We Are Vestibular Interdisciplinary
Working Group
Disseminating knowledge and resources to people involved in the vestibular rehabilitation pathway.
ABOUT US
VIWG - Who are we?
Our working group prioritises interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together professionals from various fields including audiovestibular medicine, behavioural optometry, case management, clinical psychology, health psychology, neurology, neuropsychology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychiatry, social work, speech and language therapy, and sports science.
VISION AND PURPOSE
We Are Committed
Our aim is to establish networking opportunities that enable professionals to participate in discussions and debates about clinical topics, informed by the latest research.
We are committed to fostering collaboration and education both within our working group and with the broader community, including those living with vestibular dysfunction
Our objective is to provide support to professionals in the field as well as to those affected by vestibular disorders, by developing and distributing resources that are free and available to everyone.
Steering Group
Dr Julius Bourke, Consultant Neuropsychiatrist
Dr Richard Coates, Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist
Dr Diego Kaski, Consultant Neurologist
Sandy Le Blanc, Consultant Occupational Therapist
Owen Leigh, Lead Behavioural Optometrist
Sally de le Fontaine, Specialist Neuro Physiotherapist
Dr Peter Savundra, Consultant Audiovestibular Physician
Dr Laura Smith, Lecturer in Health Psychology
Dr Sylvia Taylor-Goh, Consultant Speech & Language Therapist
OUR WORK
Our Current Projects
We currently have the following projects underway which will result in the provision of resources for professionals and individuals with vestibular disorders. Each project is led by a member of the steering group with the support of a working party.
Education
To create a repository of video client stories relaying their day-to-day experience of living with a vestibular disorder
Led by Dr Richard Coates
Practice
To create a vestibular screening tool for case managers and other health professionals to use when assessing people with brain injury. The tool takes account of the whole person and includes a range of behavioural, cognitive, communication, physical and visual symptoms
Led by Sandy Le Blanc
Research
To investigate the effect of vestibular disorders on communication, that is, an individual’s processing and understanding of speech, speaking, reading and writing / typing / messaging. The results of the research will be available on the website later in 2024.
Led by Dr Sylvia Taylor-Goh
RESOURCES
Freely Available Resources
1. Guidance for Professionals re Vestibular Communication Difficulties
2. Self-Management Guidance for individuals with Vestibular Communication Difficulties
3. Vestibular Screening Tool for Professionals
4. Video client stories