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ALLIANCE responds to Royal College of Occupational Therapists’ consultation on practice guideline for dementia

  • Area of Work: Scottish Sensory Hub
  • Type: News Item
  • Published: 30th July 2026
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Our response highlights the needs of people who are Deaf, Deafblind or who have a Visual Impairment.

The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) promotes good practice in occupational therapy, including the publication of evidence-based guidance documents. On 27 May 2026, RCOT opened a public consultation on a draft of new practice guidance on dementia.

The draft guideline was developed with occupational therapy dementia experts and people with lived experience. It sets out evidence-based recommendations to support person-centred, equitable and effective practice across the UK.

The ALLIANCE welcomed the opportunity to respond to RCOT’s consultation.

In 2025, we published research exploring health and medical professionals’ awareness and consideration of identifying Deafness, Deafblindness and Visual Impairment when assessing for dementia. Our response draws on these findings, particularly the observations from occupational therapists and other Allied Health Professionals), as well as wider research in this area.

The ALLIANCE’s main recommendation is to recognise the needs and views of people who are Deaf, Deafblind, or who have a Visual Impairment, including BSL users, ensuring their experiences are considered and embedded throughout dementia care planning.

Our response highlights the need for inclusive communication practices, and support for occupational therapists to identify and address early signs of Deafness or Visual Impairment.

Read the ALLIANCE’s full response to RCOT’s consultation on practice guidance on dementia below.

Resources:

ALLIANCE Response to RCOT Consultation on Dementia Guidelines
Download Word Document (372 KB)
ALLIANCE Response to RCOT Consultation on Dementia Guidelines
Download PDF Document (316 KB)
Download all document resources

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