Support if you have sensory impairments

We work with our partners to provide advice to people with sensory impairments. They may require support to live well and achieve the goals that matter to them.  

We work with people who: 

• are visually impaired 
• are deaf 
• have an acquired hearing loss 
• are deafblind (sometimes known as a dual sensory impairment – a significant combination of hearing and sight loss) 

Interpreters

We commission interpreters when necessary. We work in partnership with several organisations to ensure that the care and support needs of people with sensory impairments are met.  

Training

We are committed to ensuring that our social care workforce is aware of the needs of people with sensory impairments. We do this by arranging suitable training such as Deaf Awareness and BSL training. 

How we can support you

We may be able to support people with sensory impairments to

• access appropriate support from social care, such as a Care Act assessment 
• transition from education to adulthood 
• to access supported living and employment 
• cope with additional disabilities such as stroke and dementia 
• live more independently  
• access information and advice about local support services 

When specialist assessments and services are needed, for example with deafblind people, we will commission a specialist service to carry out the assessment and provide any necessary support. We are committed to ensuring the care and support needs of people who are deafblind are met.  

More information, including ways to access social care support is available on our dedicated website section. 

We work in close partnership with Vision North Somerset. They are a North Somerset independent local charity supporting 

• blind and partially sighted people
• deaf and hard of hearing people
• people with these disabilities of all ages

They provide support in the following areas

• vision rehabilitation (for example support around mobility and daily living skills, and home adaption advice) 
• hearing equipment (advice on and fitting of equipment to help with doorbells, telephones, television)
• equipment for people with a visual impairment
• information, advice and guidance, including local referrals