New Sensory Services In Fife

July 6, 2011 - PRLog -- A new service for people with sensory support needs was launched on Monday 04 July at Fife Sensory Impairment Centre, Kirkcaldy.  The launch was attended by over 30 people including local Councillors, health representatives and clients.  The initiative will help people come to terms with sight or hearing loss.

This joint working practice is keen to find new ways to deliver services to people with sensory support needs, including those who are blind, partially sighted, deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing.  This also marks the beginning of a working relationship between Deaf Action and Fife Society for the Blind.  Between them, the charities have over 320 years of experience in working with sensory impaired people and providing services to promote independence.

A recent report from The Fife Partnership study found that 75% of residents in Fife Council Residential care had measurable deficits in both hearing and vision leading to a significant impact on their quality of life.  The Fife Sensory Impairment Centre aims to address these concerns and ensure that people with a sight or hearing loss receive support and advice in enhancing their standard of living.  At the launch Cllr Tim Brett spoke about the importance of working in partnership to deliver quality care to our elderly population.

Liz Scott Gibson, Chief Executive of Deaf Action commented:
“We look forward to extending our services in Fife and in working with Fife Society for the Blind to ensure that people with a sight or hearing loss are included within their communities, and maintain a high quality of life.  We recognise that the vast majority of people with dual sensory needs are over 60 years of age and as the population of Scotland ages, we expect to see an increase in the numbers of people using our services."

Alan Suttie, Chief Executive of Fife Society for the Blind said:
“We believe that the challenge of delivering services to people with a dual sensory impairment will be met by partnership working, between agencies, between health and social care and between the statutory and voluntary sectors.”

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Deaf Action is a deaf-led charity, managed by a Board of Trustees, of which 51% are deaf or hard of hearing. Since 1835 we have been working together for an equal and better future for all deaf people; this vision remains at the heart of everything we do today and is central to all the services we provide.
Deaf Action is a company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland.
Registered Charity Number SC 009898. Registered Company Number SC 396876.