Sensory service
Sensory support services
Our specialist rehabilitation workers assess and deliver services to improve quality of life and increase independence and wellbeing for anyone living with sight, hearing or dual sensory loss in Southend-on-Sea. After being referred, your child will be assessed to see whether they are eligible for our services.
Visual impairment
Eligibility
Your child does not have to be registered sight impaired (partially sighted) or severely sight impaired (blind). However, the visual impairment must have a significant impact on their daily life.
Services available
- information about local services and activities
- practical support and training to learn skills to remain independent both at home and outdoors
- specialist training and advice on mobility, both indoors and outdoors, to increase confidence and safety
Hearing impairment services
Eligibility
The service is available to any hearing impaired child living in Southend-on-Sea. They must have permanent and significant hearing loss which is having a significant impact on their daily life.
Assessment
You can self-refer into the service using our online form. Alternatively, you can ask Audiology, your GP or social worker to make a referral for you. Once we receive the referral you will be contacted and we will then offer you an assessment and tell you about our services.
Services available
- information about local services and activities
- referrals to other services including voluntary agencies that may be able to help increase independence and wellbeing
- provision of specialist alerting systems to ensure your safety within your home. These can also include door alerts, magnetic window or door catches and baby monitors
Specialist advice and assistance with:
- communication difficulties, such as using the telephone (mobile or landline)
- communication in social settings or with professionals and family members
- listening to the TV
Dual sensory loss service
Eligibility
- any Southend child living with permanent and significant sight and hearing loss experiencing a significant impact on their mobility, ability to access information and their ability to communicate with others
- you do not have to be registered sight impaired (partially sighted) or severely sight impaired (blind)
Assessment
If you meet the above criteria and you are having practical difficulties due to your sight and hearing loss, referrals can be made to the OT Sensory Team for an assessment. If your hearing loss is having a significant impact on aspects of your daily life, this may be improved by the use of a hearing aid following an assessment from an audiologist. Referrals to the audiologist can be made via your GP.
Services available
Following an assessment there may be a number of services available, such as:
- information about local services and activities
- access to specialist equipment and aids to promote independence
- support with communication problems and help in developing solutions
- teaching independent living skills in the home
- help in accessing leisure facilities
- advice and referrals to other services that may help increase independence and wellbeing
How to make a referral
Request a referral to the occupational therapy sensory team through our online form.