Service for people with a visual or hearing impairment

The Sensory Impairment Social Work Team offers a service to people who are visually impaired or hearing impaired. There is a rehabilitation worker who can offer practical assistance for visually impaired people. All newly registered blind or partially sighted people will be offered a visit.

The Social worker with deaf people runs a weekly drop in service. Sign language interpreters can be arranged in certain circumstances.

Disability register

The Council keeps a confidential register of people with disabilities living in the Borough. Registration is voluntary and you do not need to be registered to receive a service. The registers helps the Council and other agencies plan for future services.

If you have a hearing impairment and would like to register, please contact the Physical Disability Social Work Team. If you have sight loss ask your doctor to refer you to an eye specialist. If you can be registered as there are many benefits. These include advice on dealing with sight loss, special equipment and some financial benefits.

Direct Payments

Following an assessment of your needs, it may be possible to provide you with Direct Payments to purchase your own care. This is a relatively new scheme and if you are eligible, a social worker will be allocated to you. All service users considering Direct Payments must be over 18 and able/ willing to manage the payment of care support. This includes all the responsibilities of being an employer. For further information and to find out if you are eligible, contact your local Social Services office.

Voluntary groups

Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) provides a range of services for deaf people, including information, residential care, training, communication support and devices.

The Hearing Aid Centre provides advice and information on the fitting and repair of NHS hearing aids.

Royal National Institute for the Blind - (RNIB) provides a range of services for people in the Borough with sight problems. An outreach service offers advice and information on a wide range of topics. Free, confidential advice on housing is available. Garrow House offers independent living residences, restaurant and short-stay facilities.

Metropolitan Society for the Blind offers a home visiting and befriending service, a radio loan service and can give grants up to 250 pounds for visually impaired people in need.

Kensington and Chelsea Talking Newspaper is a free service for people with sight problems. A weekly cassette provides a summary of local newspapers and magazines.

Action Disability Kensington and Chelsea (ADKC) works to promote equality for disabled people with physical, sensory and hidden impairments in the Borough. Membership is free and members receive a regular newsletter. ADKC provides a Disability Information Helpline, counselling, an advocacy service and factsheets. An employment and training support worker can offer career guidance.

ADKC also runs group holidays for all ages and provide grants to disabled people to holiday independently. A varied programme of leisure events are organised. Short-term wheelchair loans can also be organised.