Sensory Support

Sight Impaired or Severely Sight Impaired

To register as visually impaired an examination must be carried out by an Ophthalmologist or suitably qualified medical practitioner. Following examination you may be advised that you can be registered Severely Sight Impaired [Blind] or Sight Impaired [Partially Sighted]. Registration does not mean that you are totally without sight. The eye specialist will ask you to sign a consent form [A Certificate of Visual Impairment] giving him your permission to inform the Social Services Department of your eye condition. The visual impairment register is held by Social Services.

You do not have to be registered if you do not wish to. However, registration gives you entitlement to certain benefits and concessions. If you do not want a visit from a Sensory Support Social Worker you can still be included on the register. An officer from Social Services Sensory Support Team will visit you if you wish to discuss your needs or available services. You do not have to be registered visually impaired to request a visit from the Sensory Support Team.

Hearing Impaired or Deaf
A Social Work Surgery is held at Middlesbrough Deaf Centre. This can be used by anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing who wishes to see a Social Worker. The surgeries are also a good opportunity to meet other deaf or hard of hearing people socially.

People who are profoundly deaf, severely deaf or without speech can apply for concessionary bus passes. Your bus pass can be used to travel in the Boroughs of Redcar & Cleveland, Stockton and Middlesbrough. You are not allowed to use Dial-a-Ride if you join the Concessionary Bus Pass Scheme. If you live in Redcar & Cleveland please go to your nearest library. The staff at the library will give you an application form and they will help you apply. If you have any questions ask the staff at the library to explain and take with you:

Proof of address [recent utility bill / recent bank statement / recent prescription]
Proof of deafness [your registration card from social services] or a form will need to be completed by your doctor

Useful links
Peoples Information Network (PIN)
Teesside and District Society for the Blind
Royal National Institute for the Blind Customer Service Department
Partially Sighted Society

Useful links for Sight Impaired or Severely Sight Impaired
Royal National Institute for the Blind
Albinism Fellowship
British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society
British Computer Association of the Blind
Calibre Talking Book Service
Deafblind UK
Disability Pregnancy and Parenthood International
Guide Dogs for the Blind
Henshaws Society for the Blind
International Glaucoma Association (IGA)
Look - The National Federation of Families with Visually Impaired Children
Macular Disease Society