Hampton Resource Centre (HRC) is one of seven Education Centres for people who are deafblind and for people with a single sensory impairment with associated disabilities. We are located at Cygnet Park, Hampton, Peterborough.
The day at HRC starts at 9.30am with mid morning, lunch and afternoon breaks. The day ends at 4.00pm.
Each learner has their own individual schedule and plan designed to meet their specific requirements, this is reviewed on a six monthly basis. Their week might consist of a combination of programmes including:-
- Educational courses
- Vocational activities
- Creative arts
- Planned leisure activities
- Mobility training
- Sensory awareness
- Lifeskills
- ICT
- Work placements
Within the framework of these programmes HRC offers a range of formal courses including Open College Network (OCN) and ASDAN Courses. There is also an extensive range of activities including: Self Awareness, Personal and Social Development, Sensory Awareness, Environmental Studies, Art, Music, Horticulture, Office Skills, Hydrotherapy, Physiotherapy, Yoga, Massage, Cooking, Gym sessions, Swimming, Rambling, Sailing, Riding, Mobility, Pottery, Woodwork, General crafts, Jewellery, Braille, ICT, Practical Language, Literacy, Practical Numeracy and Communication as well as a variety of projects.
Communication is the cornerstone of all the sessions; a ‘Total Communication’ approach is taken with the focus on the deafblind persons preferred means of communication. This may include Sign Supported English, British Sign Language (BSL), the Deafblind Manual Alphabet, braille & technological aids to communication. We also use pre-formal communication methods such as objects of reference and symbol based communication systems.
Professionally qualified education staff work at HRC and are assisted by Learning Support Assistants. All staff are required to complete induction and post induction modules; these include First Aid, Basic Food Hygiene and Fire Awareness. In order for staff to support the specialised needs of people who are deafblind, they are also trained in Deafblind Awareness issues as well as British Sign Language. Staff are also provided with the opportunity to undertake the MSI Degree and Deafblind Diploma as part on their ongoing professional development. We also use external specialists where appropriate for example a physiotherapist and a music teacher come in for several sessions a week.
The environment at HRC has been designed with learners at the forefront of our minds. The colour contrasting of blue and yellow have been chosen as these are the last two colours that a visually impaired person can see. Each room has both tactile and auditory signs which provide vital clues to learners in order to help them locate areas more independently. We also have a variety of specialist equipment including:
- Talking microwave
- Talking tin lids
- Kettle tippers
- Liquid level indicators
- Colour detectors
- Switches
- Specially adapted craft equipment
- Interactive SMART Board
- Sound Beam
- Sensory resources and equipment
- Mobile and overhead hoists
Our main aim at the centre is to develop independence in all areas and to provide a better quality of life for the deafblind people.
For further information please contact
Sylvia Welford – Community Services Manager
Sense, 50 Forder Way, Cygnet Park, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8JB Telephone: 01733 42 5050
Email: sylvia.welford@sense.org.uk
