INFORMATION
One of the needs of people with a sensory impairment is to be able to obtain information. Whether it is written, spoken or signed information, it needs to be in an accessible format. A person who has vision loss wants to be able, for example, to look at their own bank statement, to know what is available on a menu, to be able to participate in local activities or events or to be able to read/write a personal letter. Additionally, someone else reading their written communication in the form of lists, appointments and private correspondence has a detrimental effect on maintaining the person’s dignity and confdentiality. Access to written information specifcally for people with a vision loss is not readily available and information is not forthcoming. Furthermore, people with a hearing loss may need access to information that is not in a written format – by telephone, face-to-face and signed information. The impact on information is greatly enhanced when a person has a dual sensory loss. It is important for all of us to be able to access information independently and not to have to rely on …show more content…
Hearing loss causes its own problems with difficulty hearing information, following conversation or asking for directions. This can be very isolating for a person if their usual routine is to listen to a programme on the radio, talk to people on the telephone or go for coffee with friends in a noisy restaurant. Hearing loss impacts greatly on gathering information and making informed choices. People need to have confi dence in moving safely around their own homes and immediate local area, and also to go further afi eld. This may be with or without a recognised mobility aid, such as a white cane, red and white cane (to signify dual sensory loss) or guide dog. The cost and lack of transport will be added obstacles for many people. For some people, assistance in the form of sighted guiding is
One of the needs of people with a sensory impairment is to be able to obtain information. Whether it is written, spoken or signed information, it needs to be in an accessible format. A person who has vision loss wants to be able, for example, to look at their own bank statement, to know what is available on a menu, to be able to participate in local activities or events or to be able to read/write a personal letter. Additionally, someone else reading their written communication in the form of lists, appointments and private correspondence has a detrimental effect on maintaining the person’s dignity and confdentiality. Access to written information specifcally for people with a vision loss is not readily available and information is not forthcoming. Furthermore, people with a hearing loss may need access to information that is not in a written format – by telephone, face-to-face and signed information. The impact on information is greatly enhanced when a person has a dual sensory loss. It is important for all of us to be able to access information independently and not to have to rely on …show more content…
Hearing loss causes its own problems with difficulty hearing information, following conversation or asking for directions. This can be very isolating for a person if their usual routine is to listen to a programme on the radio, talk to people on the telephone or go for coffee with friends in a noisy restaurant. Hearing loss impacts greatly on gathering information and making informed choices. People need to have confi dence in moving safely around their own homes and immediate local area, and also to go further afi eld. This may be with or without a recognised mobility aid, such as a white cane, red and white cane (to signify dual sensory loss) or guide dog. The cost and lack of transport will be added obstacles for many people. For some people, assistance in the form of sighted guiding is