Ślepogłuchota
Zapobieganie i profilaktyka

Ślepogłuchota to złożona niepełnosprawność wynikająca z jednoczesnego uszkodzenia wzroku i słuchu, które uniemożliwia wzajemną kompensację tych zmysłów, co znacząco utrudnia komunikację, uczenie się i mobilność. Profilaktyka pierwotna koncentruje się na eliminacji czynników ryzyka, w tym poprzez szczepienia przeciwko chorobom zakaźnym, takim jak różyczka, oraz zapewnienie opieki prenatalnej i edukacji zdrowotnej kobiet w wieku rozrodczym. Profilaktyka wtórna podkreśla znaczenie wczesnego wykrywania i interwencji, idealnie w pierwszym roku życia, z wykorzystaniem badań przesiewowych i indywidualnych programów edukacyjnych (IEP), szczególnie u dzieci z zespołami genetycznymi (np. CHARGE, Ushera). Wczesna interwencja obejmuje wsparcie technologiczne, pielęgniarskie, terapię zajęciową i fizjoterapię, a także leczenie chirurgiczne i farmakologiczne niektórych schorzeń, takich jak zaćma, jaskra czy retinopatia cukrzycowa.

Definicja ślepogłuchoty

Ślepogłuchota definiowana jest jako współwystępowanie uszkodzenia wzroku i słuchu o takim nasileniu, że utrudnia to wzajemną kompensację tych zmysłów. Z tego powodu ślepogłuchota jest uznawana za odrębny rodzaj niepełnosprawności, a nie po prostu sumę głuchoty i ślepoty. Osoba nie musi być całkowicie głucha ani całkowicie niewidoma, aby być uznana za ślepogłuchą 1. Ślepogłuchota znacząco wpływa na komunikację, interakcje społeczne, uczenie się i mobilność, co sprawia, że niezbędne jest zrozumienie jej implikacji dla zapewnienia odpowiednich udogodnień i specjalnie zaprojektowanego nauczania 12.

Profilaktyka pierwotna ślepogłuchoty

Profilaktyka pierwotna w kontekście ślepogłuchoty koncentruje się na zapobieganiu wystąpieniu niepełnosprawności w pierwszej kolejności. Obejmuje działania mające na celu eliminację lub redukcję czynników ryzyka mogących prowadzić do jednoczesnego uszkodzenia wzroku i słuchu 1.

Immunizacja przeciwko chorobom zakaźnym

Jednym z kluczowych elementów profilaktyki pierwotnej jest prowadzenie kampanii immunizacyjnych przeciwko chorobom zakaźnym, które mogą prowadzić do ślepogłuchoty 1. Szczególnie istotne jest szczepienie przeciwko różyczce w celu zapobiegania zespołowi różyczki wrodzonej (Congenital Rubella Syndrome), który historycznie był jedną z głównych przyczyn wrodzonej ślepogłuchoty 23.

W przeszłości zespół różyczki wrodzonej był główną przyczyną wrodzonej ślepogłuchoty, jednakże w krajach z wysokim wskaźnikiem szczepień MMR (przeciwko odrze, śwince i różyczce) choroba ta praktycznie zanikła. Należy jednak pamiętać, że osiągnięte postępy mogą zostać zaprzepaszczone przez spadek wyszczepialności wynikający z obaw dotyczących bezpieczeństwa szczepionek 3.

Opieka prenatalna i postnatalna

Istotnym elementem profilaktyki pierwotnej jest zapewnienie dostępnej opieki prenatalnej dla wszystkich kobiet w ciąży oraz odpowiedniej opieki postnatalnej 12. W ramach profilaktyki pierwotnej kluczowe jest także edukowanie wszystkich kobiet w wieku rozrodczym na temat zdrowych nawyków oraz unikania alkoholu i narkotyków w okresie ciąży 2.

Kontrola chorób endemicznych

Środki kontroli chorób endemicznych, które mogą prowadzić do uszkodzeń wzroku i słuchu, stanowią ważny element profilaktyki pierwotnej ślepogłuchoty 1. Choć ilościowy wpływ tych działań na redukcję niepełnosprawności nie jest dokładnie znany, to nie można zaprzeczyć, że wysiłki włożone w kontrolowanie potencjalnych przyczyn niepełnosprawności (np. kampanie immunizacyjne) osiągnęły pozytywne i znaczące rezultaty 2.

Profilaktyka wtórna ślepogłuchoty

Profilaktyka wtórna ma na celu kontrolowanie lub zarządzanie chorobą zanim objawi się ona klinicznie. W związku z tym profilaktyka wtórna promuje wczesne wykrywanie i interwencję poprzez terminowe badania przesiewowe w celu wykrycia bezobjawowej choroby 1.

Wczesne wykrywanie ślepogłuchoty

Wczesna identyfikacja jest kluczowa dla zapewnienia interwencji i wsparcia dzieciom i rodzinom z współwystępującą utratą słuchu i wzroku 1. Znaczenie wczesnego wykrywania i interwencji nie może być przecenione. Idealnie, wczesne wykrywanie i interwencja powinny mieć miejsce w pierwszym roku życia 2.

Zespoły IEP (Individualized Education Program) powinny również rozważyć ocenę poziomów słuchu i wzroku u uczniów z potencjalnym ryzykiem, np. przy zidentyfikowanych schorzeniach lub zespołach, w tym skrajnym wcześniactwie, zespole CHARGE lub zespole Ushera 3.

Dokładna identyfikacja potrzeb ucznia jest kluczowa dla uzyskania dostępu do wsparcia, takiego jak pomoc ze strony Wisconsin Deafblind Technical Assistance Project (WDBTAP), Helen Keller National Center lub technologii poprzez program iCanConnect 4.

Interwencje wczesne

Usługi wczesnej interwencji dla dzieci ślepogłuchych maksymalizują potencjał wzrostu i rozwoju oraz wspierają rodziny i opiekunów. W tym celu tworzone jest partnerstwo między dzieckiem, rodziną i innymi sieciami wsparcia oraz specjalistami 1.

Usługi wczesnej interwencji świadczone rodzinom i/lub opiekunom dzieci ślepogłuchych mogą:

  • Poprawić zarówno zyski rozwojowe, społeczne, jak i edukacyjne
  • Pomóc złagodzić i zmniejszyć niepokojące zachowania poprzez stosowanie strategii i interwencji pozytywnych
  • Pomóc dzieciom z niepełnosprawnością ślepogłuchoty dorosnąć, aby stały się produktywnymi, niezależnymi jednostkami
  • Zmniejszyć przyszłe koszty specjalnej edukacji, rehabilitacji i potrzeb opieki zdrowotnej 2

Wczesna interwencja dla wrodzonej ślepogłuchoty może obejmować:

  • Urządzenia i usługi wspomagające technologicznie – sprzęt i usługi wykorzystywane do poprawy lub utrzymania zdolności dzieci żyjących ze ślepogłuchotą, umożliwiające im uczestnictwo w takich czynnościach jak zabawa, komunikacja, jedzenie czy poruszanie się
  • Usługi szkoleniowe dla rodzin świadczone przez wykwalifikowany personel w celu pomocy rodzinie w zrozumieniu specjalnych potrzeb dziecka ślepogłuchego i wspieraniu jego rozwoju
  • Usługi pielęgniarskie – ocena stanu zdrowia dziecka w celu zapewnienia opieki pielęgniarskiej, zapobiegania problemom zdrowotnym, przywracania i poprawy funkcjonowania oraz promowania optymalnego zdrowia i rozwoju
  • Usługi terapii zajęciowej pomagające opiekunom w rozwijaniu najwyższego osiągalnego poziomu uczestnictwa dziecka we wszystkich codziennych czynnościach
  • Usługi fizjoterapeutyczne koncentrujące się na identyfikacji i promowaniu optymalnego rozwoju ruchowego 34

