The Multi-Sensory Impairment Specialist Teacher supports children and young people who have are deaf and vision impaired. Support is provided from birth to 25 years of age (where appropriate). They may work with the child, their parents, carers and families, nursery or school staff and other professionals involved with the child.
Who provides the support?
A Qualified Teacher of children and young people with Multi-Sensory Impairment (QTMSI) who is a member of
the Low Incidence Team based at Margaret McMillan Tower.
What does the Specialist Multi-Sensory Impairment (MSI) Teacher do?
The Specialist MSI Teacher may visit children or young people in the home or at their nursery or school and will provide information, support, training and guidance to;
- The parents, carers and families of Deafblind students and students with dual-sensory or multi-sensory impairment
- Staff at the nursery or school the student attends
- Other professionals involved with the student
The Specialist MSI teacher works in close liaison with members of the Support Team for Deaf Children and the Vision Impairment Outreach Team.
What can the MSI teacher help with?
Providing information and advice about;
Functional hearing and vision – how the student is using the vision and hearing they have, the kinds of things they can see and hear in different situations
Approaches to learning – how learning can be presented to help the student with sensory impairment to understand
Approaches to communication – ways to help students to learn to communicate when they have communication difficulties because of sensory impairment
Specialist equipment and skills that can help Deafblind students and students with dual or multi-sensory impairment to learn and become more independent
Contacts – signposting to other agencies or organisations that can offer help and advice about sensory impairment and to government guidance about Deafblindness and dual-sensory impairment
Contacting the MSI teacher
If you are concerned about your child’s vision or hearing you should first seek advice from your GP or health visitor.
If your child is supported by a member of the Support Team for Deaf Children or the Vision Impairment Outreach Team, their support teacher can make a referral to the MSI teacher with parental permission.
Class teachers or a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) can refer a child to the MSI teacher with parental permission.
