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 visual 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

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.