Deaf-blind people use various communication techniques depending on their condition. They may use sign language, touch-based alphabet systems, braille technology, or rely on guides to interact with others. The manual alphabet is a common method, while some use expensive technological devices. Partially functional senses may also determine the communication technique used. Guides are often provided to help deaf-blind people interact with the public.
There are several techniques used by deaf-blind people for communication. The tactic a person uses will depend on a variety of different factors, including how long they have been deaf-blind. People who go deaf first can learn sign language, and when they go blind, they will often learn a variation of sign language that involves touch. Those who develop blindness earlier may rely on braille technology, hearing aids, or touch-based alphabet systems. When dealing with the public, deafblind people often rely on a guide who can interpret one of these special language systems as a way to interact with other people.
One of the most common techniques used by people with deafblindness is called the manual alphabet. When using this method, one person writes shapes on another person’s hands. The shapes represent different letters and people can write each other back and forth. One of the main advantages of the manual alphabet is its ease of use. It doesn’t take long to learn, so deafblind people and their relatives can quickly adjust to regular use.
Some deaf and blind people may rely on technological devices to facilitate communication with others. Usually, these are based on braille, a keyboard and a display of some sort. The deaf and blind individual will write and receive using braille while the other individual will type with a keyboard and display a screen for receiving messages. By most standards, these devices are considered very expensive and many deafblind people cannot afford them.
Some deaf and blind people have at least partial use in one of their disabled senses. When this is the case, they will generally rely on communication techniques that are possible through partially functional sense. So, for example, a completely deaf person with partial blindness would probably rely on sign language. He may have to be closer to the individual using signs to see what is being said, but it may allow him to communicate more easily than adjusting to a new language system.
In many countries, organizations provide guides to help people with deafblindness and, in some cases, these may be provided by the government. When possible, the person with deafblindness will often make special arrangements to schedule errands during the time spent with the guide. When in public, the guide will basically act as a translator for the deaf-blind person.
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