Sensory Impairment Review of 2018

Our Sensory Impairment team review activities over 2018 for our annual report.

Reflections on 2018

This year has seen a strengthening of partnerships and links across the field of sensory impairment throughout Scotland. Particular focus has been applied to the development of training and resource materials, the roll out of a new process for registration of sight impairment and the deepening of working partnerships with colleagues across the 3^rd Sector.

The Scottish Government work in close partnership with the ALLIANCE and support the See Hear Strategy. Over £320,000 has been made available to assist the delivery of the strategic aims in local areas across Scotland, and over a million people living with sight loss, hearing loss and dual-sensory impairment continue to benefit from various local and national initiatives.

Progress

Over 200 people have accessed the pilot phase of the Sensory Champion’s Training programme, held in Argyll & Bute and Edinburgh and Lothian respectively. This bespoke training course, created in partnership with RNIB and Action on Hearing Loss provides core training and skills across key aspects of sensory loss and rehabilitation. In addition to this, three e-learning modules, focussing on Visual, Hearing and Dual-Sensory Impairment and produced in partnership with NHS Highlands are due to be launched, across various platforms, in February 2019. These key training tools will be made available across the country and provide a consistent platform towards a framework of competencies for all professionals working within the sector.

April 2018 saw the launch of the new Certificate of Visual Impairment form. The new process enables certification to be processed digitally and for crucial data, in terms of categorisations and population, to be processed. In parallel to this, work has continued with the Visual Impairment Network for Children and Young People, in establishing firm pathways towards diagnoses, support and agency throughout education, transition and towards adult life.

The ALLIANCE continues to support and work closely with contactSCOTLAND, Scotland’s British Sign Language Interpreting Video Relay Service – enabling contact with all of Scotland’s public bodies and third sector organisations. This year has seen an expansion to enable acquired deafblind customers to access the service.

The ALLIANCE supports and coordinates a national network of See Hear Leads, in each area of Scotland, who continue to drive forward the strategic aims and recommendations of the Strategy. Each area is able to react to respective geographical and social need and work alongside local sensory partnerships based on the needs of local populations. The See Hear Leads continue to develop innovative, co-designed initiatives, which support the strategic aims and enshrine the core principles of the See Hear Strategy.

Moving forward

The ALLIANCE will continue to work in close partnership with the Scottish Government, public bodies and the 3^rd Sector to coordinate the delivery of the See Hear Strategy.  2019 will see the continuation of funding and support at local and national level across Scotland. The roll out of Sensory Champions training in all areas of the country will aid establishment of a national competencies framework for professionals within the field. Current work with NHS Audiology teams will deliver on enhanced community audiology services and referral pathways throughout Scotland. Work will also continue with colleagues from Scotland’s Census 2021 teams, ensuring accessibility and representation is paramount within sensory communities.

An onus on children and young people and elderly care provision, including links between visual impairment and dementia, will be established. As the BSL Act comes into force, the See Hear strategy will continue to work closely with partners to ensure the implementation of BSL plans at local and national level. In addition, the ALLIANCE will support legislation outlining provision of Alternative and Augmentative Communication strategies, and continue to support and develop pathways for individuals who are transitioning towards, or away from formal language.

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