See Hear Strategy Refresh Lived Experience Consultation – report published

The ALLIANCE has published a report to inform the See Hear Strategy.

The ALLIANCE recently completed a consultation on behalf of the Scottish Government to inform the See Hear Strategy refresh. The findings of that research are now available in a report.

The See Hear Strategy is the Scottish Government and COSLA strategy which shows their commitment to supporting children and adults who have Deafness, Visual Impairment or Deafblindness, to access the support and social care they need. The current strategy was published in 2014 as a long term approach. Now after 10 years, a new version is being written.

From September to November 2023, the ALLIANCE carried out a small-scale mixed methods research project (a national online survey and focus groups). The national online survey and focus groups covered what topics the new See Hear Strategy (SHS) should contain.

Participants highlighted the need for the Strategy to prioritise human rights and to involve people with lived experience via a co-design approach. They also outlined examples of good practice in terms of support and services for people with sensory impairment, as well as a range of areas where improvement is needed.

In particular, people drew attention to the need for good design and provision of transport services, employment support, mental health services, and access to leisure and culture. They also highlighted the need for access to appropriate equipment and technology, and recommended national provision of improved sensory awareness training across all areas of public life, including for health and social care staff.

People welcomed the focus on human rights within the draft strategy. In addition to the rights already listed as key principles by Scottish Government within the draft Strategy, they also suggested the following additional principles:

• Right to health and its essential elements.
• Right to privacy.
• Right to education.
• Right to work.
• Right to language, identity and culture.

Key quotes outlining the need to prioritise lived experience and improve inclusive communication and accessible information are as follows:

“In every single area of life, more than likely we are forgotten about. We need to be involved […] in initial planning.” (Focus group participant)

“Human rights to communication and information must go further. It needs to be inclusive communication and accessible information. It needs to be explicit.” (Survey respondent).

Based on the consultation findings, the ALLIANCE has published a report containing reflections and recommendations for potential areas of action. These are also informed by our wider work in this area.

If you have any questions about the research, please email the Scottish Sensory Hub team at sensory@alliance-scotland.org.uk.

A full version and a summary version of the report are available in Word and PDF formats at the links below.

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