
This week, we were delighted to see the launch of our new Mandatory Qualification of Multi-Sensory Impairment Post Graduate Diploma (MQ MSI PGDip) at our campus.
Excitement was in the air as the next generation of QTMSI gathered together for the first time, ahead of the two year course. This will be one of five residential weekends.
Multi-Sensory Impairment (MSI) means that a person has impairments with both sight and hearing – their sensory loss may be present at birth or acquired later. Most people with MSI will have some useful vision and hearing; however, there are some individuals who are completely deaf and blind.
The combination of sight and hearing impairments can actually cause additional challenges for the individual – such as problems with balance and spatial awareness – this is why we talk of multi-sensory impairment (MSI), but you may also hear the term ‘deafblind’.
MSI is a low incidence condition, meaning that it occurs in low numbers/is less common, within the general population. Language in the education, health and care settings can vary, making understanding this population of learners challenging. In fact – this was one of the first topics that was discussed with the cohort during the residential weekend, alongside gaining a deeper understanding of MSI young people.
“Deafblind (MSI) children and young adults require highly specialist teachers to maximise their potential to learn. This qualification will provide our students with the specialist knowledge to ensure those learners have the best opportunities in preparation for adulthood.” – Caireen Sutherland, MQ MSI PGDip Course Leader
Seashell is one of just two providers delivering this specialist course in the UK. This is welcome news for the Sensory Impairment (SI) sector and for MSI especially, as it will give more opportunities for MSI learners, their families and naturally, the professionals working with them.
We are proud to have this course validated by Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU)
Find out more about the MSI Support at Seashell here.
