Sensory needs

Visual Impairment Rehabilitation Services

• Are you finding it hard to see?

• Do you know someone who has difficulties seeing?

• A Visual Impairment Rehabilitation Worker may be able to help.

PLEASE VISIT OUR HELP SECTION SHOULD YOU HAVE DIFFICULTIES VIEWING THIS PAGE.

Do I need to be registered blind or partially sighted to get help?

No. You can be either registered blind or partially sighted, or have a visual impairment that cannot be corrected by using traditional spectacles.

Who are the Visual Impairment Rehabilitation Workers?

They are trained to help you with the practical tasks that become difficult as a result of being blind or partially sighted.

They will visit you at home.

What do you do?

They can help you to stay or become independent and confident, to as great an extent as is possible, following changes in your ability to see.

How can you help?

They will talk to you about the help that you think you need. This is called an 'assessment'.

What is an assessment?

An assessment involves asking what you can do for yourself and what tasks you need help with. With your consent we would also like to talk to any people who help you, like friends, relatives and your doctor or nurse. We will then agree and draw up an Action Plan with you. This lists the training, rehabilitation and equipment that may help you.

What help can I get?

• Daily living skills training – help with tasks such as making a hot drink safely, general kitchen safety, cleaning and sewing.

• Communications – help with reading and writing, using magnifiers, telling the time, using the telephone, learning Braille, typing and computer skills.

• Mobility – help with getting around safely, indoors and outside. Help offered with aids such as canes and support sticks; advice on how to get help from family/friends and members of the public.

• Lighting – help with the lighting in your home. This can be assessed and we may be able to suggest improvements.

• Information and advice – on all subjects relating to visual impairment, e.g. equipment, support groups, access to printed information, employment issues.

The emphasis is on rehabilitation and training. This can include the provision of specialist equipment where necessary. If found to be helpful to this rehabilitation and training, adaptations can be made to your home (for example installing new overhead lighting).

Will I have to pay?

No, the assessment and services are free of charge.

What if I am not satisfied?

If you want to make a complaint, a compliment or a suggestion about the service, you can contact the manager or the Social Services Complaints Officer. You can get a leaflet explaining this process called 'Your Right to Complain' from all Social Services offices, or you can contact the Complaints Hotline on 020 7641 3139. If you are using a minicom phone 020 7641 1999.

How do I make contact with the Visual Impairment Rehabilitation Workers?

You need to get in touch with your local Social Services office. Tell them that you would like them to refer you to a worker and the reasons why.

• If you live in NW8 NW1 W2 W9 W10 or W11 call 020 7641 1175.

• If you live in SW1 SW7 W1 or WC2 call 020 7641 3897.

If you want to talk to someone before a referral is made please contact us on 0207 641-3950