One stop service directory launched for deafblind people

Sense, the national deafblind charity has launched a unique database of service providers. The Deafblind Directory allows deafblind people to use one website to search for service providers ranging from interpreters to support workers. The charity is encouraging more providers to join the free directory and hopes it will become a useful resource for people using direct payments to pay for services.

Simon Shaw, the Deafblind Directory Co-ordinator at Sense said “Deafblind people and their families who use direct payments told us it can be difficult to find local service providers with the right skills. The Deafblind Directory allows people to easily search for providers by region, type of service, skills or keyword. Please try it out at www.sense.org.uk/deafblind_directory.”

Robert Spigel, a parent who uses direct payments to purchase support for his daughter said “As a parent it’s hard enough to find skilled support workers in the first place. You also come across frustrating barriers such as people not returning calls. But the directory is a straightforward solution that allows direct access to information. It allows you to search for information during times other than working hours. It’s also easier to delegate a task to a sibling, professional or volunteer and say please look at the directory for appropriate services.”