The National Institute for the Blind

The National Institute for the Blind, 224 Great Portland Street, London, W.l, which has just issued its report for 1921-2, is now the largest institution of its kind, not only in the United Kingdom, but throughout the world. Its direct work includes a home for blind babies, a juvenile education department, higher education (at Worcester College for Blind Boys and the Chorley Wood College for Blind Girls), the publication of embossed books, periodicals and music in Braille and Moon type, a School of Massage, the visitation and instruction of the adult blind in their own homes, the maintenance of homes and hostels for the aged blind, and the relief of the blind poor. Unless additional funds are immediately forthcoming; very serious retrenchment of activities will be necessary. It has always been the policy of the Institute to work with other institutions. At the beginning of last year, in pursuance of this policy, the eight leading workshops and institutions in London were invited to co-operate in raising money for the many urgent requirements of the 7,000 blind in the metropolitan area, and the National Institute is now conducting the Greater London Fund for the Blind, with the assistance of an Advisory Committee. The Fund has been in existence for 15 months, and up to March 31 last has distributed the sum of ?20,800. During the year grants amounting to ?40,740 were made to local institutions for the