{"id":34816,"date":"2025-12-12T13:49:30","date_gmt":"2025-12-12T13:49:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/?page_id=34816"},"modified":"2025-12-12T13:49:54","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T13:49:54","slug":"multi-sensory-impairments","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/ordinarily-available-inclusive-provision\/targeted-support-framework-eyfs\/sensory-and-physical-needs-ey\/multi-sensory-impairments\/","title":{"rendered":"Multi-sensory impairments in the early years"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"content-heading-quote clearfix \" id=\"block_acf-block-693c1d7db0909\"><div class=\"hq-outer\"><h2><span class=\"hq-heading\">What are multi-sensory impairments?<\/span><span class=\"hq-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"a\" viewBox=\"0 0 100 100\"><defs><style>.b{fill:none;stroke:#242a5f;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-miterlimit:10;stroke-width:4px;}.c{fill:#242a5f;}<\/style><\/defs><path class=\"b\" d=\"M74.43,1.95s2.1,26.63-23.86,43.38c-27.08,17.47-22.16,52.75-22.16,52.75\"><\/path><path class=\"b\" d=\"M54.65,83.31s16.82-24.99,37.97,0c0,0-18.26,24.27-37.97,0Z\"><\/path><line class=\"b\" x1=\"51.41\" y1=\"65.29\" x2=\"57.51\" y2=\"71.38\"><\/line><line class=\"b\" x1=\"95.45\" y1=\"65.29\" x2=\"89.35\" y2=\"71.38\"><\/line><line class=\"b\" x1=\"73.77\" y1=\"56.66\" x2=\"73.51\" y2=\"65.29\"><\/line><circle class=\"c\" cx=\"73.64\" cy=\"79.05\" r=\"6.85\"><\/circle><path class=\"b\" d=\"M7.33,19.16s24.51-7.11,19.46,15.53c0,0-1.98,7.04-6.73,8.97-3.64,1.48-1.29,7.84-1.29,7.84,0,0,1.44,6.42-3.33,7.7s-8.29-1.97-7.75-6.71\"><\/path><path class=\"b\" d=\"M30.15,13.75s9.89,1.2,6.52,13.22\"><\/path><path class=\"b\" d=\"M36.19,7.5s15.09,4.75,7.25,23.18\"><\/path><path class=\"b\" d=\"M7.18,33.81s3.78-.44,4.28,2.52c.61,3.61-.31,4.44-3.69,5.46\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span><\/h2><div class=\"hq-intro\"><p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"content-boxes clearfix\" id=\"block_acf-block-693c1d7db0c14\"><ul class=\"grid-x grid-margin-x small-up-1 medium-up-1 large-up-1\"><li class=\"cell box-contents\"><div class=\"box-contents-inner has-svg\"><div class=\"box-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"Layer_1\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\"><defs><style>.cls-1{fill:#f3f1f6;}.cls-2{fill:#5d4c77;}<\/style><\/defs><g id=\"Group_7793\"><path id=\"Path_2\" class=\"cls-1\" d=\"M17.57,2.73h24.27l16.17,16.5v23.01l-16.17,17.76h-23.43L1.48,42.24v-23.01S17.57,2.73,17.57,2.73Z\"><\/path><g id=\"question-octagon\"><g id=\"Group_7792\"><path id=\"Path_6596\" class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M17.02.55C17.37.2,17.85,0,18.34,0h23.3C42.14,0,42.61.2,42.96.55l16.48,16.48c.35.35.55.83.55,1.32v23.3c0,.5-.2.97-.55,1.32l-16.48,16.48c-.35.35-.83.55-1.32.55h-23.3c-.5,0-.97-.2-1.32-.55L.55,42.97c-.35-.35-.55-.82-.55-1.32v-23.3c0-.5.2-.97.55-1.32L17.02.55ZM19.12,3.75L3.75,19.12v21.75l15.38,15.38h21.75l15.38-15.38v-21.75l-15.38-15.38h-21.76Z\"><\/path><path id=\"Path_6597\" class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M19.57,21.78c-.01.24.08.48.26.65s.41.27.66.26h3.14c.52-.01.95-.41,1.01-.93.34-2.43,2.05-4.21,5.1-4.21,2.61,0,5,1.27,5,4.33,0,2.36-1.42,3.44-3.67,5.09-2.56,1.81-4.58,3.93-4.44,7.37v.8c.03.51.45.92.96.91h3.08c.52,0,.94-.41.95-.93v-.39c0-2.66,1.04-3.44,3.84-5.51,2.32-1.72,4.73-3.62,4.73-7.63,0-5.6-4.85-8.31-10.16-8.31-4.82,0-10.09,2.19-10.45,8.48v.02ZM25.49,43.16c.05,1.96,1.68,3.5,3.64,3.45.07,0,.14,0,.2,0,2.32,0,3.91-1.46,3.91-3.44s-1.6-3.49-3.91-3.49c-1.94-.16-3.65,1.28-3.82,3.22,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,.09-.01.17-.01.26h-.01Z\"><\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg> <\/div><h3><strong>Identification<\/strong> &#8211; what you may see in the child<\/h3><div class=\"box-content list-col-1\"><p>Any type or degree of combined vision and hearing loss can create a multi-sensory impairment<\/p>\n<p>Use the <a href=\"https:\/\/beta.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/oaip\/targeted-support-framework-early-years\/sensory-and-physical-needs-ey\/visual-impairment\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Visual Impairment<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/beta.