Voluntary and community organisations

The following organisations provide services to people with sensory disabilities in Medway:

• Hi Kent;
• Kent Association for the Blind;
• Royal Association for Deaf People (RAD);
• Royal Association for Deaf People - Sign Language Bureau;
• Samaritans Medway, Gravesham and Swale West;
• The Kent Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (KASBAH).

Hi Kent

Hi Kent (www.hikent.org.uk) provides advice and help to deaf and hard-of-hearing people, helping over 20,000 people each year. Hi Kent also runs:

• sign language courses leading to qualifications in BSL (British Sign Language);
• deaf awareness courses for businesses and individuals;
• holidays for deaf people.

For further information on the services provided, please contact the Hi Kent head office at the address below or the Medway Resource Centre, located in the Audiology Department at Medway Maritime Hospital, Gilllingham on 01634 825043.

Visit the website for more information and use the online shop for a wide range of assistive equipment.

Chief Executive
Hi Kent
18 Brewer Street
Maidstone
Kent ME14 1RU

01622 691151

enquiries@hikent.org.uk

Hi Kent is registered charity number 1052036.

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Kent Association for the Blind

The Kent Association for the Blind (www.kab.org.uk) works in partnership with Medway Council in providing a comprehensive service for those who are visually impaired. It receives referrals from and on behalf of people who are blind or partially sighted and as a result, undertakes assessments. The training provided involves communication, daily living skills and mobility, as well as low-vision assessment.

Its members enjoy a whole range of facilities, including affiliated social clubs, a talking newspaper (which provides local news and other publications in taped format) and training in the use of computers for people of all ages.

The guide communicator service for people who are deaf-blind is delivered in association with the council and specialist provision is available for those who have learning difficulties.

Kent Association for the Blind
72 College Road
Maidstone
Kent ME15 6SJ

Helpline: 01622 691357

enquiry@kab.org.uk

Kent Association for the Blind is registered charity number 1062354.

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Royal Association for Deaf People (RAD)

Medway has one of four specialist teams (the others are in Surrey, Essex and London) that supports deaf people with learning disabilities. It provides the following services:

• assessment of needs;
• advice and information;
• teaching communication skills;
• training in developing communication skills;
• setting up and facilitating communication groups;
• advocacy;
• communication support work;
• community support work.

For further information about other services, such as interpreting, person-centred planning, Makaton, deaf-blind services, counselling, voluntary work, contact:

Royal Association for Deaf People
Head Office
18 Westside Centre
London Road
Stanway
Colchester
Essex CO3 8PH

Telephone: 0845 688 2525
Minicom: 0845 688 2527

info@royaldeaf.org.uk

www.royaldeaf.org.uk

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Royal Association for Deaf People - Sign Language Bureau

RAD Sign Language Bureau (www.royaldeaf.org.uk) offers a sign language intepreting service throughout Kent in all areas requiring communication support.

For further information, contact the Co-ordinating Office.

RAD Sign Language Bureau Co-ordinating Office
The Pines
Lynderswood Farm
London Road
Braintree
Essex CM77 8QN

Telephone: 08707 743525

interpreting@royaldeaf.org.uk

Royal Association for Deaf People is registered charity number 1081949.

If you are a member of a voluntary or community group providing services for people with sensory disabilities and would like your details included on the Medway Council website, please contact the Social Care Contracts Team at the address below.

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