Communicard - Offering support to communicate with deafblind people

Deafblind people living alone in the community have particular difficulties when there is a knock at the door and they have no idea who is there or what they want.  It could be: 

• police
• fire services
• ambulance services
• utility company cutting off supplies
• council worker carrying out a repair
• double glazing salesman

Communicard aims to help both the visitor and the deafblind person by offering live 1:1 advice on communication when it is most  needed.

How does communicard work for individuals?

The deafblind person registered will be given a supply of Communicards which the deafblind invidual can give to anyone who comes to their door and who wishes to communicate with them.

The Communicard will contain some simply communication advice and the Communicard support line number.
The vistor can then phone for hlep, advice and practical support. The Communicard line operator will have at their fingertips previously agreed procedures for that individuals.
Where communication cannot easily be achieved, the Communicard operator will arrange alternative means of getting information to the deafblind person ie. braille, moon, large print etc etc.

How does communicard work for organisations?

Organisations, public services, businesses can access the Communicard on their own behalf by commissioning the Communicard Service for their workforce.  Organisations can purchase a set of cards which will cover a division, department or area.  Contact 0141 777 5821 for more information.

Registering for Communicard Support

Individuals should be registered before the communication service and information can accessed. This can be commissed by:

• Social work departments
• Health Boards
• Emergency services
• Individuals/family members

 Under the personalisation agenda and with the advent of SDS it is anticipated the Communicard will be regular feature in assessed needs.

The cost

Individuals can be registered for £290 year. Creating this resource on a national basis, centrally located, enables many more people to be serviced from one location, using small numbers of staff, and allows costs to be kept to a minimum.  Currently service can be accessed 8.00am to 8.00pm.  It is anticipated this will become a 24 hour service next year.