Mandy

Vista’s deafblind service supports mobility and communication skills, so that individuals with dual sensory loss can remain as independent as possible. 

Mandy was first supported by Vista during the onset of the pandemic in 2020, as she required assistance with essentials shopping at a time when many people had to self-isolate. As restrictions lifted  Mandy was able to return to some normal activities but did need other support due to her sight and hearing loss.  

Mandy informed us that she has partial hearing loss caused by a perforated ear drum and together with her sight loss, can make some daily tasks very challenging. Whilst she remained independent and did her best to get out and about, being able to do communicate with a third part when shopping or discussing things over the phone was challenging and so requested support from Vista.  

Through discussions with Mandy, we supported her for an initial period and following on from an assessment with Leicester City Council Working, Mandy was allocated a number of hours per week for specialist support from the Vista Deafblind team, to aid her communication with various activities, to help her remain as independent as possible.  

Mandy said: “My Communicator Guides are all brilliant they have helped me a lot, Communicator Guides great at helping in the community they are patient and caring”. 

The support that Mandy has through the team has enabled her to have the confidence to get back out into the community once more and take part in local activities. This support has made a difference to Mandy and how she feels. 

She also said: “I would not be able to go out and about so much without a Communicator Guide  due to my sight loss the support I receive enables me to independently go shopping, medical appointments and social activities” Having them in  place has aided my confidence having a dedicated person in place to listen  and support my needs has helped.. 

“ I am happy with the support I receive my life is a lot less stressful now there is always someone to help and support with tasks I once found difficult”. 

To find out more, please visit our deafblind reablement page.