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/oaip\/targeted-support-framework-early-years\/sensory-and-physical-needs-ey\/deaf-and-or-hard-of-hearing\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Deaf and\/or hard of hearing<\/a> SEND <strong>identification statements<\/strong> to identify a possible MSI need that needs to be planned for.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"content-boxes clearfix\" id=\"block_acf-block-693c1d7db0d0e\"><ul class=\"grid-x grid-margin-x small-up-1 medium-up-1 large-up-1\"><li class=\"cell box-contents\"><div class=\"box-contents-inner has-svg\"><div class=\"box-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"Layer_1\" viewBox=\"0 0 60.07 60\"><defs><style>.cls-1{fill:#f3f1f6;}.cls-2{fill:#5d4c77;}<\/style><\/defs><polygon class=\"cls-1\" points=\"43.44 27.53 31.1 31.33 31.1 12.17 43.44 8.78 43.44 27.53\"><\/polygon><polygon class=\"cls-1\" points=\"41.76 6.92 30.45 10.08 17.08 6.58 30.36 3.46 41.76 6.92\"><\/polygon><polygon class=\"cls-1\" points=\"28.93 52.72 16.58 56.52 16.58 37.36 28.93 33.97 28.93 52.72\"><\/polygon><polygon class=\"cls-1\" points=\"57.97 52.73 45.62 56.53 45.62 37.37 57.97 33.97 57.97 52.73\"><\/polygon><polygon class=\"cls-1\" points=\"28 32.55 16.69 35.72 3.33 32.21 16.6 29.09 28 32.55\"><\/polygon><polygon class=\"cls-1\" points=\"55.99 32.46 44.67 35.71 31.39 32.45 44.67 29.22 55.99 32.46\"><\/polygon><polygon class=\"cls-1\" points=\"44.38 56.8 31.1 52.76 31.1 33.7 43.87 37.1 44.38 56.8\"><\/polygon><polygon class=\"cls-1\" 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<\/div><h3><strong>Planned<\/strong> provision in the setting<\/h3><div class=\"box-content list-col-1\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Keep routines consistent<\/strong> to help the child to make sense of what they are experiencing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Allow extra time at activities<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Provide opportunities for the child to explore resources using<strong> all<\/strong> of their senses.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ensure all practitioners have attended awareness training on the impact of combined sensory loss<\/strong> and are confident to support the child to access learning in the environment.<\/li>\n<li>Use the <strong>strategies and provision<\/strong> within the <a href=\"https:\/\/beta.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/oaip\/devons-ordinarily-available-targeted-support-framework\/sensory-and-physical-needs\/visual-impairment\/\" rel=\"noopener\">visual impairment<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/beta.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/oaip\/devons-ordinarily-available-targeted-support-framework\/sensory-and-physical-needs\/deaf-and-or-hard-of-hearing\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Deaf and\/or hard of hearing<\/a> sections.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use a multisensory teaching approach<\/strong> using strategies from MSI specialist curriculum.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Build on current learning strengths and preferences<\/strong> to support the development of new concepts.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Provide opportunities to form social relationships with peers<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ensure that background noise is monitored, <\/strong>and action is taken to improve the acoustic environment. For example, use of carpets, curtains and cushions, and separating noisy and quiet areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"content-boxes clearfix\" id=\"block_acf-block-693c1d7db0ddc\"><ul class=\"grid-x grid-margin-x small-up-1 medium-up-1 large-up-1\"><li class=\"cell box-contents\"><div class=\"box-contents-inner has-svg\"><div class=\"box-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"Layer_1\" viewBox=\"0 0 76.62 60\"><defs><style>.cls-1{fill:#f3f1f6;}.cls-2{fill:#5d4c77;}<\/style><\/defs><path class=\"cls-1\" d=\"M1.37,3h73v52H1.37V3Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M46.52,13.63h19.15v5.47h-19.15v-5.47Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M46.52,27.26h19.15v5.47h-19.15v-5.47Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M46.52,40.9h19.15v5.47h-19.15v-5.47Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M10.94,13.63h19.15v5.47H10.94v-5.47Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M10.94,27.26h19.15v5.47H10.94v-5.47Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M10.94,40.9h19.15v5.47H10.94v-5.47Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M71.14,0H5.47C2.46,0,0,2.44,0,5.45v49.09c0,3.02,2.46,5.46,5.47,5.46h65.67c3.02,0,5.47-2.44,5.47-5.46V5.45C76.61,2.44,74.16,0,71.14,0ZM5.47,5.45h30.1v49.09H5.47V5.45ZM41.04,54.54V5.45h30.1v49.09h-30.1Z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/div><h3><strong>Resources<\/strong> for