Gaya Warner

Born and bred in Nepal, I have lived and worked in Hampshire since 2009. I started the job role (sensory officer) in 2013 within Hampshire County Council (HCC) and prior to being a sensory officer, worked in various health and social care settings. I have achieved my Deafblind level 2 qualification and Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) certificate from RNIB Birmingham. This was arranged, paid for and supported by HCC’s Reablement Service. Regular on the job observation, work experience, training, academic qualifications etc. have enabled me to understand and explore service users’ hearing, sight and dual sensory impairments in detail and to provide the appropriate support.

The role and training have shown me the importance of using effective communication skills when supporting people with a sensory impairment and how important it is to use the appropriate approach, explanation, discussion, exploration and answering skills to service users’ issues and concerns. I have gained knowledge and understanding of sensory impairment and its impact on people’s everyday life, including family and relationships, daily living activities, social activities, retention of jobs or volunteering opportunities, finance, orientation and mobility, accessibility of information and the impact on their functional ability to be safe, confident and independent. In addition to this I have a greater understanding of the impact of how the external environment, such as lighting conditions, adverse weather conditions, indoors and outdoors level access and adaptations, can affect someone’s functional ability and their physical, social and emotional health and wellbeing.

TI have completed my NVQ 2, NVQ 3, NVQ 5, Bachelor of Science (Honours) 2020 and I am currently studying the Rehabilitation Officer for Visual Impairment (ROVI) course at Birmingham City University. This is again funded by HCC, Reablement Service.

TI am passionate and caring, hence wanted to be a sensory officer which I am now. Sensory knowledge, understanding and experience is a specialist skill that requires dedication and patience. This enables life changing support for someone, as well as to promote social justice, equality and rights. I believe in the spiritual practice of kindness and I feel lucky to have been able to support those who are in need due to their impairment.

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