Disability and Sensory Impairment Services

The disability team assess and provide services for people between the ages of 18 to 64 who:

• Have a permanent physical disabilitry, sensory disability and/or long term medical condition, which adversley affects their ability to manage their daily lives.
• Rely on others for help with day to day activitives          

There is a team of trained professionals  who are committed to encouraging and helping people to live as independently as possible. There are specialist workers for the following areas:

• Deaf and hard of hearing
• Visual impairment
• Sickle cell anaemia
• HIV/AIDS 
• Physical Disability          

Service Information

There are different degrees of hearing loss; different degrees of sight loss and of physical disabilities , so the type and amount of help needed varies. For this reason an assessment is carried out to ensure that the appropriate services are arranged. This is an opportunity for you to discuss your needs and to enable the worker to assess the right level of support for you. This can be carried out using BSL or SSE.

Some of the services that can be offered are:

• Equipment to help you manage in your own home.
• Information about services and activities available locally
• Practical help with interpreting letters and phone call 
• Support from a social worker with practical social problems
• Referrals to other services such as Meals on Wheels or home helps
• Training advice on mobility to increase confidence and safety both at home and outside
• Help with communication difficulties such as reading, writing  and using the telephone and help telling the time
• Referral to voluntary agencies
• Advice on housing, income and employment, education and training opportunities
• Direct Payments. These are cash payments for qualifying people to purchase their care services independently          

SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are the any charges for these sevices?

Some services are free and there are charges for others. Charging does depend on an individuals circumstances. Following an assessment it will be explained what services may apply to you.

What if I do not qualify for services?

If you do not qualify, we will always try to put you in touch with oter organisations who might be able to help.

How do I Find out more?

A referral to the physical disabilities team can be made by you, a friend or relative, a voluntary organisation or your GP.