Sensory Support Service
Telephone:
030 33 33 3001
Contact email:
Website:
www.dumgal.gov.uk/article/22838/Sensory-Support-Team
Address:
Social Work HQ, Irish Street, Dumfries
Who the service is aimed at:
Dumfries and Galloway Council Sensory Support Team offer support to children who are deaf or have hearing loss or sight loss, or both. The Team supports children and their families/carers to help maintain safety, or regain independence and quality of life.
Support provided:
Children with Visual Impairment. Dumfries and Galloway Council Sensory Support Team have one Habilitation Specialist:
Habilitation involves one-to-one training for children and young people with a vision impairment. Starting from their existing skills, the aim is to develop their personal mobility, navigation and independent living skills. At whatever age the training is started, the overriding goal is to maximise the child or young person’s independence, opening the way in the future, to further study, employment and an independent life.
Deaf Children. Dumfries and Galloway Council Sensory Support Team have 3 part time Social Work Assistants. The Social Work Assistants support children who have hearing loss ranging from a moderate loss to a complete loss of hearing. The Social Work Assistant:
- Undertakes assessments and meets the needs where possible with equipment provision
- Offers advice and support on how to make the best use of residual hearing
- Offers social and emotional support
- Offers support in language and translation (BSL)
- Provides information and will liaise with other partner organisations eg (NDCS)
Age range:
children and young people of all ages
Area covered:
All Dumfries and Galloway
Can an individual access the service directly, or do they need to be referred to it by another service – like a school, social worker, health practitioner for example?
Individuals can self-refer, or services can make referrals.
How to make a referral:
Sensory Support Referral should be made via the Contact Centre / Single Access Point
Top tips for making a ‘good’ referral (if applicable):
- Has the child been assessed by Audiology / Ophthalmology – any relevant information regarding this
- Is the Teacher of the Deaf or VI Teacher involved?
- What equipment is used in school?
What needs to be in place before a referral is accepted (for example a Child’s Plan)?
N/A
Is there a charge/fee for this service?
No
If there is a charge/fee, is there funding available for this?
N/A