settings<\/h3><div class=\"box-content list-col-1\"><p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Support services<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/request-for-access-to-send-support-guidance\/\">Request support from Devon&#8217;s Sensory or Physical Needs Team<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Further reading and information<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Resources and information from Devon&#8217;s Sensory or Physical Needs Team<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/multi-sensory-impairment\/\">Devon&#8217;s Sensory or Physical Needs Team (multi-sensory impairment)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/multi-sensory-impairment\/top-tips-for-msi-inclusion-in-the-classroom\/\">How to promote MSI inclusion in the classroom &#8211; top tips<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/multi-sensory-impairment\/considerations-for-an-msi-friendly-setting\/\">Considerations for an MSI friendly setting<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/multi-sensory-impairment\/early-communication\/\">Early Communication<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/multi-sensory-impairment\/on-body-signs\/\">Eight essential on-body signs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/multi-sensory-impairment\/how-to-use-a-space-blanket-top-tips-and-activity-ideas\/\">How to use a Space Blanket &#8211; Top tips and activity ideas<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/multi-sensory-impairment\/how-to-use-a-resonance-board-top-tips-and-activity-ideas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to use a resonance board \u2013 Top tips and activity ideas<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/for-professionals\/resources-for-education-and-early-years-professionals\/making-play-inclusive\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Toolkit: Making play inclusive | SENSE<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.natsip.org.uk\/doc-library-login\/natsip-briefing-documents-and-papers\/what-good-looks-like-observational-schedule\" rel=\"noopener\">NatSIP &#8211; What Good Looks Like: Observational Schedule<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Resources to share with parents<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Resources within the <a href=\"https:\/\/beta.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/oaip\/devons-ordinarily-available-targeted-support-framework\/sensory-and-physical-needs\/visual-impairment\/\" rel=\"noopener\">visual impairment<\/a>\u00a0and <a href=\"https:\/\/beta.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/oaip\/devons-ordinarily-available-targeted-support-framework\/sensory-and-physical-needs\/deaf-and-or-hard-of-hearing\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Deaf and\/or hard of hearing<\/a> sections will be useful for parent carers of children and young people with MSI.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/\" rel=\"noopener\">SENSE<\/a>: support for deafblind people and other disabled people with complex needs.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cerebra.org.uk\/get-advice-support\/library\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Toy library<\/a> | Cerebra<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":981,"featured_media":0,"parent":34763,"menu_order":3,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-34816","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-04-28 21:53:43","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34816","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/981"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34816"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34816\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34897,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34816\/revisions\/34897"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34763"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34816"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}