LINT - Multi-Sensory Inclusion (MSI)
About Multi-Sensory Inclusion
Multi-Sensory Inclusion (MSI) is a term used to describe anyone who has both vision and hearing impairment, even if one is considered a mild impairment. It can also sometimes be referred to as 'deafblindness' or 'dual sensory impairment'. Multi-sensory impairment can be congenital (present from birth or early childhood) or acquired (developing later in life) and is sometimes an additional disability for a child or young person with complex health and learning needs. As a child with multi-sensory impairment develops it is common for them to experience difficulties with one or more of the following:
- communication
- access to information
- mobility and orientation
About LINT (MSI)?
LINT (MSI) consists of a team of specialist staff who have additional training and expertise in multi-sensory impairment. The team consists of specialist teachers, specialist teaching assistants, a Habilitation Officer, a Speech and Language Therapist and a Specialist Learning Mentor.
Referring babies, children and young people referred into the team
Referrals for children with multi-sensory impairment usually come via one of two pathways:
- vision inclusion: usually received following diagnosis from Health (Ophthalmology), however schools, settings and parent/carers can also refer.
- hearing inclusion: usually received from Audiology, ENT, a Health Visitor or via the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme. Referrals are usually received following diagnosis from health, however schools, settings and parents/carers can also refer using the referral form.
Make a referral
Once a referral has been made
Following a formal diagnosis and on referral, contact is made with parents/carers, the school/setting for background information. Where necessary, LINT (MSI) will contact the relevant hospital and request up to date clinical information. The team liaises closely with relevant members of the Ophthalmology Department and ENT/ Audiology, sharing results of assessments and information for the benefit of the child or young person.
LINT (MSI) provide appropriate interventions quickly to meet the individual and specific needs of each chid or young person. In some cases, children and young people in schools and settings may be allocated extra support or additional resources to help them access the curriculum.
The help that a child or young person with MSI will receive
Where possible LINT (MSI) work with children and young people without the need for statutory assessment. LINT (MSI) aim to give advice and guidance to schools, settings and their staff in order to provide equal access to the curriculum for learners with a multi-sensory impairment. The input received varies as it is designed to ensure that the individual and specific needs of each child or young person are met.
Under the guidance of 'Social Care for Deafblind Children and Adults' (LAC 2001), we ensure that:
- we identify, make contact with, and keep a record of CYP with multi-sensory impairment in the Gateshead area - including those who have multiple disabilities.
- an assessment is carried out by a Specialist Teacher of Multi-Sensory Impairment to assess the needs of the CYP with multi-sensory impairment, in particular to assess the need for 1:1 human support (intervenor), assistive technology and rehabilitation.
- appropriate services are provided to CYP with multi-sensory impairment who are not necessarily able to benefit from mainstream services or those services aimed primarily at blind or deaf people who are able to rely on their other senses.
- specifically trained, 1:1 specialist sensory teaching assistants are available for those assessed as requiring one.
- information about services is provided in formats and using methods that are accessible to CYP with multi-sensory impairment.
The Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with Vision Impairment (CFVI), is known as an expanded or "additional" curriculum and is a set of skill areas developed to augment the traditional curriculum. The Framework includes areas of instruction specific to children and young people with vision impairment and is taught by specialist teachers and staff from LINT (MSI).
The framework presents outcomes within eleven teaching areas:
- facilitating an inclusive world
- sensory development
- communication
- literacy
- habilitation: orientation and mobility
- habilitation: independent living skills
- accessing information
- technology
- health: social, emotional, mental and physical wellbeing
- social, sports and leisure
- preparing for adulthood
LINT (MSI) work with other service providers to ensure children and young people have access to mobility training, leisure opportunities, independent living skills training and increase opportunities to develop their social skills outside school. Close links are maintained between parents/carers, the child or young person's school or setting and other involved agencies.
Interventions the school or setting could receive
LINT (MSI) can support schools in a number of ways, including:
- support around understanding multi-sensory impairment and the implications this has on the individual CYP
- supporting school staff in the use of effective visual/hearing/physical/communication aids
- providing individualised specialist strategies and guidance, based on the CYP unique needs
- researching and providing access to specialist information on multi-sensory impairment and the implications
- providing a range of informal and formal training to share best practice and to ensure all staff are knowledgeable on the CYP's individual needs
- providing peer awareness for classes or year groups where applicable
- providing specialist advice on accessibility and health and safety issues
- providing advice as part of the SEND process
- supporting teaching sessions, either in class or in a 1:1 setting
- researching and applying for funding for specialist equipment as appropriate
- ensuring successful entry to school and transition between year groups, key stages and schools
- advising on appropriate access arrangements for internal and external examinations
How LINT (MSI) supports the family
Having a good relationship with the family really helps us to support the child or young person. A successful partnership with parents/carers is the most effective way LINT (MSI) can share information and expertise.
LINT (MSI) can help in a number of ways in including:
- home teaching for preschool children
- social groups run in partnership with the voluntary sector
- providing explanations of multi-sensory impairment and the implications it can have on home and school life
- helping the family to contact and access other supportive agencies
- supporting the CYP and their family to appointments and meetings
Information for schools
The Gateshead SEND Thresholds document identifies appropriate interventions (in line with the NatSIP Eligibility Criteria) according to identified levels of need. This is reviewed on annual basis or as deemed appropriate by a specialist teacher.
For more documents to support children with multi-sensory inclusion see LINT professionals toolkit. More resources can be found in the support organisations directory.
Information for families
Our support organisations directory has been developed to provide links to organisations who can support those with SEND and their families.
Contact
Carrie-Anne Brooke-Lovell
SEND Manager - Low Incidence Needs Team
0191 433 8756
If you have any queries, please email [email protected]
Business Support Team
Floor 2 Civic Centre
Regent Street
Gateshead
NE8 1HH