What do we do - The Sensory Service

 

The Wight Sense Sensory Service have experienced professional staff who can provide one to one help and support for any Islander who lives with sight loss or hearing loss and indeed those living with both.

 

For those living with sight loss our closest partner is Sight for Wight, a local independent charity dedicated to providing information & support to visually impaired Islanders, their families, friends & carers. Membership is free to all Islanders affected by sight loss.

 

For those living with hearing loss our closest partner is the RNID, a national charity dedicated to providing information & support to those living with hearing loss, their families, friends & carers. Membership is free to all those affected by hearing loss.

 

The Wight Sense Sensory Service provides a one to one assessment resulting in a personal plan for support, equipment and advice and runs without any charges to people using it and this includes long-term loan equipment.

We also work in partnership with a large number of other organisations, both voluntary and statutory, including the NHS, IOW Fire and Rescue Service, RNIB, Blind Veterans, Guide Dogs, The Macular Society, the RNID and the Isle of Wight Council.

 

 

For those living with a Hearing Impairment:

In order to receive help for a hearing impairment you will first need a formal diagnosis from either your GP or the Audiology Department at St. Mary’s Hospital. This is because some hearing impairments can be caused by an infection, a build-up of earwax or damage to the ear and this needs to be eliminated so we can offer the right type of support.

We will carry out an assessment resulting in provision of advice and a package of support tailored to meet your individual needs. This may include the provision of assistive equipment such as a TV listener or flashing fire alarms.

We can also offer practical advice and support around Tinnitus, the most common cause of hearing loss, and work very closely with both local and national Tinnitus support networks.

 

 

For those living with a Visual Impairment:

We will provide advice and support to anyone living with a visual impairment. This includes giving advice and support around issues such as blue badges, reduction in TV licence fees, and general support and advice.

In order to provide more specialist support we may require clients to obtain a formal diagnosis of their visual impairment. Again, this enables us to provide you with the correct level of help and support.

The team will carry out an assessment resulting in provision of advice and a package of support tailored to meet your individual needs. This may include the provision of assistive equipment such as liquid level indicators, symbol canes, Bumpons and Daylight bulbs.

The team are also able to offer practical advice and support around Macular degeneration, the most common cause of sight loss, and work very closely with Sight for Wight for a full range of help and support.

The service is also able to provide practical mobility, rehab training, and help with daily living.

 

 

Deaf/Blind Support:

Deafblindness is the loss of sight and hearing to the point where your communication, mobility and ability to access information are impacted.  It's also sometimes called "dual sensory loss" or "multi-sensory impairment.

A deafblind person won't usually be totally deaf and totally blind, but both senses will be reduced enough to cause significant difficulties in everyday life.

These problems can occur even if hearing loss and vision loss are mild, as the senses work together and one would usually help compensate for loss of the other.

This condition affects everyone differently. We are able to provide specialist one to one support and advice and will again complete a full assessment of need.

 

The team will provide advice and support to anyone living with a dual sensory impairment. That includes giving advice and support around issues such as blue badges, reduction in TV licence fees and general support and advice.

The team will carry out an assessment resulting in provision of advice and a package of support tailored to meet your individual needs.

If you or someone you know is living with sight and hearing loss, we are here to help. We provide practical help, advice, emotional support and help with technology and information.

 

 

How can you contact us?

Anyone can access the service: you do not need to be referred by anyone.  We will signpost you to other services if they are more appropriate. We are here to help make sure you get the help you need as an individual. So, if in doubt please never hesitate to get in touch.