Sandwell has a specialist adult sensory service for residents with sight loss, hearing loss or both. The local offer is broader than one-off equipment. It includes specialist assessment, rehabilitation, advice on independent living, travel confidence, links to home adaptations and connections to local disability organisations.
Who this page is for
This page is for adults in Sandwell with sight loss, hearing loss or dual sensory loss, and for carers, relatives and workers who are helping somebody access support.
What Sandwell’s sensory team can do
The council says its specialist Sensory Services team provides advice and support on independent living for adults with sensory impairments and for carers of people with sight or hearing loss.
- Specialist assessments
- Rehabilitation support and practical training to maintain independence
- Advice about care and support assessments, equipment and home adaptations
- Training in safer travel and using public transport
- Information about local and national organisations
The published description is practical and detailed. For sight loss, it mentions help with kitchen tasks, magnifiers, telephones, computers, lighting, reading and writing. For hearing loss, it explains that residents may be referred for specialist deaf equipment such as flashing doorbells and adapted telephones.
How to contact the local sensory route
- Email: Sensory_Duty@sandwell.gov.uk
- Call: 0121 569 2734
- Text only: 07767 256 873
The council notes that the adult team mainly works with adults but also links into transition for some young people approaching adulthood.
Other Sandwell organisations you may be referred to
The sensory page names several specific local organisations that often form part of a resident’s support network.
- Ideal for All Deaf Equipment Service — for equipment assessment and supply
- Sandwell Deaf Community Association — for advocacy, information, training and community support
- Sandwell Visually Impaired — for user-led support and local advice
This is helpful because it shows that the council route is not isolated; it can connect you to community-based specialist organisations in the borough.
What to do if sensory loss is affecting safety at home
If sensory loss is making everyday life unsafe, ask not only about sensory support but also about adult social care, equipment and adaptations and community alarms. In Sandwell these services often overlap.
For example, a resident may need rehabilitation and deaf equipment, while also needing rails, telecare, or a wider care and support assessment.
Useful Sandwell links
- Sight and hearing loss
- Alarms, adaptations and equipment
- Help from our Equipment and Adaptations Service
- Community Alarms
- Contact Adult Social Care
