Multi Sensory Impairment (MSI)

Multi-Sensory Impairment (MSI) means that a child or young person has impairments with both sight and hearing. Their sensory loss may be present at birth or acquired later. Most children and young people with MSI will have some useful vision and hearing; however there are some who are completely deaf and blind. There are a number of terms used to describe MSI including deafblind, dual-sensory impaired and dual sensory loss.

Some children and young people with MSI also have medical, physical and cognitive disabilities. MSI impacts on all areas of learning and children and young people may need additional support to learn to communicate and develop socially.

Deafblind UK (opens link in new window) has some further helpful information 

Help With Multi Sensory Impairment 

Here are some websites which can offer help and advice to children/adults with Multi Sensory Impairment.

Click on each image to go to their website (picture will open link in new window)

Sense website (opens link in new window)

Sense offer personalised support through centres, holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. They provide early intervention for children, helping young people access education, and supporting the transition into adulthood and beyond.

They also offer information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life. Sense have also provided a Toolkit for making play inclusive which can be downloaded below (picture will open link in new window)

Sense - Making Playing inclusive, A toolkit for parents (opens PDF in new window)

The NHS website has some useful links and information about multi sensory impairment/deafblindness.