Spastics?
digital file Black & White Sound 1969 17:18
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Summary: This film aims to raise public awareness of cerebral palsy and shows the work at a local authority school in Surrey that caters for physically disabled children. A local work centre for spastics is also seen. 3 segments.
Title number: 18246
LSA ID: LSA/21403
Description: Segment 1 Street scenes of a high street with shoppers walking past a Spastics Society collection doll are seen as voiceovers of members of the public are heard. They talk about what they think a 'spastic' is. One of them mentions a 'special school' nearby - the Beddlesford School in Kingston, Surrey. The school is seen and the headmaster is heard in voiceover talking about the pupils. There are students who have cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophies, spinal bifida and polio. A female teacher is seen working with students in a classroom she is heard talking about working with the students and assessing their abilities. A physical therapy class is shown. The mother and father of an 8-year-old pupil discuss raising their son, finding out about his disability and getting to know other disabled children. The headmaster discusses the problem of where the children go once they finish school. Time start: 00:00:00:00 Time end: 00:06:11:09 Length: 00:06:11:09 Segment 2 The headmaster says that there is one work centre for people with cerebral palsy in the area, run by the Spastics Society. He points out that there are no government-funded workshops in the area. The ambulance driver of the centre is seen picking up employees in the morning she is also heard talking about her job. Then the works manager talks about what the centre is and why it was started up. Another staff member talks about how it was started and the trainees who work there. The manager discusses the cost and how they raise money. Scenes of the work centre are shown, with employees working on various tasks. One of the members of the centre talks about her happiness in getting a place at the centre. Time start: 00:06:11:09 Time end: 00:10:53:10 Length: 00:04:42:01 Segment 3 Another member of the centre explains his disability and talks about a trip he took to Lourdes. A female typist talks about how she taught herself to type and now does the manager's office work. A staff member talks about Ruth, an older employee who is now the assistant supervisor of the workroom. Ruth is seen working at the centre. Next, a teenager, David is discussed. He is seen after work, cycling and playing football. The staff describe him as an 'individualist', saying that though he often played truant at school, he has stayed at the centre since he joined. Finally, a couple, both with disabilities, are seen. The wife compares their disabilities and says that between them they can cope with domestic life. The film ends with more voiceovers from members of the public discussing what they think cerebral palsy is. Time start: 00:10:53:10 Time end: 00:17:18:12 Length: 00:06:25:02
Credits: Sound by Brian Rendle, camera by Tony Roques, edited by John Watts and directed by Paul Streather.
Keywords: Cerebral Palsy; Disabled Children; Disabled Persons
Locations: United Kingdom; England; Beddlesford School; Kingston
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