Did you know that over 160 million people worldwide live with deafblindness?
Despite how widespread it is, deafblindness remains one of the most misunderstood disabilities. Many people assume it means a total loss of sight and hearing, but this isn’t always the case. Deafblindness exists on a spectrum, and individuals may have varying degrees of hearing and vision loss.
Understanding deafblindness
There are two main types of deafblindness:
- Congenital deafblindness – present from birth.
- Acquired deafblindness – develops later in life, often due to age, illness, or injury.
Each person’s experience is unique, and so are the ways they communicate.
How to communicate with people who are deafblind
Connecting with people who are deafblind doesn’t have to be complicated. Often, it’s about patience, creativity, and respect.
Here are a few common methods:
- Tactile communication
- Tactile fingerspelling (on the hand) – spelling out words letter by letter
- Hand-over-hand sign language – where the person feels the signs being made
- Written communication
Large print or Braille
- Using note-taking apps or writing on paper
- Labelling items with tactile markers
- Assistive technology
- Screen readers
- Braille notetakers
- Vibrating alerts and apps for communication
Human Interaction Tips
- Always introduce yourself clearly
- Ask how the person prefers to communicate
- Don’t assume, but ask questions and listen
Why awareness matters
Raising awareness is the first step toward creating a more inclusive and understanding world. This Deafblind Awareness Week, take a moment to learn more, challenge assumptions, and explore how you can better support people with combined sight and hearing loss.
Amazing fact: Helen Keller, one of the most famous deafblind individuals, graduated from college in 1904. A time when women and disabled people faced enormous educational barriers.
Related articles: The importance of everyday communication with deaf people, Exploring the world of deafblindness in the UK
Visit Deafblind UK to learn more: https://deafblind.org.uk/
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