Communicator-guides help people who have acquired deafblindness or people who have developed sight and hearing difficulties in later life (sometimes known as dual-sensory loss).

Intervenors are for people who are congenitally deafblind.

Problems caused by dual-sensory loss can lead to people becoming increasingly withdrawn, depressed and isolated. But with the right help, deafblind people can live fulfilling lives both at home and in the community.

Sense's communicator-guide service aims to help deafblind people to live as full and independent lives as possible.

Acting as the eyes and ears of a deafblind person, communicator-guides are trained to provide one-to-one communication support and guiding. The communicator guide's role is to provide practical help with everyday tasks such as shopping or dealing with mail.

They also assist deafblind people to improve or maintain their independence within their own home and community and can help people with deafblindness to access services such as GP surgeries, shops and leisure facilities.

Communicator guides are seen as a valuable addition to - rather than a substitute for - other services, such as a home help or social worker visits.

How to get a communicator guide

In some regions, Sense provides communicator-guides. They are also provided by local authorities and other organisations.

You could find a suitable communicator-guide on our Deafblind Directory online database.

Getting in touch

To find out more please contact Sense’s information and advice service who will put you in touch with the right team