Victory Report: feature for Radio Victory’s Enable the Disabled Week, part of the International Year of the Disabled

Title

Victory Report: feature for Radio Victory’s Enable the Disabled Week, part of the International Year of the Disabled

Transmission details

28 May 1981

Description

A Victory Report on IYDP [nable the Disabled Week]. Track 1- Interview with PAT SAUNDERS, tetraplegic, previously led very active life involved in sport, work-flying and navy. Description of how be became paralysed and how be came to terms with it after two and a half years in hospital. Hardly any movement in legs. Is designing suit to enable him to walk. Still has sensory nerves, problems with joints helped by exercise. Problems with pressure sores, circulation etc., due to physical handicap. Relies on wife to help dress him etc., considers she does three days work every day: 1- normal house work; 2- day’s nursing work; 3- work the husband would normally do, gardening, decorating etc. He and wife look to the future and what they can do with it. Track 2- PAT SAUNDERS: decision on what to do with life after came out of hospital, decided to write. After six to seven months became Feature Writer on News. Now writes for magazines as well. Uses specially adapted electric typewriter, 40-50 wpm. Talks about specialised equipment for eg putting on lights. Invented straw with non-return valve, prevents intake of unwanted air, for use where disabled people have little use in their hands. Suggest handicap is to allow being disabled to take over so become a vegetable. Sees self as working alongside able-bodied, with able-bodied interests. Gives lectures, popular and specialised, gives time and preparation to lectures. Year of the Disabled - most important to get information over to able bodied. Sees his job as to inform, how to treat disabled. Able bodied are not expected to know without being told, knowledge brings understanding, understanding brings the right line of action to offset a part of our handicap. [Box 6]

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Duration

00:24:15

Misc. notes

Gauge:-1/8 inch tape

Production company

Radio Victory

Extent

1 tape

Credits

Presenter

Guy Payne

Interviewees

Pat Saunders