Guide/Communicators

Guide/Communicators are highly skilled individuals, trained to be the eyes and ears of a deafblind person. They relay information, facilitate communication with others and ensure they are able to get about safely. They are neutral, alert and give information, not advice, without prior selection or processing. This service is recognised, by various reports and guidance documents, as the most important resource which can be made available to a dual sensory impaired person.

The role of a Guide/Communicator is a specialist one. They enable deafblind people to make informed decisions by ensuring information (spoken, non-verbal, written and environmental) is delivered using the deafblind person's preferred communication method, such as British Sign Language, Deafblind Manual, hands-on-signing etc. They are professional communicators, and if necessary, will introduce a range of communication methods to a deafblind person and encourage their use until an appropriate level of competence is achieved. In their role as guide, they will also escort dual-sensory impaired people from their homes to the destination of their choice. Guide/Communicators receive on-going training to ensure professional competency.

Aims

The guide/communicator service aims to:

• ensure equal access for deafblind people
• promote independence
• provide stimulation
• encourage integration into the community

The Service Provider

Deafblind Scotland has the expertise and infrastructure needed to provide a professional guide/communicator service throughout the country.  Deafblind Scotland has become a major provider of this service. We currently employ 60 guide/communicators across Scotland and provide regular services to close to 200 people. Local authorities, Health Boards and others use Deafblind Scotland's dedicated service to benefit dual sensory impaired people within their area. In 2010/11 our Guide/Communicators provided 62,000 hours of service to 200 people.

With the advent of the Personalisation agenda and Self Directed Support, deafblind people are able to purchase this service for themselves.  For further information, contact Suzanne Abbate, Guide/Communicator Manager.