See Hear

Executive Summary

This strategic framework applies to children and adults living with sensory impairment: sensory impairment includes varying degrees of hearing loss, sight loss and loss of both of these senses and can be a recognised sensory impairment; a risk of sensory loss or hidden and untreated sensory loss.

The document offers practical advice and direction plus nine recommendations to help achieve the following aims:

1.1. The seamless provision of assessment, care and support to children and adults with a sensory impairment.

1.2. Children and adults with a sensory impairment should expect the same access to education, employment, healthcare, social care and leisure as everyone else.

1.3. People who have or develop a sensory loss understand what this loss will mean for them.

1.4. People who have or develop a sensory loss are able to access information and be supported to take the maximum possible control over living as independently as possible, while also getting direct assistance when needed: appropriate communication is critical to this.

1.5. Children and young people with a sensory impairment should expect appropriate and timely intervention in the early years and for as long as is required.

Key to the success of the Strategy will be person-centred local partnership working between statutory and third sector agencies.