Hearing and vision support services
How the services work
The Hearing Support Service (HSS) works with children and young people with mild to profound hearing impairments.
The Vision Support Service (VSS) works with children and young people with mild to profound vision impairments.
Both services have a team of specialist advisory teachers with qualifications in visual or hearing impairment. All teachers can support:
- children and young people
- families
- pre-schools
- schools and colleges
Who the services work with
The services work:
- in partnership with parents and carers to agree support and involvement
- with education, social care and health services
- with each other
The HSS and VSS are often referred to as one service, Hearing and Vision Support Services (HVSS).
The services are available across Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. They can work in:
- family homes
- playgroups and nurseries
- schools and colleges
What else the services offer
Hearing Support Service
The HSS also have:
- an educational audiologist who works closely with NHS audiology services
- a sign language tutor who works and uses signs with the children, families and settings
Vision Support Service
The VSS offers:
- keyboarding tutors
- mobility and habilitation specialists
- a technician
Find out more about the Vision Support Service.
Equality and diversity
The services make sure children and young people with hearing and/or visual impairments:
- have every opportunity to enjoy life in their communities
- have their needs met and respected
Find out more about services in Dorset to help support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.