
Aids and Mobility
  • Study of methods of teaching hearing aid skills to the elderly.
  • Survey of sources of information on equipment for the disabled.
  • Evaluation of efficiency of traditional equipment compared to modern.
  • Development and evaluation of Sheffield Motor Assessment Chart.
 Rehabilitation and Speech Therapy
  • Assessment of prophylaxis for low back pain in pregnancy.
  • Evaluation of effects of different exercise regimes on Quadriceps Femoris.
  • Social problems experienced by adult lower limb amputees.
  • Rehabilitation and care of specific disabled and diagnostic groups.
  • Study of domiciliary physiotherapy schemes.
 Hearing Impairment
  • Paedo-audiological assessment and rehabilitation services for the hearing impaired.
  • Study of the acquisition and use of sign language.
  • Study of communication between parents and their deaf children.
  • Study of acquired total deafness in adults.
  • Phonological study.
 Visual Impairment
  • Two studies of Braille contractions.