Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision

Multi-sensory impairments in the early years

What are multi-sensory impairments?

Children and young people with MSI have both hearing and visual impairments. Any degree of combined sight and hearing impairment can create a disadvantage. Impairments can range from mild to profound and may fluctuate or be a consistent loss.

  • Identification – what you may see in the child

    Any type or degree of combined vision and hearing loss can create a multi-sensory impairment

    Use the Visual Impairment and Deaf and/or hard of hearing SEND identification statements to identify a possible MSI need that needs to be planned for.

  • Planned provision in the setting

    • Keep routines consistent to help the child to make sense of what they are experiencing.
    • Allow extra time at activities.
    • Provide opportunities for the child to explore resources using all of their senses.
    • Ensure all practitioners have attended awareness training on the impact of combined sensory loss and are confident to support the child to access learning in the environment.
    • Use the strategies and provision within the visual impairment and Deaf and/or hard of hearing sections.
    • Use a multisensory teaching approach using strategies from MSI specialist curriculum.
    • Build on current learning strengths and preferences to support the development of new concepts.
    • Provide opportunities to form social relationships with peers.
    • Ensure that background noise is monitored, and action is taken to improve the acoustic environment. For example, use of carpets, curtains and cushions, and separating noisy and quiet areas.

Immersive Reader