Have you ever felt proud when you learn that somebody who was born in your city has worked endlessly to help people less fortunate than himself? This is what a man named Alf Morris has done! Born in Ancoats, Manchester. He left school at 14 years of age and furthered his education by attending night school, advancing himself so far that he was qualified enough to be accepted at Oxford University!
Later he was elected M.P. for Wythenshawe, Manchester. During these periods he was fighting for better opportunities and conditions for disabled people in order that they could live as normally as possible despite their disability.
In 1970 he drafted and introduced “the chronically sick and disabled person’s act” which became law! The 1970 act decrees that every local authority in the British Isles has a duty to provide facilities and opportunities for anyone with any type of disability. The act decreed that where ramps were needed they were to be added on to houses, public buildings; libraries, colleges, anywhere social activities were held, to enable easier access for wheelchair users.
It is because of the efforts of Alf Morris that disabled toilets were constructed in public places, people with a disability are able to attend community centres etc; or those who are unable to use public transport are transported in an equipped bus to their destinations.
Local day care centres, are also a result of the act.
In these centres employed carers are waiting to help and to organise activities such as card games, dominoes, jigsaws etc. usually accompanied by lots of humour, laughter and banter. Or if preferred it is a time to socialise with friends and just chat.
Often there is a hairdresser visiting these centres, which is ideal for people with disabilities.
Lunch is provided at a small charge to the centre users. The staff at these centres do a great job.
All this is thanks to Alf Morris who became the first minister of the disabled!
He carried this title from 1974 until 1979 he is now Lord Morris!
Kathleen Turton
Footnote
Lord Alf Morris’s father came home to Ancoats, after the first world war (1914/1918) he had lost an eye fighting in the Somme; his lungs were weak due to the effects of gas. He also had a shattered leg.
He was a sign writer by trade and did his best to get back to work. He died in 1935 aged 44. He left a widow and seven children. Alf was 8 years old at the time.
Kathleen Turton
