Deafblind Awareness Week (23rd to 29th June) aims to raise awareness about deafblindness and to increase support for deafblind people and their families.
About deafblindness
A deafblind person has a reduction or loss of both hearing and sight. This affects the person’s ability to communicate, access information, get around and live independently.
There are a number of types, causes and conditions associated with deafblindness, including:
- Congenital deafblindness – where a person is born with the condition or develops it in their early years.
- Acquired deafblindness – where a person loses their sight and hearing after they have developed language in their early years. It can also occur later in life as a result of aging.
- Usher syndrome – this is a genetic or inherited condition that affects hearing, vision and balance.
- CHARGE – a genetic condition which most commonly affects the ears, eyes, heart and nose.
Help and support
Sense is a national charity that provides advice, information and specialist services for children and adults with dual-sensory impairments.
You can visit their website or contact them at:
Tel: 0300 330 9256 or 020 7520 0972
Textphone: 0300 330 9256 or 020 7520 0972
Fax: 0300 330 9251
Email: info@sense.org.uk
Deafblind UK is a national charity which aims to work towards a more equal society by raising awareness and understanding of deafblindness. They support people with both a sight and hearing loss to remain in their own homes and participate in their local communities. They also provide Peer Support, Befriending and Information and Advice services to people with a dual sensory loss, helping them to; live independently, interact with others, understand their rights and access their entitlements. Visit their website to find out more.
PCAN Kirklees provides information about a variety of local and national organisations that can support parent carers and people with a range of conditions.
