6.34 Some children and young people require special educational provision because they have a disability which prevents or hinders them from making use of the educational facilities generally provided. These difficulties can be age related and may fluctuate over time. Many children and young people with vision impairment (VI), hearing impairment (HI) or a multi-sensory impairment (MSI) will require specialist support and/or equipment to access their learning, or habilitation support. Children and young people with an MSI have a combination of vision and hearing difficulties. Infomation on how to provide services for deafblind children and young people is available through the Social Care for Deafblind Children and Adults guidance published by the Department of Health (see the References section under Chapter 6 for a link).
Multisensory Impairment (MSI)
The team for children with a Multisensory Impairment (MSI) is part of the Advisory Teaching Service. The team consists of
- A Qualified Specialist Advisory Teacher for MSI (holding mandatory MSI qualification)
- Qualified Deaf Communications Tutor (Level 6 BSL)
- Specialist Speech and Language Therapists
- Touch Typing Tutor
6.34 Some children and young people require special educational provision because they have a disability which prevents or hinders them from making use of the educational facilities generally provided. These difficulties can be age related and may fluctuate over time. Many children and young people with vision impairment (VI), hearing impairment (HI) or a multi-sensory impairment (MSI) will require specialist support and/or equipment to access their learning, or habilitation support. Children and young people with an MSI have a combination of vision and hearing difficulties. Infomation on how to provide services for deafblind children and young people is available through the Social Care for Deafblind Children and Adults guidance published by the Department of Health (see the References section under Chapter 6 for a link).
What we do:
We provide specialist support for children and young people with multisensory impairment (MSI)—a combined hearing and vision impairment—from the point of diagnosis through to leaving school or further education (ages 0–25). Our goal is to help them, their families and staff in setting, to understand how to manage the impact of their MSI needs.
Our Support Includes:
- Early Years Support (0–5 years):
Working closely with families of babies and preschool children to understand the diagnosis and develop key skills, including communication, language, listening, vision, mobility, and independence. - Empowering Children and Young People:
Helping them understand their MSI and supporting skills such as: - Use of audiological equipment
- Communication strategies (including signing where appropriate)
- Braille literacy
- Specialist IT skills
- Social, mobility, and independence skills
- Listening and visual skills
- Collaborative Approach:
We work alongside families, school staff, speech therapists, mobility specialists, and medical professionals to provide tailored, targeted support.
- Sensory Groups:
A monthly group for babies and children aged 0–4 with a diagnosed sensory impairment (HI/VI/MSI) and their families. Led by a Teacher of the Deaf, the group offers: - Opportunities for families to connect and share experiences
- Guest speakers on sensory impairment topics
- Music and signed story sessions
- Activities to develop listening, communication, and social skills
- Educational and Developmental Advice:
Guidance on how MSI impacts learning and development. - Child-Centered Provision:
Ensuring the views and experiences of children and young people are central to their support. -
Specialist Equipment:
Providing, monitoring, and evaluating tools such as radio aids, magnification devices, and specialist IT hardware/software.· Training:
From tailored training for individual needs to whole-school and area-based courses, we support continuing professional development in multisensory impairment. - Advice Line:
Settings can contact our team during the week for confidential, “no-names” advice.
Referral
Referrals to our team mainly come from Health Services at the time of diagnosis. However, early years settings and educational settings can make a referral using the ATS request for involvement form (ats_request_for_involvement_form_jan_23_1_.docx)
Advice Line
Settings and families can contact our team during the week for anonymous advice by calling 01452 426955.
Our Vision
We have high aspirations for all children and young people with a multisensory impairment. We believe multisensory impairment should never prevent them from thriving, reaching their full potential, and enjoying learning.