Blind and partially sighted physiotherapy in the United Kingdom. A century of development, success and challenge. Will it still belong?

ABSTRACT

Background:In 2019 the Association of Visually Impaired Chartered Physiotherapists, originally the Association of Blind Certificated Masseurs, celebrated the centenary of its formation and becoming the first ever Specific Interest Group admitted to the Incorporated Society of Trained Masseuses which, later in the 20^th century, became the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. These landmarks motivated the author to research for this chronological, descriptive, narrative review of the history of blind physiotherapy and its contribution to physiotherapy in the United Kingdom. Purpose:The early training and practice of massage by blind practitioners, the organizational milestones in mainstream and blind physiotherapy and the inter-relationship between the two is considered. Key developments, challenges, innovations and opportunities throughout the history are reviewed including the impact of World War 1 and contribution of blind physiotherapy to the profession. Conclusion:Significant changes in physiotherapy educational and training arrangements for blind students and changes in physiotherapy practice generally over the last four decades engender serious questions about whether blind physiotherapy will still “belong”, despite the increasing aspiration within society toward acceptance of diversity and inclusion. The author challenges the profession about whether it will facilitate blind physiotherapy to continue making its valuable contribution and be included. Will it still “belong?”

KEYWORDS:

• Physiotherapy
• blind
• masseurs/masseuses
• diversity

Acknowledgments

The author gratefully acknowledges and thanks Dr. Sally French PhD, MSc (Psych), MSc (Soc), MCSP, DipTP, Physiotherapist, lecturer and author for her generous support, advice, proof reading and the invaluable and helpful comments on the manuscript. Mike Cassidy MCSP. Grad.Dip.Phys (holder of the CSP Distinguished Service Award and former Chairman and now one of the Vice-Presidents of the AVICP) for advice, making original documents available and, practical support including proof reading Sally, Mike and the author studied physiotherapy together at the RNIB School of Physiotherapy in the late 1960s. Professor Teager, DSc, FCSP, DipTP Principal of the RNIB, later North London School of Physiotherapy 1971-1995 for sharing his extensive knowledge and experience and for making original documents available. Rob Baker and John Hurst, Archivists from Blind Veterans UK, who generously provided photographs and original unpublished documents. Kat Parry from Henshaw’s Society for Blind People for making available original annual reports from 1837 to the present day inclusive, with other original correspondence and documents.

Declaration of interest

The author declares no conflict of interest.