Methods of communicating with deafblind people

Methods of communicating with deafblind people

Communicating with deafblind people is a unique challenge that requires an individual approach, patience, and knowledge of the appropriate techniques. Depending on the degree of visual and hearing impairment, as well as personal preferences, various methods are used, both modern and historical.

Deafblind people largely use or adapt to their conditions the methods of communication used by able-bodied, deaf, and/or blind people. Various types of alphabets or communication technologies require knowledge of the rules of the language used by the environment, even if the person’s first language is sign language.

Deafblind people often use technological aids (hearing aids, hearing implants, induction loops), computers, smartphones, know and use sign language, and read lips. These methods have been adopted from the hearing-impaired and deaf communities.

From the visually impaired and blind, deafblind people have adopted solutions such as the use of audio description, the use of computer programs that translate
text into speech, the use of special glasses,
magnifying glasses, and/or other optical devices that improve vision.