Leczenie chorób wpływających na wzrok i słuch

Niektóre schorzenia wpływające na słuch i wzrok mogą być leczone przy użyciu leków lub chirurgii. Na przykład:

  • Zaćma może być często leczona poprzez chirurgiczne wszczepienie sztucznej soczewki do oka
  • Jaskra może być często leczona za pomocą kropli do oczu lub chirurgii laserowej
  • Retinopatia cukrzycowa może być leczona we wczesnych stadiach przy użyciu chirurgii laserowej
  • Niektóre przyczyny tymczasowej utraty słuchu są również możliwe do leczenia, takie jak nagromadzenie woskowiny usznej lub infekcje ucha 1

Profilaktyka trzeciorzędowa ślepogłuchoty

Profilaktyka trzeciorzędowa jest definiowana jako interwencja dla osób, które już rozwinęły zaburzenie lub niepełnosprawność, mająca na celu złagodzenie skutków zaburzenia lub niepełnosprawności na życie jednostki i jej rodziny 1.

Rehabilitacja i wsparcie

Powodzenie profilaktyki trzeciorzędowej dla dzieci ślepogłuchych zależy od ich dostępu i włączenia zarówno do usług opieki zdrowotnej, jak i edukacji 1. Nie zawsze jest możliwe leczenie podstawowych przyczyn ślepogłuchoty, ale dostępny jest szereg usług opieki i wsparcia, aby pomóc osobom z tym schorzeniem 2.

Indywidualne umiejętności i potrzeby osoby ślepogłuchej powinny zostać ocenione wkrótce po zdiagnozowaniu. Pozwoli to na opracowanie spersonalizowanego planu opieki 2.

Plan opieki będzie miał na celu:

  • Zachowanie i maksymalizację wszelkich pozostałych funkcji sensorycznych, które posiada dana osoba
  • Nauczanie alternatywnych metod komunikacji, takich jak Deafblind Manual
  • Pomoc osobie w zachowaniu jak największej niezależności, na przykład poprzez zalecenie szkolenia w korzystaniu z długiej laski lub psa przewodnika lub poprzez zapewnienie przewodnika-komunikatora
  • W przypadku małych dzieci, zapewnienie, że ich potrzeby edukacyjne są zaspokojone 2

Wspieranie dostępności i integracji

Zgodnie z Międzynarodową Klasyfikacją Funkcjonowania, Niepełnosprawności i Zdrowia Światowej Organizacji Zdrowia (2001), usługi terapeutyczne dążą do:

  • Pomocy dzieciom w uczestnictwie w ich społecznościach poprzez identyfikację i usuwanie barier środowiskowych i osobistych, zwiększanie czynników ułatwiających w ich środowiskach oraz zwiększanie ich kompetencji na poziomie osobistym
  • Skupienia się na włączeniu społecznym i uczestnictwie, co może pomóc w zmianie postaw wobec dzieci ślepogłuchych 1

Najlepsze wyniki usług wczesnej interwencji można osiągnąć poprzez:

  • Zrozumienie rodzin, które są ślepogłuche
  • Zapewnienie usług w środowiskach, w których dziecko spędza swój czas 2

Specjalistyczne usługi wspierające

Większość uczniów ze ślepogłuchotą potrzebuje wsparcia, aby uzyskać dostęp do ludzi, środowiska i programu nauczania ze względu na wpływ połączonej utraty słuchu i wzroku. Wsparcie może obejmować usługi przeszkolonego interwenta 1.

Interwent to wyznaczony dostawca usług powiązanych, który pracuje jeden na jeden z uczniami ślepogłuchymi, koncentrując się na komunikacji, rozwoju języka i budowaniu zrozumienia koncepcyjnego. Interwenci pomagają ułatwić dostęp do informacji i promować dobrostan społeczno-emocjonalny 2.

Aby zaspokoić potrzebę zapewnienia dostępu uczniom ślepogłuchym, projekty takie jak Minnesota Low Incidence Project: Deafblind i Minnesota DeafBlind Project dzielą finansowanie na szkolenie interwentów do pracy z uczniami. Szkolenie to obejmuje specjalistyczną wiedzę i umiejętności związane ze ślepogłuchotą 3.

Promowanie świadomości i dostępności

Kampanie informacyjne

W ostatnim tygodniu czerwca obchodzony jest Tydzień Świadomości Ślepogłuchoty, ustanowiony 22 czerwca 1984 roku przez prezydenta Ronalda Reagana jako Tydzień Świadomości Ślepogłuchoty Helen Keller, upamiętniający urodziny amerykańskiej autorki i edukatorki Helen Keller. Tydzień ten podnosi świadomość publiczną na temat trudności spowodowanych ślepogłuchotą i podkreśla potencjalny wkład, jaki osoby ślepogłuche wnoszą do społeczeństwa 1.

Ten cel najlepiej osiągnąć poprzez wspieranie niezależności i tworzenie możliwości zatrudnienia, a także poprzez środki mające na celu leczenie i zapobieganie ślepogłuchocie 1.

Tydzień Świadomości Ślepogłuchoty to kluczowy czas dla specjalistów w dziedzinie opieki okulistycznej, aby zastanowić się, w jaki sposób mogą lepiej służyć swoim pacjentom ślepogłuchym. Poprzez poprawę komunikacji, tworzenie dostępnych środowisk i wykorzystanie postępów technologicznych, specjaliści mogą znacznie poprawić jakość świadczonej opieki 2.

Szkolenie personelu medycznego

Pacjenci ze ślepogłuchotą mają potrzeby wykraczające poza podstawową wiedzę dostarczaną w większości szkół pielęgniarskich na temat upośledzenia słuchu i wzroku 1.

Specjaliści medyczni często nie posiadają wiedzy na temat przyczyn i specyfiki ślepogłuchoty, szczególnie u dzieci, co prowadzi do słabego wczesnego rozpoznania i interwencji 2.

Zapewnienie odpowiedniego szkolenia personelowi opieki zdrowotnej zarówno na temat przyczyn ślepogłuchoty, jak i specyficznych wymagań komunikacyjnych osób ślepogłuchych, jest kluczowym elementem poprawy opieki nad tymi pacjentami 3.

Dostępność technologii i komunikacji

Ślepogłuchota jest złożonym spektrum niepełnosprawności, którego wiele osób nie rozumie w pełni. Ten brak zrozumienia leży u podstaw wielu wyzwań związanych z dostępnością, których mogą doświadczać osoby ślepogłuche 1.

Chociaż członkowie społeczności ślepogłuchej mają różne doświadczenia z niepełnosprawnością, osoby te często stoją przed wspólnym wyzwaniem: pokonywaniem barier w dostępności cyfrowej. Duża część komunikacji online opiera się w dużej mierze na informacjach wizualnych i słuchowych, pozostawiając wiele osób ślepogłuchych niezdolnych do dostępu do treści i pełnego uczestnictwa w świecie cyfrowym 2.

Aby zapewnić sprawne działanie tych narzędzi, strony internetowe powinny być zgodne z określonymi standardami projektowania i rozwoju, szczególnie tymi określonymi w wytycznych dotyczących dostępności treści internetowych (WCAG) 3.

