SPECIALIST SOCIAL WORK PROVISION FOR DEAF PEOPLE
Specialist Social Workers who work with Deaf People
are usually employed by Local Authorities or Voluntary Organisations.
Their work involves supporting deaf people and their families, newly
diagnosed deaf children and deaf people with additional disabilities, like
visual impairment or physical problems.
When considering ways of helping deaf people to become independent and self
sufficient, a social worker has to plan services in such a way as to maximize the ability of deaf people to do things for themselves.
Elderly or sick people can be supported through the Care in the Community Scheme thus ensuring that people can be looked after in
their own homes with the assistance of Carers.
Social Services Departments are aware that Deaf People should have the
opportunity to give their opinions on services that are on offer.
Many hold Consumer Group meetings regularly in order to listen to
suggestions as to how to improve services to deaf people.
One of the responsibilities of a Social Worker is to consider the requirements
of people who care for ill or elderly people by assessing their needs and trying
to match services with those needs.