training was being offered in leather work, tailoring, light mechanics, gardening, carpentry, printing, electrical appliance repair and domestic service. At the same time sheltered work was being provided in tapestry, rattan weaving, brush making and various assembly work. An Open Day was held on 7th December 1967 to make the services of the Centre known to the public and to promote employment of the handicapped. His Excellency the Governor honoured the centre with a visit on 21st February 1968. During the year, intake amounted to 128 and 94 were discharged.
101. Construction of the World Rehabilitation Fund Day Centre was nearing completion and it is expected to be ready in July, 1968, after which it will be handed over to the Department. Special training of staff for the Centre was made possible by the generosity of the Fund. In September 1967, one officer went to New York University for a two- year course on rehabilitation of the deaf and another returned in September 1967 after a 7 months' course on sheltered employment.
102. In addition, the Department organized an extra mural course on Rehabilitation of the Disabled for the Chinese University of Hong Kong. During the last Christmas season Radio Hong Kong and Com- mercial Radio launched 'Operation Santa Claus' with the aim of raising money mainly for the needs of handicapped children, maladjusted children and the aged. Approximately $100,000 was raised and allocated to various welfare agencies to purchase gifts and equipment.
103. During the year, a total of 117 disabled persons were placed in employment through the placement service established by the Depart- ment in September 1967. This should greatly facilitate contact with employers and thus broaden opportunities for placement in open industry.
MENTALLY DISABLED
104. There are now 2,005 mentally retarded people registered by the department, but this figure does not reflect the true incidence of subnormality in Hong Kong which is believed to be much higher. Special facilities are still limited and waiting lists are the rule although a number of projects are under construction and should soon afford some relief. The departmental centres at Tsan Yuk and Tung Tau providing day training for altogether 140 retarded children are full to capacity and so is the children's centre in the Aberdeen Rehabilitation Centre which now accommodates 66 retarded children. The Save the
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