Sense's communicator-guide services aim to enable people who are deafblind to enjoy greater independence and a better quality of life.
How can communicator-guides help?
Communicator-guides act as the eyes and ears of a deafblind person and are trained to provide one-to-one communication support and guiding. The communicator-guide's role is to assist a deafblind person with their daily tasks such as paying bills, shopping and visiting friends.
Communicator-guides help deafblind people to improve or maintain their independence within their own home and community. They help people to access services such as doctors' surgeries, shops and leisure facilities.
Who are they for?
Communicator-guides help people with acquired deafblindness or dual-sensory loss - people who have developed sight and hearing difficulties in later life.
The problems caused by dual-sensory loss can lead to people becoming increasingly withdrawn, depressed and isolated, yet with the right help, deafblind people can live fulfilling lives both at home and in the community. Sense's communicator-guide service aims to help people to live as fully as possible.
Communicator-guides are seen as a valuable addition to - rather than a substitute for - other services such as home-helps and visits by social workers.
Who provides communicator-guide services?
In some regions, Sense provides communicator-guides. They are also provided by local authorities and other organisations.
For more information and to find out about services in your area, contact your regional office.
