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Communicating with a deafblind person
Many deafblind people feel isolated and frustrated because of their dual sensory impairment which means that accessing information and getting out and about are more difficult.
Some deafblind people use a red-and-white stick (see photo below left) as an aid to identification.
As well as the deafblind manual alphabet and the block alphabet (see below), here are a few tips that facilitate good communication:
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Never be afraid to approach a deafblind person.
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Ensure your face is towards the light.
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Whenever possible, position yourself on the same level as the deafblind person.
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Touch the individual on the shoulder to let them know you are there.
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Identify yourself on all occasions.
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Use good, clear speech and keep sentences short.
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Try to enable the deafblind person to make their own choices, including their preferred method of communicating.
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Do not give up if you feel you are not getting through; it may take a variety of approaches before you achieve effective communication.
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Always say when you are leaving.
The RNIB has published an extremely useful card (reproduced below) to help those who are learning to communicate with a deafblind person. On one side is the manual alphabet, and on the other how to write letters on the palm of a deafblind person’s hand.
