Physical & Sensory Disability JSNA

Summary

Strategic Issue 1

Local people with sensory loss face challenges to mobility, access to information and services and barriers in communicating. Information is not as accessible as it could be.

What needs to be done
  • Improve access to information and services by improving structure and addressing barriers to communication.
  • North Tees & Hartlepool Hospital will undertake an audit in respect of access arrangements with the potential to implement VRS into NT&H NHS Trust. There will be a joint BCF bid with NTH and HBC to improve access to Urgent Care and Outpatients.
  • There is an ongoing agreement to spot purchase specialist deaf support via Hi-VIS UK.
  • There is a corporate EDI strategy in development as well as a new website and intranet.
  • The new HBC website will consider the use of SignLive for VRS and VRI (Linked to BCF funds). Work to add Signapse to the Hartlepool Now website.
  • There have already been two successful grant applications to improve public information.
  • All adult social care teams to be issued with mobiles they can monitor.

Strategic Issue 2

There is little awareness of sensory loss or of being a Deaf person / BSL. Leading to loneliness and barriers.

What needs to be done
  • Improve awareness of sensory loss and physical disability within the community to ensure inclusivity and reduce the risk of loneliness in individuals with sensory and/or physical disability.
  • A commissioned review of accessibility by audit and governance and work with internal EDI groups to raise the profile.
  • Staff training should be undertaken to improve awareness. Hi-VIS UK to submit a proposal to deliver further Level 5 DeafBlind awareness training to staff. There will be BSL Level 1 training to staff which will also be available as E-Learning.

Strategic Issue 3

Leisure / fitness provision is currently not easily accessible.

What needs to be done
  • Work to improve and ensure equitable access to leisure and fitness facilities in the Borough.
  • Work to ensure accessibility to the new Highlight development and available services within this.