Fill in the Gaps > Too many older people who are deafblind ... - Sense

What does the Deafblind Guidance say?The statutory guidance, ‘Social Care for Deafblind Children andAdults’ LAC(DH) (2009)6, provides a framework for all socialservices. It outlines the rights of deafblind people and the dutiesplaced on local authorities. Local authorities are asked to takethe following action:• identify, make contact with, and keep a record of deafblindpeople in their catchment area – including those who havemultiple disabilities that include dual sensory impairment;• ensure that when an assessment is requested or required,it is carried out by a specifically trained person/team, equippedto assess the needs of a deafblind person – in particular toassess the need for one-to-one human support, assistivetechnology and rehabilitation;• ensure that appropriate services are provided todeafblind people – who are not necessarily able to benefit frommainstream services or those services aimed primarily at blindpeople or deaf people who are able to rely on their other senses;• to provide or commission specifically trained one-to-onesupport workers for people assessed as requiring one;• provide information about services in formats, and usingmethods, that are accessible to deafblind people;• ensure that one member of senior managementincludes overall responsibility for deafblind services within hisor her responsibilities.The guidance and itsduties are mandatory.Authorities that failto comply could bechallenged throughjudicial review.7