Multi-sensory impairment (MSI)

Children with multi-sensory impairment have both visual and hearing difficulties and are sometimes referred to as deafblind.

Incidental learning is limited and children may experience difficulties in perception, communication and acquisition of information. Pupils need teaching approaches that make good use of their residual hearing and vision, together with their other senses. As a result, they may require alternative means of communication.

They may have some residual sight and/or hearing, but the combination can result in high anxiety and multi-sensory deprivation. Pupils with multi-sensory impairment have much greater difficulties in following the curriculum and participating in school life than those with a single sensory impairment. Many also have additional disabilities and their complex needs can make it difficult to assess intellectual ability.

See also

Sensory difficulties - HI

Sensory difficulties - VI