“Sense’s recent report, Fair care for the future, found that almost 50 per cent of deafblind people surveyed had never been assessed by a specialist for social care or struggled to get an assessment, even though it is a statutory responsibility on local authorities. One deafblind person said it took five years. So we are very pleased that the Audit Commission has recognised that 'complex assessments need the specialist knowledge and skill only qualified and experienced social workers can provide’.

 

“Social services departments need to ensure that they have access to staff with training in deafblind specialist assessments. Without a good quality assessment deafblind people will not receive appropriate support, and both financial and human costs can escalate. Deafblind people tell Sense that without support they are trapped in their homes, without access to employment, and many get depressed and ill.”