What are multi-sensory impairments?
Children and young people with MSI have both hearing and visual impairments. Any degree of combined sight and hearing impairment can create a disadvantage. Impairments can range from mild to profound and may fluctuate or be a consistent loss.
Identification – what you may see in the child or young person
- Any type or degree of combined vision and hearing loss can create a multi-sensory impairment
- Use the Visual Impairment and Deaf and/or hard of hearing SEND identification statements to identify a possible MSI need that needs to be planned for.
Planned provision in school
- Use the strategies and provision within the Visual Impairment and Deaf and/or hard of hearing sections
- Staff awareness training of the impact of the combined sensory loss on accessing learning.
- Use a multisensory teaching approach using strategies from MSI specialist curriculum.
- Build on current learning strengths and preferences to support the development of new concepts.
- Provide opportunities to form social relationships with peers.
Resources for schools
Support services
- Request support from Devon’s Sensory or Physical Needs Team
- The Transitions Adult Social Care Service (TACS)
Further reading and information
- Resources and information from Devon’s Sensory or Physical Needs Team
- Devon’s Sensory or Physical Needs Team (multi-sensory impairment)
- How to promote MSI inclusion in the classroom – top tips
- Considerations for an MSI friendly setting
- Early Communication
- Eight essential on-body signs
- How to use a Space Blanket – Top tips and activity ideas
- How to use a resonance board – Top tips and activity ideas
- NatSIP – What Good Looks Like: Observational Schedule
- Devon’s preparing for adulthood transitions guide
Resources to share with parents
- Resources within the visual impairments and deaf and/or hard of hearing sections will be useful for parent carers of children and young people with MSI.