Chapter 3: An Introduction to Deafblindness

Table of Contents

The word β€œdeafblind” refers to any individual who has a combined loss of vision and hearing. Deafblind people vary widely in their backgrounds, experiences, and methods of communication. A deafblind person can be someone who has little or no usable vision and hearing, someone who is blind and hard of hearing, someone who is blind and deaf.

Deafblind individuals may require specialized services in the areas of communication, education, assistive technology, independent living, and rehabilitation. Examples of
potential assistive technology that someone who is deafblind might use include alerting devices for their homes, so they know when the phone rings or when someone is at the door, devices such as hearing aids or personal listening devices to help them communicate more easily with others.

Deafblind IDB clients can receive specialized assessments to learn what adaptive equipment they may need in the areas of communication and independent living. ILR teachers may reach out to the Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) to consult. Services offered through HKNC include:

  • On campus services;
  • Off campus services;
  • Information on combined hearing and vision loss;
  • Professional learning

If an IL deafblind client identifies they are interested in attending HKNC training, the ILR teacher and client need to identify costs and resources that will help to cover such costs.

Where needed, referral to other agencies or resources in their areas will be addressed.

Contact info to the HKNC Region 7 office is:

Helen Keller Regional National Center
450 E. Park Street
Olathe, KS 66061
Voice: 913–677–4562
Video Phone (VP): 913–227–4282