Independent Living Assistance

Our Vision Rehabilitation Specialists are contracted to some Social Services in North Wales for advice about independent living.

This could include communication skills, using technology, orientation and long cane mobility training, independent living skills training, understanding eye conditions and prognosis, advice and training on low vision aids, and referrals to other services such as social groups, counselling, Occupational Therapists and Social Workers.

Please note that whilst Vision Support only holds contracts in North Wales, this service is available in all areas, and we can refer you.

“I would like to say my Mat’s sessions were brilliant. I had done a lot of Braille at school and sadly missed Braille input at college following that, so to have a specialist Braille vision support person has been so good, he was able to bring me back up to speed with my Braille skills and created a natural, easy, friendly session to enable me to build on my knowledge.  I feel my relationship with Mat has been so positive and what I really like about him was his attitude and kind voice. He was very gentle and encouraging in my sessions. The time was uplifting because of his enthusiasm for his subject and all his knowledge and skills were impeccable. Mat has been consistent and has maintained such a rapport that I have felt so good about the achievement levels I have attained.  The Braille training has been a continuum for the introduction of the ‘Brailliant’ training which is improving my confidence the more I do. The continuation of the ‘Brailliant’ training is very important to me and the incorporation of ongoing ‘vision support’ involvement with someone like Mat (though he is unique) would be invaluable. Thank you, Mat, very much xxx”

Both the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act and the Care Act (England) place a legal duty on Local Authorities with regards to the care and support of persons who are Deafblind.

Generally, for the purpose of the relevant Acts, people are regarded as Deafblind if “they have sight and hearing impairments which, in combination, have a significant effect on their day to day lives” (S18, SSWBA 2014).

A specialist Deafblind Assessment must be carried out by an Assessor who has specific training and expertise in deafblindness.

Vision Support have qualified team members who are able to conduct such Specialist Deafblind Assessments. Our Specialist Assessors work across Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, and Wrexham.

Having Dual Sensory Loss (Deafblind) can cause unique difficulties such as accessing services which are designed for mainstream users or maybe people with single sensory loss.

Vision Support have qualified staff who are able to assess and offer appropriate support, particularly in the areas of Communication, Accessing Information, and Orientation and Mobility.

Communicator Guides are specifically trained to be the “eyes and ears” of a Deafblind person.

Vision Support provide a Communicator Guide Service through Local Authorities in North Wales.

Communicator Guides provide 1:1 support in a wide range of settings such as shopping, social activities, and health appointments.

If you would like further information about Vision Support’s services for Deafblind persons, please contact Vision Support on 01244 381515 or email information@visionsupport.org.uk.

To be referred for Independent Living Assistance, a ‘what matters’ conversation has to be had a the form completed to be sent to Single Point of Access (SPOA)

A ‘what matters’ conversation is a focused discussion used as part of an assessment process.

It’s a person-centred approach that helps explore an individual’s circumstances, current wellbeing, and what actions or support could improve and sustain their wellbeing and resilience.

Rather than being an assessment on its own, it’s a way of approaching the assessment — enabling the practitioner to have the right kind of conversation to understand:

• how the person wants to live their life
• what challenges or barriers may be in the way
• what support could help them overcome those barriers.

In North Wales, the What Matters Form needs to be completed and then sent to the relevant local authority: 

• adultsspoa@wrexham.gov.uk
• wellbeing@conwy.gov.uk
• spoa@flintshire.gov.uk
• spoa@denbighshire.gov.uk

In Cheshire West, there is an online portal Professional Referral to access the relevant forms and information.

For further help and guidance, or assistance completing the form, please contact us.