Only half of councils identify deafblind people

Simone Moore, director of operations, Deafblind UK

Only half of councils have a specific identification and referral process for people living with deafblindness, a survey has revealed.

Just 55% of respondents keep a record of the number of people in their area with combined sight and hearing loss. When asked what that figure was, only one answered.

More than 80% of councils that replied to the survey do not have a designated strategic lead on the issue who is a senior manager.

Sight and hearing loss charity, Deafblind UK, led the research to explore the gap in provision for assessment and care packages for people living with dual sensory loss.

The charity says that local authorities’ interpretation of and compliance with the regulations underpinning the rights of deafblind people to support remains inconsistent. It set out to find what the current challenges are and how Deafblind UK can help to overcome them.

Combined sight and hearing loss is a growing issue. Predictions suggest that by 2030 there could be as many as 600,000 people affected in the UK.

Councils said they would welcome more information and training about issues and available support, particularly for frontline staff. 

Simone Moore, director of operations at Deafblind UK, said the charity wanted to hear local authorities’ “experiences of providing the appropriate support for those living with dual sensory loss in their area, and the challenges in being able to do this alongside their other commitments”. 

Responses were anonymous “so that answers were as honest as they could be without fear of any negative repercussions”.  

Deafblind UK plans to set up a training programme for local authorities. They will connect with key stakeholders to support a national approach to addressing issues at local level including awareness, legal compliance, expertise and funding.

The charity will also work to raise awareness of the support and information it provides for everyone living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland affected by deafblindness, and those working with and supporting them.

• Find out more at: www.deafblind.org.uk