10 More Things to Know about DeafBlindness

Five years ago, I shared ten things to know about deafblindness. My goal was to foster understanding and make interactions easier.

Today, I'm back with ten more tips.

1. Identify Yourself Clearly

When approaching a DeafBlind person lightly touch their arm or shoulder and then clearly state your name. If they can't hear, ask how to communicate with them, or write in block letters in the palm of their hand.

Please avoid playing the 'guess who' game with a DeafBlind person. While it might seem harmless, it can be frustrating and even demeaning. It takes up valuable time and reinforces misconceptions about our abilities. I promise you if you did this to me, you'll be remembered as an expletive.

2. Be Patient with Communication

As mentioned, ask the DeafBlind person their preferred method of communication and use it.

Communication may take longer because they may need time to process information and respond. Please don't rush or interrupt them.

3. Use Clear and Concise Language

Include visual descriptions and verbal or written directions, and gesture when giving directions. Please, for the love of all that is sighted and hearing, don't say "over there" to a DeafBlind person. "Over there" could be a cliff, a fire hydrant, or a portal to another dimension – we have no idea.

If we're looking for the bathroom, give verbal or written directions such as "the bathroom is on the left at the end of the counter, turn left, and it's at the end of the hall on the right".

Take it a step further and offer your elbow to guide them there and say "I can take you there".

4. Include Visual Information

When you're with a DeafBlind person, describe the space you're in, including any obstacles, changes in flooring, or significant sounds. This helps them build a mental map.

Let them know who's in the area, who's coming and going, and anything happening - are people laughing, is there a speaker announcement, and other pertienent information.

I was once at a DeafBlind Conference where there were about 50 DeafBlind attendents (and about 100 SSPs). Near the end of the 4-day event, a DeafBlind man finally discovered that his old classmate was there the whole time and sadly did not have enough time to catch up.

5. Be Mindful of your Surroundings

Being DeafBlind we already struggle with light and sound distractions, so be mindful of your surroundings. If you can control it, turn down the volume, and adjust any window blinds or shades.

If you can't control the surroundings, ask if they'd like to move to a brighter (or darker) spot where it's quieter.

This boosts communication and understanding and eases the struggle to understand.

6. Include Them in Activities

Sadly, I've seen DeafBlind indivuals at events, seated but not involved. They're sitting there but not taking in their surroundings while their "companions" chat away with others. The DeafBlind person about as involved as the tablecloth.

Get them involved, ask questions and opinions. Even better would be getting an SSP to faciltate communication with everyone.

Deafblind people have unique experiences and perspectives that you may not know and learning from them will certainly be enlightening.

7. Be Mindful of Their Other Senses

There's an old myth that "if you lose one sense, the other senses become stronger". Technically they don't become stronger, but they are relied on more.

So, be mindful of the DeafBlind person's other senses such as smell and touch.

Cologne, Perfumes, smoke and other smells may be more sensitive to the DeafBlind person.

The sense of touch is strongest in DeafBlind people as we "tactile" to see, communicate, and navigate. Be aware of how you touch them - a simple tap or touch on the shoulder or arm is sufficient. Avoid grabbing, pulling, or patting them on the head, as this can be startling or disorienting.

8. Learn Some Basic Signs or Fingerspelling

If they sign, knowing a few basic signs or the alphabet can greatly enhance communication and show your willingness to connect.

Here's my video teaching the ASL Alphabet. If you're interested in more sign language Lifeprint is a great free self-paced resource.

9. Remember They are Individuals

I really need to reiterate this - Deafblindness is just one aspect of a person's identity.

Don't make assumptions about their abilities, interests, or personality based solely on their disability.

Again, DeafBlindness is a spectrum from mild to severe and no two diagnoses will have the same outcome.

Just because one DeafBlind person preferred a method doess not mean it will work for another.

10. Educate Others

Politely correct others who are misinformed or make assumptions about DeafBlindness. Help raise awareness and understanding.

Share my articles on DeafBlindness, follow DeafBlind creators on Social Media and support your local agency.

Sharing these insights is my way of building bridges. I hope you'll join me in this effort and feel free to ask me questions.