Legislation and frameworks for sensory loss care

Understanding Legislation and Frameworks for Sensory Loss Care

The Equality Act 2010

  • Implemented in Britain to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against.
  • The Act protects individuals with sensory loss from discrimination, harassment and victimisation.
  • Stipulates that reasonable adjustments must be made to provide the same level of service to people with disabilities as to those without.

Care Act 2014

  • Recognises sensory loss both as a form of disability and as a unique, specific need for care and support.
  • Places a duty of care on local authorities to meet an individual’s assessed and eligible needs.
  • Also states that a person’s sensory loss should not prevent them from accessing community services or lead to them living in inappropriate care homes.

Accessible Information Standard

  • Introduced in 2016 by NHS England and the Health and Social Care Information Centre.
  • Ensures people with a disability, impairment or sensory loss receive information they can access and understand.
  • This includes providing support with communication, such as sign language or Braille translation.

Mental Capacity Act 2005

  • Provides the legal framework to protect vulnerable adults who might not have the mental capacity to make their own decisions.
  • This includes people with sensory loss, which can sometimes affect their ability to communicate their thoughts, needs, and decisions.
  • The Act provides safeguards such as the principle of ‘presumed capacity’ and the right for individuals to be supported to make their own decisions where possible.

The Deafblind Guidance

  • Guidance developed under the Care Act 2014 specifically for people who have dual sensory loss.
  • It emphasizes early identification, intervention, and provision of support as key to maximizing independence and quality of life.
  • The guidance recommends a person-centred approach, incorporating the individual’s perspective into all aspects of their care.

Best Practice Frameworks

Sensory Trust

  • Provides guidelines and resources for creating sensory-rich environments to support those with sensory loss.
  • Promotes inclusivity through universal design and sensory experiences.

Deafblind UK

  • Provides advice, support and guidance to individuals suffering from dual sensory loss.
  • They offer a range of services including a free national helpline and guide on communication tactics.

Overall, good knowledge of these laws and frameworks can ensure that care providers are equipped to effectively support individuals with sensory loss.