Sometimes known as 'dual sensory impairment' or 'multi-sensory impairment' , deafblindness is more than a combination of visual and hearing impairments. A person can be born deafblind (congenital deafblindness) or acquire deafblindness later in life. The needs of these two groups, and the barriers they face, can be very different. Deafblind people may not be totally deaf and totally blind; many have some remaining hearing and vision. With an impairment of the two 'distance senses', deafblind people find that their mobility, communication and access to information are greatly affected.
Worldwide, there are an estimated 2.5 million people with deafblindness, most of whom experience high levels of poverty and social exclusion with extremely limited access to health care, education and social welfare support. In developing countries, children and adults who are deafblind are often institutionalised, kept in isolation or simply abandoned. However, with basic support and education, people with deafblindness can and do communicate, support themselves and become valued members of their communities. Clearly, there is a need to ensure that the rights of people with deafblindness are included in all development action.
The aim of this key list is to raise awareness on deafblindness and to provide access to resources to support development practitioners, service providers and parents/carers.
This key list has been produced in partnership with Sense International. We welcome your suggestions: please send comments or suggested additions to: sourceassistant@hi-uk.org
