This is the only group in the UK for people who are hearing aid users who also have a visual impairment. The combined disability of hearing and sight impairment can cause feelings of isolation.

Within the Hearing and Sight Impairment (HSI) group, people can share their feelings, views and ideas with people who have similar experiences, and so feel less isolated.

We can also offer, with Sense’s support, accessible information on various issues – including technology – to any hearing and sight impaired person who needs it.

What does HSI UK stand for?

HSI stands for the Hearing and Sight Impaired group. All the members of the group rely on their hearing aids (or cochlear implants) and speech to communicate and also have a visual impairment. Many members of the group have Usher syndrome. The group is supported by Sense, which is a national charity for people with sight and hearing problems.

Making a difference

The group campaigns on issues such as the provision of better hearing aids and improved access to buildings and leisure centres. We aim to spread public awareness of the needs of hearing and sight impaired people, as widely as possible.

What events do we organise?

We organise an informal social occasion twice a year, and / or outings to places of interest, in the south east of England, so that people are able to socialise, exchange ideas and information, as well as having the opportunity to share common interests. Usually, at socials, a guest speaker is invited to talk about issues that are of interest to members. Sometimes these speakers are hearing and sight impaired themselves.

The HSI UK group is organised by a committee, which meets regularly at Sense Head office. The committee plans the events the HSI group organises, and how the group will develop in the future.

Plans for the future

The HSI UK group wants to maintain its unique structure and work on building up its membership. This is the only national group in the UK highlighting the needs of hearing aid users who are also visually impaired. We aim to reach out to as many hearing and sight impaired people as possible.  he group wants to prevent the feelings of isolation that many people feel and to enhance the quality of life for hearing and sight impaired people.

The group aims to publicise issues facing its members and influence policy making and services within organisations representing them. We are also hoping to launch new groups in other parts of the country.

Why not join us?

The HSI UK group is a branch of Sense. If you would like to find out more, do please get in touch with:

Birgit Fiebig
Branch secretary
Email: birgit.fiebig@gmail.com