The Adult Sensory Support Team delivers a high quality public service to adults with a sensory loss in County Durham. We do this through specialist assessment and care planning with the desired outcome of providing support which aims to limit the impact that sensory impairment has on daily living.
We will support and empower people to overcome the obstacles that a disabling environment places in their way. We will continue to raise awareness of the particular needs and expectations of people with a sensory loss among colleagues, service providers and other agencies.
The role of the social worker for the deaf
Social workers in the Sensory Support Team work mainly with deaf, deafened, deafblind and hard of hearing adults and their families.
They often work together with social work staff in other teams - including learning disability and mental health services.
Social workers assess social care needs. They record the services they agree to provide on care plans, which must be given to service users. Social workers have a role in monitoring and managing risk where it is identified.
The aim is to make people feel less vulnerable and safer in their own homes and to enable deaf people to lead more independent lives and to overcome obstacles to accessing services.
Workers with deaf, deafened, deafblind and hard of hearing people have had training in deaf issues and awareness. The team has developed communication skills and all staff who work with deaf or hard of hearing people are qualified at British Sign Language level one or two.
What we can do for you
- encourage people to register with the council as deaf or hard or hearing
- inform people about disability benefits including Disability Living Allowance and help them to complete the paperwork
- put people in contact with advocacy services where independent help is required
- help people with problems caring for children
- help people who have problems with their housing and where they live
- help people who are deaf and who suffer with mental ill-health
- help people to manage at work or return to work
- help people to book a sign language interpreter or a lipspeaker
Social workers with deaf, deafened, deafblind and hard of hearing people help to put their clients in touch with voluntary organisations locally who can help with such things as advocacy, welfare benefits, equipment demonstration and purchase, communication support and healthy living.
The role of the social work assistant
Social work assistants offer practical and technical support to people who are deaf, deafened, deafblind and hard of hearing. Social work and rehabilitation staff regularly assess people for sensory impairment equipment and provide such equipment as people are eligible to under the council's Fair Access to Care services criteria: where risks to a person's independence are deemed critical and substantial, equipment to limit or lessen the risks is provided at no cost. This includes safety equipment like smoke alarms and communication systems such as door chimes and pager/alerter systems. Kettle tippers, liquid level indicators and talking clocks are other examples.
Equipment
There is a huge variety of equipment that can help with everyday tasks. It is vital that any equipment you have is suitable for your needs. Staff will advise you on the suitability of equipment and ways to obtain it. Professional advice from our staff may help you avoid costly mistakes, for example, buying inappropriate magnifiers. You can also find out about adaptations to your home.
Meeting others
There are a number of clubs and groups across the county where people who have a hearing loss meet together in a social setting. The rehabilitation officer can give you details of these, or you can contact Social Care Direct using the details at the bottom of the page.
Getting out and about
Visit Out 'N' About - an electronic directory that improves access to information about what's out there to help people with disabilities and carers to take a break.
Information about the blue badge car parking scheme and guide dogs can also be found.
Money matters
Depending on your personal circumstances, you may be entitled to additional benefits.
Keep working
Employment information for people with a sensory loss and details of the help available.
Health
NHS patient advice, nurse advice and health information.
What other services are available?
There are other services and support available that the social worker may discuss with you.
These include:
- help in your own home
- the care connect scheme
Further information
For further details please see our leaflet on the Sensory Support Team.
Alternatively, the following pages relating to hearing impairment/loss may also be useful;