Jak technologia zmieniła krajobraz dla wielu osób ślepogłuchych i na wiele sposobów pomaga promować komunikację i niezależność. Na najwyższym poziomie dostępny jest teraz tablet z dotykowym wyświetlaczem brajlowskim i klawiaturą, dzięki czemu jeden tablet umożliwia osobie ślepogłuchej pełny dostęp do internetu 4.

Międzynarodowe działania na rzecz zapobiegania ślepogłuchocie

Działania na rzecz zapobiegania głuchocie i upośledzeniu słuchu obejmują współpracę z państwami członkowskimi w celu zmniejszenia, a ostatecznie wyeliminowania możliwych do uniknięcia upośledzeń słuchu i niepełnosprawności poprzez środki zapobiegawcze i rehabilitacyjne 1.

Program kontroli i zapobiegania ślepocie i głuchocie współpracuje z państwami członkowskimi, partnerami i centrami współpracy w celu opracowania strategii na rzecz zdrowia oczu oraz zapobiegania ślepocie i upośledzeniu wzroku w regionie 2.

Należy zadbać o dostęp do odpowiednich usług wczesnego wykrywania i interwencji, we współpracy z dostawcami edukacji oraz zapewnić odpowiednie świadczenie tłumaczy-przewodników 4.

Rekomendacje i polityki

Strategie i politycy potrzebują wspólnego myślenia z wytrwałością i silną wolą, aby zająć się tym stanem poprzez długotrwały, zrównoważony wkład. Zaleca się, aby uznać ślepogłuchotę za odrębną kategorię w krajowym spisie ludności i liczeniach badawczych 1.

Brak prawnego uznania ślepogłuchoty przez państwa prowadzi do niewidoczności osób ślepogłuchych w statystykach, badaniach, politykach, programach i usługach głównego nurtu 2.

Ustanowienie międzynarodowego, krajowego i subkrajowego uznania ślepogłuchoty jako unikalnej i odrębnej niepełnosprawności z jej własnymi specyficznymi wyzwaniami, barierami oraz wymogami wsparcia i włączenia jest kluczowym elementem poprawy sytuacji osób ślepogłuchych 3.

Ustanowienie systemu zasobów informacyjnych i ciągłego szkolenia na temat ślepogłuchoty dla niezbędnych pracowników pierwszej linii (np. zdrowia, rehabilitacji, edukacji, pracy socjalnej itp.) w celu zrozumienia, jak identyfikować, rehabilitować, edukować i wspierać osoby ślepogłuche oraz jak dostosowywać usługi w miarę ewolucji modeli dobrych praktyk 4.

Dalsza współpraca i badania

Działania na rzecz ślepogłuchych w krajach nordyckich są częścią nordyckiego programu współpracy w zakresie problemów niepełnosprawności i opierają się na możliwości wdrożenia UNCRPD dla osób z złożonymi upośledzeniami wzroku i słuchu, które są narażoną i marginalizowaną grupą w społeczeństwie 1.

Ważnym zadaniem jest koordynacja rozwoju i rozpowszechniania wiedzy w regionie nordyckim poprzez projekty, grupy robocze, grupy ekspertów, seminaria i sieci 2.

Zapewnienie finansowania dalszych badań i danych w celu wsparcia bazy dowodowej usług specyficznych dla niepełnosprawności i uwzględniających niepełnosprawność, zgodnych z CRPD, przy aktywnym udziale osób ślepogłuchych i ich organizacji przedstawicielskich 3.

Istnieje ograniczona liczba ocenianych interwencji dla osób ślepogłuchych. Istnieje potrzeba skupienia się na interwencjach, które zwiększają uczestnictwo w codziennych aktywnościach dla osób ślepogłuchych 4.

Potrzeba więcej badań z większą liczbą uczestników, co można ułatwić poprzez międzynarodową współpracę między praktykami, badaczami i osobami ślepogłuchymi 5.

Edukacja i szkolenie zawodowe

Programy szkoleniowe dla specjalistów

15-godzinny program na poziomie magisterskim w zakresie ślepogłuchoty zapewnia dogłębną wiedzę na temat potrzeb i wsparcia dla dzieci z połączoną utratą słuchu i wzroku (znaną również jako ślepogłuchota) i jest zgodny ze standardami CEC dla ślepogłuchoty 1.

Program ten kładzie nacisk na aktualne problemy i trendy, komunikację, ewaluację, strategie nauczania i przyszłe planowanie dla tych uczniów 2.

Kwalifikacja OCN na poziomie 3 spełnia wymagania ustawy o opiece jako specjalistyczne szkolenie do przeprowadzania oceny osób ślepogłuchych w niezbyt złożonych przypadkach 3.

Ustawa o opiece z 2014 r. wzywa do usług prewencyjnych, które pomogłyby osobom ze ślepogłuchotą związaną z wiekiem 4.

Uczestnicy będą:

  • rozumieć wytyczne i wymagania ustawowe dotyczące oceny osób ślepogłuchych
  • poprawić swoją zdolność do identyfikacji i oceny starszych osób, które są ślepogłuche z powodu starzenia się
  • wiedzieć, jak przeglądać i przeprojektowywać procesy identyfikacji i oceny dla osób ślepogłuchych nabytych z wiekiem
  • pewnie identyfikować wpływ ślepogłuchoty na dobrostan jednostki i, jeśli zostanie oceniony, na ich opiekuna 5

Wsparcie edukacyjne dla dzieci ślepogłuchych

Dzieci ze ślepogłuchotą mają prawo do integracyjnej, bezpłatnej, wysokiej jakości edukacji, aby osiągnąć pełny potencjał i nie mogą być pozbawione edukacji ze względu na swoją niepełnosprawność, niezależnie od ich potrzeb wsparcia 1.

Region 4 oferuje możliwości rozwoju zawodowego i pomoc techniczną dla okręgów i szkół czarterowych, które obsługują uczniów ze ślepogłuchotą. Region 4 zapewnia również warsztaty dla rodziców w obszarze ślepogłuchoty, aby pomóc rodzicom w zaspokojeniu unikalnych potrzeb ich dzieci 2.

Lista kontrolna jest rozszerzeniem świadomości ślepogłuchoty i ma pomóc personelowi lokalnej agencji edukacyjnej (LEA), zespołom zindywidualizowanego programu edukacyjnego (IEP), rodzinom, dostawcom medycznym, dostawcom od narodzin do 3 lat lub innym w określeniu, czy uzyskać dostęp do bezpłatnych usług i wsparcia za pośrednictwem Wisconsin Deafblind Technical Assistance Project 3.

Studenci ze ślepogłuchotą mają unikalne potrzeby edukacyjne. Rozszerzony program podstawowy nie został opracowany specjalnie dla uczniów ze ślepogłuchotą. Zaleca się, aby usługodawcy odwoływali się do rozszerzonego programu nauczania dla uczniów głuchych i niedosłyszących, a także do rozszerzonego programu nauczania dla uczniów niewidomych i niedowidzących 4.

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  1. 10.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Deafblindness and Interveners | Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
    https://dpi.wi.gov/sped/deafblindness-and-interveners
    As of August 1, 2021, Wisconsin officially recognizes deafblindness as an unique disability category. Deafblindness is defined as a disability of access. A student does not need to be completely deaf or blind to be considered deafblind. […] Deafblindness significantly impacts communication, social interactions, learning, and mobility, making it essential to understand its implications for appropriate accommodations and specially designed instruction. Accurate identification of a student’s needs is crucial for accessing support, such as assistance from the Wisconsin Deafblind Technical Assistance Project (WDBTAP), the Helen Keller National Center, or technology through the iCanConnect program. […] Students may also benefit from an intervener. An intervener is a designated related service provider who works one-on-one with students who are deafblind, focusing on communication, language development, and building conceptual understanding. Interveners help facilitate access to information and promote social-emotional well-being. […] If your district has a student who is deafblind or suspected to be, please contact WDBTAP. WDBTAP offers family engagement activities, mentor programs, workshops, and professional development—all at no cost to districts or families.
  • #1 Preventive audiology in the context of deafblindness – Preventive Audiology – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK601308/
    Contextualising health prevention, specifically to deafblindness in children, entails three aspects: (1) stopping the disability from occurring in the first place (primary prevention), (2) early identification and intervention to halt the progress of the symptoms and sequelae of the disability (secondary prevention) and (3) rehabilitation to mitigate the adverse effects of an already existing health condition (tertiary prevention). […] Primary prevention within the context of deafblindness, may, among others, include immunisation campaigns against communicable diseases, genetic counselling, prenatal and postnatal care at the primary health care level and measures to control endemic diseases. […] Primary prevention plays a critical role in preventing disabilities. As recommended by the WHO, primary health care, prenatal and postnatal care and immunisation campaigns are the backbone in the prevention of disabilities.
  • #1 Preventive audiology in the context of deafblindness – Preventive Audiology – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK601308/
    The authors of the current chapter argue that although quantitatively, the impact of primary prevention on reducing disability is not known, it cannot be disputed that efforts put towards controlling potential disabilities (e.g. immunisation drives) have positively and significantly achieved the desired outcomes. […] Secondary prevention aims to control or manage the disease before it manifests clinically. Therefore, secondary prevention promotes early detection and intervention through timely screening to detect asymptomatic disease. […] The importance of early detection and intervention cannot be overemphasised. Ideally, early detection and intervention should take place within the first year of life. […] Tertiary prevention is defined as the intervention for people who have already developed a disorder or disability, aimed at abating the ramifications of the disorder or disability on the individuals life and that of their family.
  • #1 Deaf-Blind
    https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/sped/cat/db/
    Most students with deafblindness need support to access people, the environment and the curriculum due to the impact of combined hearing and vision loss. Support might include the services of a trained intervener. […] Early identification is critical for providing interventions and support to children and families with combined hearing and vision loss. […] For early identification of infants and children with combined hearing and vision loss, DeafBlind Quick Cards summarize the most important information about risk factors, concerns, and next steps for referrals.
  • #1 Deaf & Blind Children | Deafblind Information
    https://www.deafblindinformation.org.au/about-deafblindness/congenital-deafblindness/for-families-carers/early-intervention/
    Early Intervention services for children who are deafblind maximises the potential for growth and development, and support families and carers. To do this, a partnership is developed between the child, the family and other support networks and professionals. […] Early intervention services delivered to families and/or carers of children who are deafblind can: Improve both developmental, social, and educational gains […] Help alleviate and reduce behaviours of concern by using positive behaviour strategies and interventions […] Help children with deafblindness disabilities grow up to become productive, independent individuals […] Reduce the future costs of special education, rehabilitation and health care needs. […] Early intervention for a congenitally Deafblind child may include: Assistive technology devices and services equipment and services that are used to improve or maintain the abilities of children living with deafblindness to enable them to participate in such activities as playing, communication, eating or moving.
  • #1
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/deafblindness/treatment/
    It’s not always possible to treat the underlying causes of deafblindness, but a range of care and support services is available to help people with the condition. […] The individual abilities and needs of a deafblind person should be assessed soon after they’re diagnosed. This will allow a tailored care plan to be drawn up. […] The care plan will aim to: preserve and maximise any remaining sensory functions the person has, teach alternative communication methods such as the Deafblind Manual, help the person retain as much independence as possible for example, by recommending they receive training to use a long cane or guide dog or through the provision of a communicator guide, for young children, ensure their educational needs are met. […] Some conditions that affect hearing and vision can be treated using medication or surgery. For example: cataracts can often be treated by surgically implanting an artificial lens in the eye, glaucoma can often be treated using eye drops or laser surgery, diabetic retinopathy can be treated in the early stages using laser surgery. […] Some causes of temporary hearing loss are also treatable, such as earwax build-up or ear infections.
  • #1 Preventive audiology in the context of deafblindness – Preventive Audiology – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK601308/
    The success of tertiary prevention for deaf-blind children is dependent on their access and inclusion to both health care services and education. […] This section outlines the solutions and recommendations for the potential prevention of deafblindness, early detection and the enhancement of the QoL of deaf-blind children and their families in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • #1 Deaf & Blind Children | Deafblind Information
    https://www.deafblindinformation.org.au/about-deafblindness/congenital-deafblindness/for-families-carers/early-intervention/
    In accordance with the World Health Organisation International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (2001), therapy services strive to: Assist children to participate in their communities by identifying and removing environmental and personal barriers, increasing facilitators in their environments, and enhancing their competence at the personal level […] Focus on social inclusion and participation, which may assist in changing attitudes towards children who are deafblind.
  • #1 DEAFBLIND AWARENESS WEEK – June 22-28, 2025 – National Today
    https://nationaltoday.com/deafblind-awareness-week/
    On June 22, 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the last week beginning June 24, as Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week, commemorating American author and educator Helen Kellers birthday. The week raises public awareness of the difficulties caused by deafblindness and highlights the potential contributions that deafblind people make to society. […] The latter is best achieved by fostering independence and creating employment opportunities, as well as measures to cure and prevent deafblindness. […] It is estimated that many people in the world are living with severe deafblindness. Help spread awareness of the condition and take measures to make the world more deafblind-friendly. […] Together, after we raise awareness of deafblindness, we can work hard to make the world more deafblind-friendly for our deafblind family and friends.
  • #1 Deafblindness and health advocacy
    https://www.myamericannurse.com/deafblindness-and-health-advocacy/
    Patients with deafblindness have needs beyond the basic knowledge provided in most nursing schools regarding hearing and visual impairment. […] These patients require specialized and personalized services that are more complex than those designed solely for deaf or blind people. […] Early detection and intervention can help members of this population experience the best quality of life. […] Medical appointments and healthcare encounters can be confusing for many people with deafblindness. They require specialized and personalized services that are more complex than those designed solely for deaf or blind people. […] Use checkpoints throughout the healthcare encounter to assess the patients comfort level and understanding. […] Research state and national deafblind outreach projects, including the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults, the American Association of the Deaf-Blind, and the National Family Association for Deaf-Blind. […] Without appropriate communication, environmental safety, and behavioral de-escalation assistance, healthcare encounters can cause traumatic experiences for this patient population.
  • #1 Accessibility For People Who Are DeafBlind | A Web For AllShare on XShare on LinkedIn
    https://www.levelaccess.com/blog/understanding-assistive-technology-how-do-deaf-blind-people-use-technology/
    DeafBlindness is a complex spectrum of disabilities that many people don’t fully understand. This lack of understanding is at the root of many of the challenges around accessibility that people who are DeafBlind might experience. […] Regardless of an individual’s unique experience of disability, people who are DeafBlind can face many barriers in everyday life. In particular, inaccessible website content and mobile apps can present significant challenges for these users. […] While members of the DeafBlind community have different experiences of disability, these individuals often face a common challenge: navigating digital accessibility barriers. Much online communication relies heavily on visual and auditory information, leaving many individuals who are DeafBlind unable to access content and fully participate in the digital world.
  • #1 WHO EMRO | Control and prevention of blindness and deafness | Entity
    https://www.emro.who.int/entity/blindness/index.html
    Activities for the prevention of deafness and hearing impairment include working with Member States in reducing and eventually eliminating avoidable hearing impairment and disability through preventive and rehabilitative measures. […] The control and prevention of blindness and deafness programme works with Member States, partners and collaborating centres to develop strategies for eye health and the prevention of blindness and visual impairment in the Region.
  • #1
    https://journals.lww.com/ijcm/abstract/2024/49001/ijcm_207a__deaf_blindness_in_india__prevention_and.207.aspx
    Deaf-blindness is a disability encompassing varying degrees of hearing impairment and low vision together. […] In India, there are no organized data for deafblindness and estimates indicate there could be more than 500,000 deafblind people. […] Primary prevention by (i) immunization against Rubella to prevent Congenital Rubella syndrome; (ii) education of all women of childbearing age about healthy habits and avoiding alcohol and drug use; and (iii) accessible antenatal health care for all pregnant women. […] Strategists and politicians need joint up thinking with perseverance and a strong will to tackle this condition with long term sustained input. They are urged to consider deafblindness as a distinct category in the national census and survey counts.
  • #1 Deafblind field
    https://nordicwelfare.org/en/disability-issues/the-deafblind-field/
    Deafblindness is a combined vision and hearing impairment of such severity that it is hard for the impaired senses to compensate for each other. Thus, deafblindness is a distinct disability. […] The deafblind field at Nordic Welfare Centre, supports equal opportunities and participation in society for people with combined vision and hearing impairment and deafblindness. Nordic cooperation and shared knowledge development are necessary since this is a relatively small area in each individual country. […] An important task is to coordinate the development and dissemination of knowledge in the Nordic region through projects, working groups, expert groups, seminars, and networks. […] Nordic deafblind activities are part of the Nordic Programme for Co-operation on Disability Issues and are based on being able to implement the UNCRPD for people with combined visual and hearing impairments, who are a vulnerable and marginalised group in society.
  • #1 Certificate in Deafblindness Education | Shawnee State
    https://www.shawnee.edu/graduate-school/education/certificate-deafblindness-education
    The 15 credit hour graduate level program in Deafblindness provides in-depth knowledge of the needs and supports for children with combined hearing-vision loss (also known as Deafblindness) and is aligned with CEC standards for Deafblindness. […] It emphasizes current issues and trends, communication, evaluation, teaching strategies, and future planning for these students. […] EDDB 6501 Characteristics, Issues and Trends in Education of Learners with Deafblindness […] EDDB 6502 Communication and Sensory Needs for Learners with Deafblindness […] EDDB 6503 Assessment and Educational Planning for Learners with Deafblindness […] EDDB 6504 Academic, Social-emotional and Behavioral Needs of Learners with Deafblindness […] EDDB 6505 Collaboration, Transition and Futures Planning for Learners with Deafblindness.
  • #1 WFDB Global Report 2023 – WFDB
    https://wfdb.eu/wfdb-report-2022/
    This section considers the measures required by persons with deafblindness, as a distinct group of persons with disabilities, across mainstream services and policies aimed to reach the public. […] Children with deafblindness have a right to an inclusive, free, quality education to meet their full potential and cannot be prohibited from education due to their disability, regardless of their support needs. […] Persons with deafblindness have a right to the highest attainable standard of health, including access to affordable, quality health care, community access to health services, and access to health specialists, including sexual and reproductive health. […] These good practices should be applied across different areas of health and may require further tailoring of interventions to ensure that persons with deafblindness are able to access services.
  • #2 Deaf-Blind
    https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/sped/cat/db/
    Deafblindness is defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as: „concomitant (simultaneous) hearing and visual impairments, the combination of which causes such severe communication and other developmental and educational needs that they cannot be accommodated in special education programs solely for children with deafness or children with blindness.” […] IEP teams should also consider evaluating hearing and vision levels when a student has at-risk potential, such as an identified condition or syndrome, including extreme prematurity, CHARGE Syndrome, or Usher Syndrome. […] To address the need to provide access to students who are deafblind, the Minnesota Low Incidence Project: Deafblind and the Minnesota DeafBlind Project share funding to train interveners to work with students. This training includes specialized knowledge and skills related to deafblindness.
  • #2
    https://journals.lww.com/ijcm/abstract/2024/49001/ijcm_207a__deaf_blindness_in_india__prevention_and.207.aspx
    Deaf-blindness is a disability encompassing varying degrees of hearing impairment and low vision together. […] In India, there are no organized data for deafblindness and estimates indicate there could be more than 500,000 deafblind people. […] Primary prevention by (i) immunization against Rubella to prevent Congenital Rubella syndrome; (ii) education of all women of childbearing age about healthy habits and avoiding alcohol and drug use; and (iii) accessible antenatal health care for all pregnant women. […] Strategists and politicians need joint up thinking with perseverance and a strong will to tackle this condition with long term sustained input. They are urged to consider deafblindness as a distinct category in the national census and survey counts.
  • #2 Preventive audiology in the context of deafblindness – Preventive Audiology – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK601308/
    The authors of the current chapter argue that although quantitatively, the impact of primary prevention on reducing disability is not known, it cannot be disputed that efforts put towards controlling potential disabilities (e.g. immunisation drives) have positively and significantly achieved the desired outcomes. […] Secondary prevention aims to control or manage the disease before it manifests clinically. Therefore, secondary prevention promotes early detection and intervention through timely screening to detect asymptomatic disease. […] The importance of early detection and intervention cannot be overemphasised. Ideally, early detection and intervention should take place within the first year of life. […] Tertiary prevention is defined as the intervention for people who have already developed a disorder or disability, aimed at abating the ramifications of the disorder or disability on the individuals life and that of their family.
  • #2 Deaf & Blind Children | Deafblind Information
    https://www.deafblindinformation.org.au/about-deafblindness/congenital-deafblindness/for-families-carers/early-intervention/
    Early Intervention services for children who are deafblind maximises the potential for growth and development, and support families and carers. To do this, a partnership is developed between the child, the family and other support networks and professionals. […] Early intervention services delivered to families and/or carers of children who are deafblind can: Improve both developmental, social, and educational gains […] Help alleviate and reduce behaviours of concern by using positive behaviour strategies and interventions […] Help children with deafblindness disabilities grow up to become productive, independent individuals […] Reduce the future costs of special education, rehabilitation and health care needs. […] Early intervention for a congenitally Deafblind child may include: Assistive technology devices and services equipment and services that are used to improve or maintain the abilities of children living with deafblindness to enable them to participate in such activities as playing, communication, eating or moving.
  • #2
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/deafblindness/treatment/
    It’s not always possible to treat the underlying causes of deafblindness, but a range of care and support services is available to help people with the condition. […] The individual abilities and needs of a deafblind person should be assessed soon after they’re diagnosed. This will allow a tailored care plan to be drawn up. […] The care plan will aim to: preserve and maximise any remaining sensory functions the person has, teach alternative communication methods such as the Deafblind Manual, help the person retain as much independence as possible for example, by recommending they receive training to use a long cane or guide dog or through the provision of a communicator guide, for young children, ensure their educational needs are met. […] Some conditions that affect hearing and vision can be treated using medication or surgery. For example: cataracts can often be treated by surgically implanting an artificial lens in the eye, glaucoma can often be treated using eye drops or laser surgery, diabetic retinopathy can be treated in the early stages using laser surgery. […] Some causes of temporary hearing loss are also treatable, such as earwax build-up or ear infections.
  • #2 Deaf & Blind Children | Deafblind Information
    https://www.deafblindinformation.org.au/about-deafblindness/congenital-deafblindness/for-families-carers/early-intervention/
    Family training services provided by qualified personnel to assist the family in understanding the special needs of the child who is deafblind and in promoting the childs development. […] Nursing services assessment of health status of the child for the purpose of providing nursing care, provision of nursing care to prevent health problems, restore and improve functioning, and promote optimal health and development. […] Occupational therapy services help caregivers to develop the childs highest attainable level of participation in all daily activities. […] Physiotherapy services that focus on the identification and promotion of optimal movement development. […] Best results from Early Intervention Services can be achieved through: Understanding the families who are deafblind […] Providing services in environments where the child spends his/her time.
  • #2 Deafblindness and Interveners | Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
    https://dpi.wi.gov/sped/deafblindness-and-interveners
    As of August 1, 2021, Wisconsin officially recognizes deafblindness as an unique disability category. Deafblindness is defined as a disability of access. A student does not need to be completely deaf or blind to be considered deafblind. […] Deafblindness significantly impacts communication, social interactions, learning, and mobility, making it essential to understand its implications for appropriate accommodations and specially designed instruction. Accurate identification of a student’s needs is crucial for accessing support, such as assistance from the Wisconsin Deafblind Technical Assistance Project (WDBTAP), the Helen Keller National Center, or technology through the iCanConnect program. […] Students may also benefit from an intervener. An intervener is a designated related service provider who works one-on-one with students who are deafblind, focusing on communication, language development, and building conceptual understanding. Interveners help facilitate access to information and promote social-emotional well-being. […] If your district has a student who is deafblind or suspected to be, please contact WDBTAP. WDBTAP offers family engagement activities, mentor programs, workshops, and professional development—all at no cost to districts or families.
  • #2 Deafblind Awareness Week: What to Know for Eye Care Practice | Weave
    https://www.getweave.com/deafblind-awareness-week/
    Deafblind Awareness Week, observed annually during the last week of June, is a pivotal time to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by individuals with combined vision and hearing loss. […] During Deafblind Awareness Week, vision health practitioners and professionals should evaluate how they can better serve patients affected by deafblindness, and prepare their practice to be more accessible for these individuals. This can include enhancing communication capabilities, creating an accessible environment, and approaching care with a collaborative mindset. By implementing these best practices, eye care practitioners can significantly improve the quality of care for deafblind patients and contribute to their overall well-being. […] Deafblind Awareness Week is a crucial time for eye care practitioners to reflect on the ways they can better serve their deafblind patients. By enhancing communication, creating accessible environments, and leveraging technological advancements, practitioners can significantly improve the quality of care provided. Let us use this awareness week, from June 23 to June 29, 2024, to commit to greater awareness, understanding, and support for the deafblind community.
  • #2 Persons with Deafblindness and Health – WFDB
    https://wfdb.eu/wfdb-report-2018/deafblindness-and-health/
    The literature review also found evidence that persons with deafblindness may experience poorer levels of health and barriers to accessing health services. These studies are, however, mostly restricted to high-income settings. […] There is also a growing body of research demonstrating that persons with deafblindness are more likely to experience depression and other mental health conditions compared to both people without sensory impairments or with visual or hearing impairment alone. […] The consultation undertaken at the 2018 Helen Keller World Conference provided a more detailed picture of healthcare for persons with deafblindness, highlighting several key issues: Medical professionals lack knowledge about the causes and specificity of deafblindness, particularly in children, which leads to poor early identification and intervention.
  • #2 Accessibility For People Who Are DeafBlind | A Web For AllShare on XShare on LinkedIn
    https://www.levelaccess.com/blog/understanding-assistive-technology-how-do-deaf-blind-people-use-technology/
    DeafBlindness is a complex spectrum of disabilities that many people don’t fully understand. This lack of understanding is at the root of many of the challenges around accessibility that people who are DeafBlind might experience. […] Regardless of an individual’s unique experience of disability, people who are DeafBlind can face many barriers in everyday life. In particular, inaccessible website content and mobile apps can present significant challenges for these users. […] While members of the DeafBlind community have different experiences of disability, these individuals often face a common challenge: navigating digital accessibility barriers. Much online communication relies heavily on visual and auditory information, leaving many individuals who are DeafBlind unable to access content and fully participate in the digital world.
  • #2 WHO EMRO | Control and prevention of blindness and deafness | Entity
    https://www.emro.who.int/entity/blindness/index.html
    Activities for the prevention of deafness and hearing impairment include working with Member States in reducing and eventually eliminating avoidable hearing impairment and disability through preventive and rehabilitative measures. […] The control and prevention of blindness and deafness programme works with Member States, partners and collaborating centres to develop strategies for eye health and the prevention of blindness and visual impairment in the Region.
  • #2 WFDB Global Report 2023 – WFDB
    https://wfdb.eu/wfdb-report-2022/
    This report builds on the quantitative analysis of the first report, providing data on children with deafblindness. […] The aim of this report is to serve as an advocacy tool for WFDB members and their allies to stimulate collaboration and partnerships to advance the rights of persons with deafblindness and to inform stakeholders on how to foster the inclusion of persons with deafblindness. […] More specifically, this section considers the preconditions necessary for inclusion for persons with deafblindness, as a distinct group of persons with disabilities, to support their access to services across all sectors. […] Disability-specific services are specially designed community-based services to meet the requirements of persons with disabilities, including persons with deafblindness. […] The lack of legal recognition of deafblindness by States leads to the invisibility of persons with deafblindness in statistics, research, policies, programmes, and mainstream services.
  • #2 Deafblind field
    https://nordicwelfare.org/en/disability-issues/the-deafblind-field/
    Deafblindness is a combined vision and hearing impairment of such severity that it is hard for the impaired senses to compensate for each other. Thus, deafblindness is a distinct disability. […] The deafblind field at Nordic Welfare Centre, supports equal opportunities and participation in society for people with combined vision and hearing impairment and deafblindness. Nordic cooperation and shared knowledge development are necessary since this is a relatively small area in each individual country. […] An important task is to coordinate the development and dissemination of knowledge in the Nordic region through projects, working groups, expert groups, seminars, and networks. […] Nordic deafblind activities are part of the Nordic Programme for Co-operation on Disability Issues and are based on being able to implement the UNCRPD for people with combined visual and hearing impairments, who are a vulnerable and marginalised group in society.
  • #2 Certificate in Deafblindness Education | Shawnee State
    https://www.shawnee.edu/graduate-school/education/certificate-deafblindness-education
    The 15 credit hour graduate level program in Deafblindness provides in-depth knowledge of the needs and supports for children with combined hearing-vision loss (also known as Deafblindness) and is aligned with CEC standards for Deafblindness. […] It emphasizes current issues and trends, communication, evaluation, teaching strategies, and future planning for these students. […] EDDB 6501 Characteristics, Issues and Trends in Education of Learners with Deafblindness […] EDDB 6502 Communication and Sensory Needs for Learners with Deafblindness […] EDDB 6503 Assessment and Educational Planning for Learners with Deafblindness […] EDDB 6504 Academic, Social-emotional and Behavioral Needs of Learners with Deafblindness […] EDDB 6505 Collaboration, Transition and Futures Planning for Learners with Deafblindness.
  • #2 Special Education—Deafblind
    https://www.esc4.net/services/special-education-solutions/deafblind
    Region 4 provides professional development opportunities and technical assistance for districts and charter schools who serve students with deafblindness. […] Region 4 provides parent workshops in the area of deafblindness to assist parents in addressing the unique needs of their children.
  • #3 My experience working for a charity for the deafblind – The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness
    https://www.iapb.org/news/my-experience-working-for-a-charity-for-the-deafblind/
    Before joining IAPB, I worked for a number of years for Sense, a national and international charity for people who are deafblind. Working there I quickly discovered the complexities and common misunderstandings around the condition. Deafblindness, or dual sensory impairment, can result from many condition and at all ages: from birth, to sensory loss at old age. However, one strong feature that runs through all causes and conditions is the problem of access and especially communication. […] In recent years in the UK, the causes of congenital deafblindness have changed. In the past congenital rubella syndrome was a major cause, though this has virtually disappeared now with the uptake of the MMR vaccination. But this could yet be undone through public health scares. Medical advances now mean that babies with very low birth weights may suffer sensory or dual sensory impairment and may well have additional physical and learning disabilities. In these instances, learning to communicate is complex and involves a range of other senses touch through objects of reference, smell for instance, using a specific scent on each day of the week to give a sense of pattern in time.
  • #3 Deaf-Blind
    https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/sped/cat/db/
    Deafblindness is defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as: „concomitant (simultaneous) hearing and visual impairments, the combination of which causes such severe communication and other developmental and educational needs that they cannot be accommodated in special education programs solely for children with deafness or children with blindness.” […] IEP teams should also consider evaluating hearing and vision levels when a student has at-risk potential, such as an identified condition or syndrome, including extreme prematurity, CHARGE Syndrome, or Usher Syndrome. […] To address the need to provide access to students who are deafblind, the Minnesota Low Incidence Project: Deafblind and the Minnesota DeafBlind Project share funding to train interveners to work with students. This training includes specialized knowledge and skills related to deafblindness.
  • #3 Deaf & Blind Children | Deafblind Information
    https://www.deafblindinformation.org.au/about-deafblindness/congenital-deafblindness/for-families-carers/early-intervention/
    Early Intervention services for children who are deafblind maximises the potential for growth and development, and support families and carers. To do this, a partnership is developed between the child, the family and other support networks and professionals. […] Early intervention services delivered to families and/or carers of children who are deafblind can: Improve both developmental, social, and educational gains […] Help alleviate and reduce behaviours of concern by using positive behaviour strategies and interventions […] Help children with deafblindness disabilities grow up to become productive, independent individuals […] Reduce the future costs of special education, rehabilitation and health care needs. […] Early intervention for a congenitally Deafblind child may include: Assistive technology devices and services equipment and services that are used to improve or maintain the abilities of children living with deafblindness to enable them to participate in such activities as playing, communication, eating or moving.
  • #3 Persons with Deafblindness and Health – WFDB
    https://wfdb.eu/wfdb-report-2018/deafblindness-and-health/
    Health promotion and prevention campaigns, for example on immunisation, non-communicable diseases and HIV/Aids, are often inaccessible. […] Provide adequate training to healthcare staff both on the causes of deafblindness and the specific communication requirements of persons with deafblindness. […] Ensure access to adequate sexual and reproductive health services, with an emphasis on women and girls with deafblindness. […] Ensure the provision of adequate early detection and intervention services, in partnership with education providers. […] Ensure the adequate provision of interpreter-guides.
  • #3 Accessibility For People Who Are DeafBlind | A Web For AllShare on XShare on LinkedIn
    https://www.levelaccess.com/blog/understanding-assistive-technology-how-do-deaf-blind-people-use-technology/
    To ensure these tools work seamlessly, websites should conform to specific design and development standards, particularly those outlined in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). […] Following WCAG standards can help prevent accessibility barriers by making sure websites and apps can be navigated by users of assistive technology, like screen readers and braille displays. […] Here are eight ways to start making your digital content more accessible for individuals who are DeafBlind: 1. Provide captions for videos: Ensure all videos have accurate closed captions. […] 2. Offer descriptive transcripts for video and audio: Provide full text transcripts for all multimedia content, allowing users who are DeafBlind to access this material through screen readers and braille displays.
  • #3 WFDB Global Report 2023 – WFDB
    https://wfdb.eu/wfdb-report-2022/
    Persons with deafblindness must be protected in situations of risk, including armed conflict, humanitarian emergencies, and natural disasters. […] The recommendations in this report are numerous. However, broken down into essential components for individual services and policy areas, it creates a roadmap for OPDs of persons with deafblindness and their allies to advocate for concrete change and to overcome the question of what works for persons with deafblindness. […] Establish international, national, and sub-national recognition of deafblindness as a unique and distinct disability with its own specific challenges, barriers, and support and inclusion requirements. […] Establish a system for information resources and continuous training on deafblindness for essential frontline workers (e.g., health, rehabilitation, education, social work, etc.) to understand how to identify, rehabilitate, educate, and support persons with deafblindness and how to adapt services as good practice models evolve.
  • #3 WFDB Global Report 2023 – WFDB
    https://wfdb.eu/wfdb-report-2022/
    Establish publicly funded live assistance for persons with deafblindness as an essential service, in particular trained teaching assistants in educational institutions and interpreter-guide/Deafblind interpreting services for all persons with deafblindness that require it. […] Provide funding for further research and data to support an evidence base of CRPD-compliant disability-specific and disability-mainstreamed services with the active participation of persons with deafblindness and their representative organisations.
  • #3 Specialist deafblind assessor training course – SCIE
    https://www.scie.org.uk/training/careact/specialist-deafblind-assessor/
    The Care Act 2014 calls for preventative services to aid those with age-related deafblindness. […] This Level 3 OCN qualification meets Care Act requirements as specialist training to carry out assessment of people who are deafblind for non-complex cases. […] Attendees will learn how to meet the minimum statutory requirement of the Care Act 2014 for assessing a deafblind person. […] Participants will: understand the statutory guidance and requirements for assessing deafblind people […] improve their ability to identify and assess older people who are deafblind because of ageing […] know how to review and redesign identification and assessment processes for age-acquired deafblind people […] confidently identify the impact of deafblindness on the individuals wellbeing and, if assessed, on their carer.
  • #3 Guidance for Implementing WI Criteria for Deafblindness | Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
    https://dpi.wi.gov/sped/program/deafblind/guidance
    This checklist is to expand awareness of deafblindness and to assist local education agency (LEA) staff, individualized education program (IEP) teams, families, medical providers, birth to 3 providers, or others in determining whether to access free services and support through the Wisconsin Deafblind Technical Assistance Project. WDBTAP is a federally funded project through the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs. WDBTAP has been established to provide technical assistance on behalf of children aged birth through 21 or until high school graduation who are deafblind. To access services through WDBTAP a child must have combined vision and hearing losses. […] Students with deafblindness have unique learning needs. An expanded core curriculum has not been developed specifically for students with deafblindness. It is recommended that service providers refer to the expanded core curriculum for students who are deaf and hard of hearing as well as the expanded core curriculum for students who are blind and visually impaired. Using these two resources in conjunction will allow service providers to identify student-specific needs and develop an expanded core curriculum that is designed specifically for the individual student with deafblindness. […] This letter provides clarification for IEP teams in regard to interveners for children who are deafblind as an appropriate related service.
  • #4 Deafblindness and Interveners | Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
    https://dpi.wi.gov/sped/deafblindness-and-interveners
    As of August 1, 2021, Wisconsin officially recognizes deafblindness as an unique disability category. Deafblindness is defined as a disability of access. A student does not need to be completely deaf or blind to be considered deafblind. […] Deafblindness significantly impacts communication, social interactions, learning, and mobility, making it essential to understand its implications for appropriate accommodations and specially designed instruction. Accurate identification of a student’s needs is crucial for accessing support, such as assistance from the Wisconsin Deafblind Technical Assistance Project (WDBTAP), the Helen Keller National Center, or technology through the iCanConnect program. […] Students may also benefit from an intervener. An intervener is a designated related service provider who works one-on-one with students who are deafblind, focusing on communication, language development, and building conceptual understanding. Interveners help facilitate access to information and promote social-emotional well-being. […] If your district has a student who is deafblind or suspected to be, please contact WDBTAP. WDBTAP offers family engagement activities, mentor programs, workshops, and professional development—all at no cost to districts or families.
  • #4 Deaf & Blind Children | Deafblind Information
    https://www.deafblindinformation.org.au/about-deafblindness/congenital-deafblindness/for-families-carers/early-intervention/
    Family training services provided by qualified personnel to assist the family in understanding the special needs of the child who is deafblind and in promoting the childs development. […] Nursing services assessment of health status of the child for the purpose of providing nursing care, provision of nursing care to prevent health problems, restore and improve functioning, and promote optimal health and development. […] Occupational therapy services help caregivers to develop the childs highest attainable level of participation in all daily activities. […] Physiotherapy services that focus on the identification and promotion of optimal movement development. […] Best results from Early Intervention Services can be achieved through: Understanding the families who are deafblind […] Providing services in environments where the child spends his/her time.
  • #4 My experience working for a charity for the deafblind – The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness
    https://www.iapb.org/news/my-experience-working-for-a-charity-for-the-deafblind/
    As in all areas of life, technology has changed the landscape for many deafblind people and in many ways helps promote communication and independence. At the top end there is now a tablet with touch braille display and keyboard so a single tablet allows a deafblind person full access to the internet. Through all these development and aids, it all comes back to having a person-centred approach, putting the responsibility on all of us to be aware and responsive to individual communication preferences.
  • #4 Persons with Deafblindness and Health – WFDB
    https://wfdb.eu/wfdb-report-2018/deafblindness-and-health/
    Health promotion and prevention campaigns, for example on immunisation, non-communicable diseases and HIV/Aids, are often inaccessible. […] Provide adequate training to healthcare staff both on the causes of deafblindness and the specific communication requirements of persons with deafblindness. […] Ensure access to adequate sexual and reproductive health services, with an emphasis on women and girls with deafblindness. […] Ensure the provision of adequate early detection and intervention services, in partnership with education providers. […] Ensure the adequate provision of interpreter-guides.
  • #4 WFDB Global Report 2023 – WFDB
    https://wfdb.eu/wfdb-report-2022/
    Persons with deafblindness must be protected in situations of risk, including armed conflict, humanitarian emergencies, and natural disasters. […] The recommendations in this report are numerous. However, broken down into essential components for individual services and policy areas, it creates a roadmap for OPDs of persons with deafblindness and their allies to advocate for concrete change and to overcome the question of what works for persons with deafblindness. […] Establish international, national, and sub-national recognition of deafblindness as a unique and distinct disability with its own specific challenges, barriers, and support and inclusion requirements. […] Establish a system for information resources and continuous training on deafblindness for essential frontline workers (e.g., health, rehabilitation, education, social work, etc.) to understand how to identify, rehabilitate, educate, and support persons with deafblindness and how to adapt services as good practice models evolve.
  • #4 Interventions for adults with deafblindness – an integrative review | BMC Health Services Research | Full Text
    https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12913-022-08958-4
    To compile the current research on interventions for rehabilitation aimed at adults (aged 18-65years) with deafblindness. […] There is a limited number of evaluated interventions for people with deafblindness. […] There are challenges with regard to receiving appropriate formal support, i.e., support from health-care or rehabilitation departments, for people with DB. […] There is a need for a focus on interventions that enhance participation in daily activities for people with DB. […] The aim of this review was to compile the current research on interventions for rehabilitation aimed at adults (aged 18-65years old) with DB. […] The implications of this disability require communities to facilitate the provision of services and adjustments to the environment and/or technology to meet the needs of people with DB to afford them full inclusion in the activities of everyday life. […] More studies with a larger number of participants are needed, which could be facilitated by international cooperation between practitioners, researchers and people with DB.
  • #4 Specialist deafblind assessor training course – SCIE
    https://www.scie.org.uk/training/careact/specialist-deafblind-assessor/
    The Care Act 2014 calls for preventative services to aid those with age-related deafblindness. […] This Level 3 OCN qualification meets Care Act requirements as specialist training to carry out assessment of people who are deafblind for non-complex cases. […] Attendees will learn how to meet the minimum statutory requirement of the Care Act 2014 for assessing a deafblind person. […] Participants will: understand the statutory guidance and requirements for assessing deafblind people […] improve their ability to identify and assess older people who are deafblind because of ageing […] know how to review and redesign identification and assessment processes for age-acquired deafblind people […] confidently identify the impact of deafblindness on the individuals wellbeing and, if assessed, on their carer.
  • #4 Guidance for Implementing WI Criteria for Deafblindness | Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
    https://dpi.wi.gov/sped/program/deafblind/guidance
    This checklist is to expand awareness of deafblindness and to assist local education agency (LEA) staff, individualized education program (IEP) teams, families, medical providers, birth to 3 providers, or others in determining whether to access free services and support through the Wisconsin Deafblind Technical Assistance Project. WDBTAP is a federally funded project through the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs. WDBTAP has been established to provide technical assistance on behalf of children aged birth through 21 or until high school graduation who are deafblind. To access services through WDBTAP a child must have combined vision and hearing losses. […] Students with deafblindness have unique learning needs. An expanded core curriculum has not been developed specifically for students with deafblindness. It is recommended that service providers refer to the expanded core curriculum for students who are deaf and hard of hearing as well as the expanded core curriculum for students who are blind and visually impaired. Using these two resources in conjunction will allow service providers to identify student-specific needs and develop an expanded core curriculum that is designed specifically for the individual student with deafblindness. […] This letter provides clarification for IEP teams in regard to interveners for children who are deafblind as an appropriate related service.
  • #5 Interventions for adults with deafblindness – an integrative review | BMC Health Services Research | Full Text
    https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12913-022-08958-4
    To compile the current research on interventions for rehabilitation aimed at adults (aged 18-65years) with deafblindness. […] There is a limited number of evaluated interventions for people with deafblindness. […] There are challenges with regard to receiving appropriate formal support, i.e., support from health-care or rehabilitation departments, for people with DB. […] There is a need for a focus on interventions that enhance participation in daily activities for people with DB. […] The aim of this review was to compile the current research on interventions for rehabilitation aimed at adults (aged 18-65years old) with DB. […] The implications of this disability require communities to facilitate the provision of services and adjustments to the environment and/or technology to meet the needs of people with DB to afford them full inclusion in the activities of everyday life. […] More studies with a larger number of participants are needed, which could be facilitated by international cooperation between practitioners, researchers and people with DB.
  • #5 Specialist deafblind assessor training course – SCIE
    https://www.scie.org.uk/training/careact/specialist-deafblind-assessor/
    The Care Act 2014 calls for preventative services to aid those with age-related deafblindness. […] This Level 3 OCN qualification meets Care Act requirements as specialist training to carry out assessment of people who are deafblind for non-complex cases. […] Attendees will learn how to meet the minimum statutory requirement of the Care Act 2014 for assessing a deafblind person. […] Participants will: understand the statutory guidance and requirements for assessing deafblind people […] improve their ability to identify and assess older people who are deafblind because of ageing […] know how to review and redesign identification and assessment processes for age-acquired deafblind people […] confidently identify the impact of deafblindness on the individuals wellbeing and, if assessed, on their carer.