In Ceredigion there are a wide range of services available to help people with a sensory impairment keep as much independence and control over their lives as possible.
Sensory Impairment is the term used to describe disabilities such as:
- Blindness/Visual Impairment
- Deafness/Hearing Loss
- Deaf blindness (Dual Sensory Loss)
If this is the first time you have noticed a sight or hearing loss, we strongly recommend you consult your GP. It is important that you get the correct diagnosis and treatment for your condition.
If you have a Visual Impairment that affects your day to day life, Social Care can provide an assessment of your needs and work with you, helping you to be as independent as possible. We may be able to offer the following services dependent on your assessed needs:
- Rehabilitation Officer – is specially trained in the area of visual impairment and works with people of all ages who have sight problems. They carry out specialist assessments, and provide information, advice and rehabilitation in connection with loss of sight
- Mobility Training – we can provide you with training to help you to get about more safely and independently, both indoors and outdoors
- Low Vision Aids – advice can be given to you on aids that are available for purchase such as magnifiers and Closed Circuit TVs for reading etc. The worker may be able to demonstrate some equipment with you prior to purchase
- Communication Aids and Training – we can help you to extend the communication skills you already have and advise on aids such as large button telephones and high visibility pens
- Talking Books and Newspapers – we can arrange for these to be delivered to you
- Loan of Equipment – certain items of equipment can be loaned free of charge. An eligibility criteria needs to be met in order to access this equipment – the worker can discuss this with you during the assessment
- Financial Benefits – we can advise you about relevant benefits, and how to apply. The R.N.I.B. (Royal National Institute of Blind People) also have a national helpline that can provide advice - Telephone 0303 1239999
- Registering as Sight Impaired and Severely Sight Impaired – If you have not been registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired, but you are worried about your sight, you should discuss this with your eye Specialist or GP
Hearing Loss
If you have a Hearing Impairment that affects your day to day life, Social Care can provide an assessment of your needs and work with you, helping you to be as independent as possible. You may also find the following websites useful:
RNI:D – Supporting people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus
RNID - National hearing loss charity
DeafBlind UK – helping people with sight and hearing loss
Deafblind UK | Supporting Deafblindness in the UK
Sense – helping people who are deafblind or who have complex disabilities to communicate, experience the world and fulfil their potential
Sense | For people with complex disabilities
Hearing Direct – provides hearing aids and accessories
Wales Council for Deaf People – national voluntary organisation for people who are Deaf, deafened, hard of hearing and Deafblind in Wales
Wales Council for Deaf People - Supporting People with Hearing Loss (wcdeaf.org.uk)