Sensory Impairment (1–2 days)

Historically, responses to disability have meant that individuals who live with a disability have been stigmatised and have experienced discrimination and harassment. Often they have received poor treatment from society generally. This has been compounded by poor and ill-informed support from services whose role it is to enable. Stereotypes and assumptions have been the norm and awareness at all levels has been slow to change. For those who have a Sensory Impairment which can have a significant impact on their lives, the difficulties they face are, to a great extent, ‘invisible’.
Through the campaigning of organisations such as RNIB, RNID, the Disability Rights Commission (DRC), now part of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR), considerable work has taken place over a number of years to alter societal attitudes and, as importantly, fundamental changes at a practical level.

In 1995, the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) added legal weight to the campaign to increase awareness and social inclusion. In 2005, the DDA was significantly revised in favour of effecting change at an organisational level. Nonetheless, organisations are made up of individuals and change needs to take place at all levels within all organisations and services.

Learning objectives:

By the end of this course, participants should understand:

• The Social Model of Disability and what is meant by ‘disability’ and an ‘impairment’
• The meaning of ‘sensory impairment’
• What is meant by ‘blindness’
• What is meant by ‘deafness’
• What is ‘sensory loss’
• What is available in terms of communication skills and aids (NB. This course is not designed to provide these skills
  or aids)
• What will need to be considered in terms of aids, tools and supports in order to involve individuals with sensory loss
  in different situations (e.g., Braille, signing, note-taking, interpretation, website design, front row seating)
• The human and legal rights of individuals with a sensory disability (a practical guide rather than an in-depth
  knowledge of legislation)
• Equality in relation to Sensory Disability
• How to encourage and enable individuals with a Sensory Impairment to be involved at the inception and in the
  ongoing development of all services
• Some of the difficulties and emotions that such individuals face on a daily basis
• What solutions are available in terms of improving the lives and social interactions of individuals at all levels and in
  all areas (e.g., physical changes, media, internet).
• What is meant by harassment and discrimination
• How to enable and support people with Sensory Disabilities to challenge discrimination and harassment
• Advocacy, self advocacy and resources

Training methods:

• Large Group Work
• Smaller Group Work
• Pairs work
• Tutor Presentations using PowerPoint and Flip Chart
• Tutor Facilitation of Group Work
• Questionnaire
• Case Studies and examples
• Role Play
• Use of Handouts
• Warm Up and Energising Exercises

CP99/5.9