Deafblind Scotland provides a professional guide/communicator service to more than 70 people. In the last accounting year we provided 14,338 hours of service making Deafblind Scotland one of the largest service providers in Europe.

In 1988 with the publishing of the "Breaking Through" Report there came recognition of the need for deafblind people to have 1:1 support for communication, information and mobility needs. Since then other reports have further highlighted the need:

• Think Dual Sensory (1998)
• Sensing Progress (1998)
• Department of Health MEL (1998) 4
• Section 7 Guidance (2001)

Lives are changed by receiving the services of a guide/communicator for a few hours a week.

The object of this service is to:

• Ensure equal access for deafblind people
• Promote independence
• Provide stimulation
• Encourage integration into the community

The guide/communicator should act as the eyes and ears of the deafblind person enabling the person to fully participate in any activity.

Guide/communicators work to a Code of Practice and adhere to Deafblind Scotland guidelines. They receive regular in-service training, support and supervision. The service provided is evaluated and adapted at regular intervals

The Guide/Communicator is required to:

Adhere to Deafblind Scotland's Code of Practice for Guide/Communicators, particularly with regard to confidentiality.

At all times act as the eyes and ears of the service user relaying what is seen and heard. This includes spoken, non-verbal, written and environmental information.

Serve as a Guide to the service-user, escorting them outside the home (on foot or public or private transport) to the destination of their choice.

Enable the deafblind user to make informed decisions by ensuring all required information is delivered using deafblind person's preferred communication method.

Provide service-users with access to information through the effective use of their preferred communication method which may include BSL, SSE, Deafblind Manual, lip reading, hands-on-signing, visual frame signing, clear speech, keyboard interpreting, note-taking, etc.

Communication method is of prime importance in arranging a guide/communicator for a deafblind person. Preferred communication method, difficulties of comprehension, mobility needs, personalities, interests, will be taken into consideration.

Guide/Communicators are BSL users, normally holding CACDP Stage 2 BSL and CACDP Communication and Guiding Skills with Deafblind People Level 3.

They also receive on-going training appropriate to their individual needs.

Without communication support most deafblind people cannot participate in community activities.

Without a sighted guide most deafblind people do not leave their own home.

Deafblind Scotland will undertake to train, employ, supervise and support guide/communicators as required by those who commission a service.

Cost can be as little as £11.50 per hour plus travel expenses. Please contact Drena O'Malley or Ken Hallsworth.