See Hear: A strategic framework for meeting the needs of people with a sensory impairment in Scotland

Executive Summary

A consultation on a Scottish Sensory Impairment Strategy.

It is estimated that 1 in 6 of the population of Scotland has a hearing loss, 1 in 30 of the population of Scotland has a significant sight loss and that an estimated 5,000 people in Scotland have dual sensory loss. The majority of people with a sensory impairment are older people and, with an ageing population, the expectation is that the number of people who experience sensory loss at some time in their lives will increase. People who experience sensory loss may also have another condition for which they receive medical care.

This draft strategy builds on the sensory impairment work of the sensory impairment one stop shops that have been established in various locations across Scotland.

The draft strategy offers a strategic framework to lever change for sensory impairment services and support and provides a model care pathway to facilitate better working relationships and service provision for users and carers. The pathway acknowledges that not all needs are similar, and service users may have different needs and expectations.

The document also makes recommendations and offers a timescale of implementation over 10 years.

We would appreciate your views on this draft strategy. There are 7 questions and we would welcome your responses to as many of them as possible.