Getting help from Social Services for deaf people and people who are hard of hearing,
These services are for:
“Deaf People” who are people with no hearing are now sometimes described as “culturally deaf”; they will usually use British Sign Language (BSL)
“Deafened People” or hard of hearing people, are people whose hearing is impaired.
Deaf people and hard of hearing people who have visual impairments or are blind or often described as having “dual sensory impairments”.
Specialist Social Services
Social Services have Specialist Social Workers who work with deaf and deafened people; they will provide an assessment of your needs and any support services you require regardless of your age, to maximise your independence with communication whether it is at home or in other social situations. Please see the leaflet - Getting Help from Social Services, for more information about this process
The Specialist Social Workers and support staff will discuss with you different communication support options and will try to assist you in the following ways:
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they will give you advice and tell you where you will be able to find appropriate communication support services such as BSL interpreting, lip-speaking and text to talk services |
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they will be able to suggest equipment or assistive technology to help you to communicate and promote your independence at home |
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where appropriate they will link you to specialist support services for deaf people who have acquired dual sensory impairments, or other services if you have for example, other physical and mental health needs |
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where eligible, they will register you as a deaf or hard of hearing person; this may provide you with access to support services and VAT exemption |
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they will work with you in partnership with the local audiology clinic, and voluntary sector organisations to improve your access to a wider health social care and community services |
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they will work with you to maximise your income and assist your participation in your community |
If you feel you need help, please talk to the First Contact and Information Team:-
Social Services
Bridgend County Borough Council
Sunnyside
Bridgend
CF31 4AR
Phone 01656 642279
Mobile Text ABC+447976972020
Minicom 01656 642383
Fax 01656 642300
Email firstcontactteam@bridgend.gov.uk
Out of office hours, in the most serious emergency only, the Emergency Duty Team can be contacted on:-
Phone 01443 849944
Fax 01443 849955
- Last Updated: 30/09/2009
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