How deafblind people communicate

People who are deafblind use many different methods of communication. The method chosen will depend upon the amount of sight and hearing they still have, the cause of their deafblindness and how long they have had a sensory impairment.

The following are a few of these simple yet powerful methods, which Sense International and its partners use in our programmes around the world.

Block

Block is a manual form of communication where words are spelled out on to the palm of the deafblind person's hand:

• Trace each letter with your finger, in block capitals, on the palm
• Use the whole of the palm for each letter
• Keep letters large and clear
• Place one letter on top of the last
• Pause slightly at the end of each word.

Braille and Moon

Both these methods are ways of producing text to enable it to be read by touch. Braille is a series of raised dots; Moon is similar to raised letters. Although neither can be used for conversation, they allow access to books, magazines and other written information.

Deafblind Manual Alphabet

Also known as finger-spelling, the Deafblind Manual Alphabet is a method of spelling out words onto a deafblind person's hand. Each letter is denoted by a particular sign or place on the hand. Although it does take some time to learn, the manual alphabet is faster to use than block and more commonly used.

Objects of reference

These are really important for home-based work. Objects become learning tools, and a specific object can be used to denote a person or an activity. A plastic duck, therefore, means bathtime, a bowl means supper, a bangle might signify a specific teacher, a hair clip, someone’s mother. This method allows deafblind people to choose activities, as well as others to let them know what is planned.