Cerebral Palsy

Press, Volume C, Issue 29513, 13 May 1961, Page 3

Cerebral Palsy

Sir.—Might the opportunity be taken, while Mrs Roberta Tatam. a counselling psychologist from Los Angeles, is in our city, of asking her what educational facilities are available in America for the progressive care and development of those afflicted with cerebral palsy beyond the primary stage? To specialist assistance used utilised on behalf of the adult cerebral palsied? Are hostels provided for helpless cases needing locomotion and other help and care impossible in the home? As these persons are not necessarily mentally affected though handicapped in the co-ordination of activities, are they still considered as mental hospital occupants where hospitals fail in adaptation or reception of otherwise healthy physical cases? With local increasing recognition of their needs would experienced advice not be welcome?—Yours etc FOR GUIDANCE. May 12. 1961.

[Mrs Tatom replies: “In Los Angeles there is a yearly fund-raising campaign for research and facilities for cerebral palsy cases. It would be my impression that the funds raised only partially meet the needs. It must be remembered that social security in the United States does not cover illness expenses. Medical and social problems connected with such illnesses as cerebral palsy or epilepsy must be handled by the families involved or by organisations or institutions supported by charity. There is still a great deal of confusion among most laymen regarding cerebral palsy although considerable educational work is being done, including some excellent television programmes. Only recently have a small number of communities begun to establish special public schools for cerebral-palsied children. I am sure a letter to the Principal. School for Cerebral Palsied Children. El Monte, California, United States, would elicit a great deal more information than I can give."]