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The ALLIANCE Sensory programme reviews work in 2020

  • Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
  • Type: News Item
  • Published: 18th January 2021

We continue to support the development of pathways for people living with sensory loss and the communities around them.

During 2020, the Sensory programme continued to work in close partnership with the Scottish Government and coordinate the See Hear Strategy (this link will take you away from our website). 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 deafblindness continue to benefit from various local and national initiatives.

The ALLIANCE coordinates the See Hear Strategy through 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 needs and work alongside local sensory partnerships based on the needs of local populations.

The impact of COVID-19 for those living with sensory loss has been significant. From fast-changing guidance on social distancing, to maintaining 2 metre distances, to the significance of face coverings when attempting to lipread or use British Sign Language (BSL), the barriers to communication, information-gathering and mobility have been stark. The ALLIANCE has worked closely with Scottish Government and third sector partners throughout this time period to produce regular guidance and accessible information as the national picture has fluctuated. The resilience of the sensory community, and the willingness of Scotland’s third sector to reorganise and come together throughout the pandemic should be applauded, as should the efforts of the See Hear leads across Scotland.

2021 brings with it the relief of vaccination programmes and also the launch of the ALLIANCE’s new Scottish Sensory Hub. This innovative development will see further collaboration between the Deaf, Deafened, Hard of Hearing, Deafblind and Sight Loss sectors and will look to develop a rich resource base of expertise, skill and knowledge for people with sensory loss and those who work in this field. At the heart of this will be the voices of lived experience, and the development of coordinated, rights-based approaches for anyone living with sensory loss in Scotland.

Reports of other ALLIANCE programme activities during 2020 can be found in our News section.

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