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Guide Communicators for people with Dual Sensory Loss
The Guide Communicator Scheme
The Guide Communicator Scheme is a service provided by Vista and is available in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland for people with a dual sensory impairment.
What is a Dual Sensory Impairment?
A dual sensory impairment refers to a loss of both sight and hearing, and may also be called deaf blindness. Any degree of sight and hearing loss can lead to problems with communication, accessing information and independent mobility. The lack of information removes the ability to make informed decisions about something. A person’s loss of mobility can lead to a lack of independence and when conventional communication becomes difficult, feelings of loneliness and isolation arise. Guide Communicators use a range of skills to enable people to communicate effectively.
For example, one lady told Vista, “I haven’t shopped for my own groceries for years. I would love somebody to have the time to tell me what there is on the shelves rather than me write a list and get my shopping done for me. It is very frustrating having to go through life relying on other people to do things for you”.
What is a Guide Communicator?
- Communication - This can involve using British Sign language, Deaf Blind manual, clear speech, lip reading, written word and objects of reference.Guide Communicators use the form of communication that best suits the individual.
- Maintain Independence - The Scheme provides the appropriate support to enable people to do things for themselves and therefore remain as independent as possible within their home and local community.
- Mobility - Our team of Guide Communicators use their training and experience in guiding skills to allow people to access surroundings that are unfamiliar to them.
- Choice - Communication support, access to information and maintaining independence gives the freedom and choice to help break down the barriers of isolation and frustration often experienced by people with a dual sensory loss.
- Confidentiality - The team work very closely on a one to one basis with individuals, therefore maintaining confidentiality is a key factor for the role of the Guide Communicator.
The Role of a Guide Communicator
- Visit you according to your needs.
- Read correspondence to you.
- Enable you to make phone calls.
- Guide you outside your home.
- Assist in effective communication.
- Enable you to shop, making purchases of your own choice.
- Where appropriate, assist you in completing forms.
- Escort you to appointments.
- At all times respect your privacy and maintain total confidentiality.
- Provision of any personal care.
- Domestic duties such as clean your house and other household tasks.
- Run errands for you.
- Cook meals for you.
- To do any tasks for members of your family or your friends.
If you have any questions arising from this information please contact a member of the Guide Communicator Team Tel: 0116 2498839 or email: info@vistablind.org.uk
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