Main Content Area

Sensory Disabilities

If you have a visual or hearing loss, or both, this leaflet will explain how we can help you.  Our aim is to provide a service, which is responsive to your individual needs.

We have a statutory responsibility to:

• Undertake an assessment of your needs;
• Keep an index of anyone giving consent to being registered as having a sensory impairment.

This might result in:

• Arranging services, advice and support for people living in the Community;
• Arranging facilities for rehabilitation, to promote and enable Independent living skills, mobility and communication needs;
• Arranging access to activities.

HOW CAN SOCIAL SERVICES HELP?

We can undertake an assessment of your needs.  This will include asking about how your sensory impairment affects your life.  To help us decide who should be offered a service we use eligibility criteria.  The eligibility criteria will enable fair access to services and will help carers continue their important contribution.  It is a requirement of the Welsh Assembly Government that we operate in this way.

We may be able to offer assistance to enable you to maximise your independence.  If equipment is appropriate this will be assessed for and in some cases provided.

A care plan will be agreed on how we intend to meet your assessed needs.

PARTIAL SIGHT AND BLINDNESS

To initiate a Registration visit, a BD8 certificate will be signed by a Consultant Ophthalmologist.  This is forwarded to us and we will contact you to arrange an assessment of your needs.

REGISTRATION

During the Registration visit, you can choose to be registered with us.

REHABILITATION

The role of the Rehabilitation Officer is to develop, restore or maintain your independence within the Community.
Advice and help can be given on:

• How to get about, indoors and out, in safety;
• How to continue reading and writing;
• How to cook safely;
• Specialist equipment.

DEAF, DEAFENED AND HARD OF HEARING

An assessment of your needs will be undertaken.  During your involvement with us there may be occasions when Interpreters may be required, e.g. meetings.  If so this will be arranged.All workers based within the Sensory Team have BSL Qualifications and are accessible via minicom and fax.

DUAL SENSORY LOSS

If you have both a hearing and sight loss then you may need a specialist assessment and services.  Our service aims to provide and enable access to a whole range of statutory and voluntary services and promote equal opportunities for people with visual, hearing or dual sensory loss.

We work within the guidelines of the following legislation:

• NHS & Community Care Act (1990)
• Carer’s & Disabled Children Act (2000)
• Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act (1970)
• Disability Discrimination Act (2005)
• National Assistance Act (1948)