Dual Sensory Loss/Deafblind Support

At BISS we support anyone with dual sensory loss or deafblindess who lives in the Buckinghamshire Council area. All services and equipment are supplied free of charge as the service is funded by Buckinghamshire Council

If you, or someone you know, is struggling with dual sensory loss we can offer the following services:

Holistic Assessment

One of the team will contact you and talk to you about your support needs and personal goals. We will offer this assessment on the phone or by video call first and then discuss whether a home visit is necessary. You may be assessed jointly by members of the sight and hearing team or you may have separate assessments.

Deafblind Assessments

The BISS team can refer children, young people and adults living in Buckinghamshire Council area for specialist Deafblind assessments to ensure you get the support that you need.

Registration

We can register dual sensory loss with Buckinghamshire Council for people of all ages. If you are certified as Sight Impaired or Severely Sight Impaired by your Ophthalmologist your Certificate of Vision Impairment will be sent to BISS. We will then make contact with you and discuss if you wish to be registered with your sight loss. If you wish to be registered you will receive a registration card which you can carry with you to prove your registration. There are benefits to registration which the BISS team can tell about or you can find out more on RNIB website. We can also register your hearing loss with the Council.

Equipment Provision

As part of your assessment the team can demonstrate and provide you with equipment to help you with daily living tasks and maintain your independence. For example this could include talking clocks, eye shields, daylight lamps, vibrating smoke alarm systems etc.

Mobility Training

BISS rehabilitation officers can provide mobility training which encourages safe independent travel.

Support and Advice

The team can talk to you about your dual sensory loss, the benefits that you may be able to access, help with Access to Work and signpost you to other helpful organisations and groups.