Andrew Duff MEP to visit Sense centre in Dereham
November 5, 2004 10:00 AM
Today, Friday 5th November Andrew Duff, MEP for the East of England, visited Sense's Dereham Resource Centre which provides day services to deafblind people from Dereham and beyond. He went to meet deafblind people and witness the activities the centre provides.
Deafblindness is a combination of both sight and hearing difficulties. Sense offers a wide range of services built around the individual needs of deafblind people, helping them to lead the life that they choose.
One-to-one support is provided for approximately 19 adults with a single or dual sensory impairment and additional learning disabilities. Staff support individuals to take part in a range of activities from cooking to music. They also promote independence in a range of activities including personal living skills such as preparing meals and other everyday tasks. Andrew Duff was able observe deafblind people taking part in arts and crafts as well as woodwork lessons.
Earlier this year the European Deafblind Network led by Sense campaigned for deafblindness to be recognised as a separate disability by the EU. This is because deafblindness is a combination of deafness and blindness. Mr Duff was one of the MEPs who signed a historic written declaration in the European Parliament to support this.
Andrew Duff said:
"Deafblindness has many causes including premature birth and rubella during pregnancy. People can also become deafblind at any time through meningitis or accidents.
"This visit will give me an opportunity to find out for myself what local deafblind people have been able to achieve thanks to the support of Sense at the Dereham Resource Centre.
"I am aware of how hard Sense has worked to improve both national and European recognition of the needs of deafblind people and the many and varied contributions they make to society."
Ends
Notes: Andrew will be at the Sense Resource Centre at 11 a.m. today at 53a and 55 Shipdham Road, East Dereham, Norfolk
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