Multi-Sensory Impairment Course

• Refresher training
• Inductions
• Awareness
• Knowledge enhancement

Multi-Sensory Impairment (MSI) Online Training: Who is this for?

The Multi-Sensory Impairment (MSI) online training is designed to provide detailed knowledge and practical strategies for supporting individuals who have combined vision and hearing impairments. In the UK context, this training is essential for professionals working with children and adults with MSI to ensure inclusive, effective communication, learning, and care. Understanding the unique challenges faced by people with MSI enables practitioners to deliver personalised support that promotes independence, wellbeing, and social inclusion.

1. Teachers and Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs)
   Educators in mainstream and specialist settings benefit from this training to better understand how multi-sensory impairments affect learning and development. SENCOs, in particular, can improve their ability to assess needs, adapt teaching strategies, and coordinate appropriate interventions for pupils with MSI.

2. Support Staff and Teaching Assistants
   Teaching assistants and classroom support staff working directly with children or young people with MSI will gain practical skills to facilitate communication, deliver personalised support, and create an accessible learning environment that meets sensory needs.

3. Early Years Practitioners
   Professionals supporting children in nursery and early years settings require a strong understanding of MSI’s impacts during crucial developmental stages. This training helps them identify early signs of MSI and apply effective early intervention strategies to support communication and sensory development.

4. Audiologists, Speech and Language Therapists, and Rehabilitation Specialists
   Health and therapy professionals working with individuals with combined sensory loss need to understand the educational and psychosocial implications of MSI. This course aids in integrating therapeutic approaches with educational goals and advising education teams accordingly.

5. Social Workers and Care Workers
   Those involved in social care and support services can benefit from this training by learning how MSI affects daily living and social interaction. It equips them to deliver personalised care plans, promote independence, and connect individuals with specialist services.

6. Parents, Carers, and Family Members
   Families of children or adults with MSI often seek guidance on how best to support communication, learning, and independence at home. This training offers them insight into the condition and practical strategies to enhance daily interactions and advocate effectively for their loved ones.

7. Volunteers and Community Workers
   Individuals involved in community organisations, charities, or support groups working with sensory impaired people will benefit by developing understanding to facilitate inclusion, provide meaningful support, and raise awareness about MSI in their communities.

8. Educational Psychologists and Behaviour Support Specialists
   Professionals who assess and support pupils with additional needs can improve their ability to understand the complicated profile of MSI, enabling tailored assessment and intervention plans that address sensory, communication, and behavioural needs.

The Multi-Sensory Impairment online training is vital for a broad range of professionals, carers, and supporters involved in education, health, and social care within the UK. By undertaking this course, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of MSI, acquire practical skills for effective support, and contribute to creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for individuals with combined vision and hearing impairments. This training aligns with best practice guidance and the UK’s commitment to equality and inclusion for people with disabilities.