Dereham Resource Centre (DRC) is one of seven education centres for people who are deafblind and for people with a single sensory impairment with associated disabilities in Norfolk. The centre is located on the outskirts of Dereham, Norfolk in a bright purpose built building. It is specifically designed to ensure the environment is multi-sensory, meeting the particular needs of deafblind learners to enhance their learning/life experiences.
The centre includes designated areas specifically for Communication for the visually impaired, sighted Language & Literacy, Practical Numeracy, Personal & Social Development, Pre-Language Communication, Sensory Skills Development & Physiotherapy/Beauty Therapy as well as Information & Communications Technology.
Every learner has their own individual learning plan designed to meet their specific requirements taken from a broad curriculum which falls into the main areas of:
- Skills for living
- Communication
- Literacy and ICT
- Creative skills
- Access to community activities
Within the resource centre we are able to offer a flexible timetable including: braille, BSL, Literacy, Numeracy, ICT (Information and Communication Technology), Cooking, Art, Woodwork, Music, Horticulture, Animal Care, Massage/Beauty, Office Skills, Art and Crafts.
The resource centre also has a well equipped sensory room which is used for enhancing mobility and functional hand use and relaxation.
There is a well equipped therapy room where learners are able to access a wide range of therapies and treatments – hair and beauty, hairdressing, aromatherapy and massage. The therapy room is used to involve the learner in self awareness, give self confidence and ultimately to give the learner the “feel good factor”.
Learners are also able to access hydrotherapy and swimming at various local pools. In addition, there are a variety of activities to improve self awareness and personal and social development and mobility including bowling, crafts, shopping, sensory walks and horse riding.
Within the framework of these programmes, Dereham Resource Centre offers a range of formal courses including ASDAN, City & Guilds and OCN.
Some learners are involved in a mini social enterprise project – currently running a small business where meals are planned, ingredients bought, meala cooked and sold to staff and learners. Learners “run” this business and have to keep careful record of money spent and paid for meals to ensure they make a profit.
Communication is the cornerstone of all the sessions; a ‘Total Communication’ approach is taken with the focus on the learner’s preferred means of communication, including Sign Supported English, British Sign Language (BSL), the Deafblind Manual Alphabet, braille and technological aids to communication. We also use pre-language communication methods such as objects of reference, and symbol based communication systems.
Professionally qualified education staff work at the resource centre and are assisted by Learning Support Assistants who complete induction and post induction modules to deal with specialised needs of learners, including communication methods.
Individual activities are led by qualified staff. We also use external specialists where appropriate, for example physiotherapists and music teachers.
The DRC day starts at 9.30am, morning coffee break is at 10.45am, lunch is between 12.15 – 1.15pm, afternoon coffee break is at 2.30pm and the day ends at 4pm.
Detailed individual plans are put together to support each learner in their development. Thorough assessments in functional vision and hearing, communication, behaviour, mobility and health aid this.
The centre is designed to facilitate wheelchairs with personal care facilities, hoists and changing beds. Staff are trained to deliver personal care and give medication when required.
Contact us
For further information please contact:
Karen Elsbury – Community Services Manager
Sense, Dereham Resource Centre, 32 Bertie Ward Way, Rash’s Green Industrial Estate, Toftwood, Dereham, Norfolk NR19 1TE
Telephone: 01362 854 153
Email: karen.elsbury@sense.org.uk
See below for some photos of Princess Anne opening the centre:
