About DeafBlindness

The term “DeafBlindness” refers to any combination of vision and hearing losses that impacts an individual’s communication, learning, and/or functioning.  Other terms often used to describe deaf-blindness are “dual sensory impaired” or “dual sensory loss.”  Persons affected by DeafBlindness may or may not be affected by other disabilities.  Regardless of other disabilities, individuals with both hearing loss and vision loss are considered persons with “DeafBlindness.”

Impact of DeafBlindness

It is widely accepted that about 80% of what we learn is acquired through vision and another 19% is experienced through hearing.  When these two major channels are affected, development can be impacted in many areas:

  • communication, language, and literacy
  • movement and motor skills
  • cognitive / intellectual development
  • emotional, behavioral, and social skills
  • participation in daily living, including recreation and leisure activities
  • employment and transition to adult life

What is DeafBlindness?