Get Communicating

Deafblindness is a disability of a different order.The impact on a person's ability to interact with both people and the environment is uniquely disabling. Anything we can do, therefore, to reduce that effect is vital and the key to this is communication. Deafblind people use a range methods to communicate, often using two at a time to access information e.g. lipreading whilst watching sign language or receiving Deafblind Manual to clarify names.

 

Making Information Accessible

Simple Steps

There are a number of ways in which you can make information accessible to deafblind people. Consider:

  • Text size - Use Arial 14 font, or larger, in bold, using lower case with only necessary capitals, justified to the left and using no underlining.
  • Language - Practice language modification to avoid lengthy documents. Take time to ensure clear unambiguous statements are used, avoiding excessive use of acronyms or jargon.
  • Formats - Alternative formats should include the normal large print, audio tape, Braille, and an easy to understand version. In addition offer a summarised version. Other formats should include Moon, CD, disk, a British Sign Language version and a sub-titled version.
  • Communication support - Be aware that alternative formats may not be enough. It may be necessary to make arrangements to provide one to one specialist communication support to enable deafblind people to access routine information, use the telephone, internet or helplines etc.
  • Support services - Ensure staff are aware of how to access communication and support services.
  • Leaflets - Have a small number of publicity leaflets readily available in these formats. Use simple designs. Print on matt paper. Do not print text on top of pictures.
  • Service access - Consider the use of one to one specialist communication support, home visits, telephones, text messaging, minicoms, email and the internet to improve access to your service.
  • Websites - Consider how accessible your website is for dual sensory impaired users. Give descriptions of all visual content including graphics. Have a text only option. Follow W3C Guidelines (www.w3.org/WAI).
  • Training - Provide deafblind awareness training to your staff.
  • Involvement - Involve deafblind people in service planning and obtain feedback from them.
  • Location - Staff should be aware of the importance of good lighting and the problems that can be caused by background noise and visual noise. If possible use a quiet room.
  • Loop System - Have a working loop system available for hearing aid users.

 

Clear Speech

Follow the guidelines for using clear speech:

  • Face the person
  • Use a well-lit area
  • Use a firm, clear voice
  • Use plain straightforward language
  • Speak more slowly than usual
  • Avoid distractions like chewing gum or hands gesticulating

 

British Sign Language

British Sign Language or BSL is a visual means of communication which makes use of gestures and facial expressions. It has its own grammatical rules and is the first language of around 4,300 deaf people in Scotland. Another commonly quoted figure is 5,300 (Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People figures).

 

Hands-On Signing

BSL users who begin to lose their vision are understandably reluctant to stop using their first language, to lose contact with the Deaf world and Deaf culture. Often they will begin to use hands-on-signing, when a deafblind person places his/her hands over the hands of the signer to enable them to follow the signing movements. This is often used by people with Type 1 Usher Syndrome.

 

Visual Frame Signing

This is British Sign Language adjusted to make the best use of the signing frame which the person can see with their much reduced vision.

 

Lipreading

Lipspeakers repeat what is said, without using their voice, so that a deaf person can lipread them easily. They produce the shape of the words clearly with the flow, rhythm and phrasing of speech. Natural gestures and facial expressions are used to help the lipreader follow what is said and they may use fingerspelling if they are asked to.

 

Block

Is a system where the letters of the alphabet are drawn on the palm of the deafblind person using the forefinger. This is sometimes used to introduce the idea of tactile communication.

 

Keyboard Interpreting

Also known as speech to text reporting, this is used by people whose first language is English. Speech is typed into a computer, word for word, so that it can be read. Special keyboards and computer software can be used and text is keyed in slightly slower than the speed of normal speech.

 

Braille and Moon

Both Braille and Moon allow text to be read by touch.

Braille Alphabet

Louis Braille lost his sight when he was three years old as a result of an accident in his father's workshop. The Frenchman invented the Braille alphabet in his teens. The system of six raised dots can be combined in a number of ways to produce the letters of the alphabet, numbers and music and scientific symbols. Blind people throughout the world use Braille for reading and writing.

Click here for the Braille Alphabet.

Moon

For those who have gone blind in later life, Moon is easier to master. This system of embossed reading was invented by Dr William Moon in 1847. He became blind at the age of 21 and while teaching people to read, found that many struggled to grasp Braille. Dr Moon therefore invented an alternative system using an alphabet of 14 characters, used in various positions. He was keen to enable blind people to read the Bible and his method was used by missionary societies all over the world. Today though, Moon is mainly used in this country.

Click here for the Moon Alphabet.