Living with disabilities and long term conditions

Communication support for people with a dual sensory loss

Dual sensory loss or “deafblindness” is a combined visual and hearing impairment. These terms also include people who are not totally deaf or totally blind. This sections introduces some of the key techniques that can help communication. It is important to remember that not everyone will communicate in the same way and that some of these techniques will require training and practice.

Clear Speech

It is important to consider these factors when talking to someone with a dual sensory loss;

  • Face the person
  • Use a well-lit area
  • Avoid places with background noise
  • Use a firm, clear voice
  • Use plain straightforward language
  • Avoid changing subjects suddenly
  • Speak slightly more slowly than usual
  • Do not shout – this distorts your lip pattern and makes you harder to lip-read and understand.

Lip- Reading / Lip Speaking

This is when someone is able to follow what is being said by watching the speaker’s lips. The person establishes the words being spoken by watching the speaker’s lip patterns and facial expressions. Classes are available to teach people how to do this as it can take some time to master this technique.

Lip-speakers are specially trained to repeat what is being said without using their voice, in such a way that the natural pattern, flow and rhythm is maintained. Lip-speakers are often used in group situations such as meetings and conferences for individuals who are familiar with lip-reading.

Deaf-blind Manual Alphabet

This is a tactile form of communication used mostly often by people with very little remaining sight and hearing. It is also known as Finger Spelling. The words are spelled out one letter at a time on to the person’s hand, using the index finger. Each letter is denoted by a different pattern/shape made on the fingers and palm of the person’s hand. This is a fairly simple technique for the speaker to use but often difficult for the deaf-blind person to learn and follow.  

Block

Block is a more simplistic version of Deaf-Blind Manual Alphabet. The letters are “drawn” with the index finger on person’s palm in the exact shape that it would be written in pen. Block uses capital letters only. It is simpler to learn than Deaf-Blind Manual Alphabet but slower to use.

  • Block information on the Sense website

British Sign Language (BSL)

A language used predominantly by people who are born without hearing. BSL is a complete language in it’s own right. BSL comprises of different hand movements and facial expressions that convey the words, as opposed to using spoken words. Classes are available to learning BSL.

Visual-Frame Signing

This technique is used with people whose first language is British Sign Language (BSL) but who also have a sight loss. The signer adapts their signing to work within the deaf-blind person’s area of remaining vision – this might mean making the signs smaller or changing the position they stand in.

Hands- On Signing

People whose first language is British Sign Language (BSL) rely on being able to see the person signing to them. Hands-on signing is used when the person loses too much vision to be able to see the signer. The deafblind person places their hands on the signers hands so they can follow the signs by the feel / pattern of the movements.

Braille

Braille is a system that enables visually impaired people to read using their fingertips. Braille is a tactile alphabet made up of raised dots – different patterns for different letters. This is most often taught to people who are born with little or no sight. Reading Braille relies on the person having good sensitivity and dexterity in their fingers. Classes are available to learn Braille.  

  • For more information please refer to the Braille section of the RNIB website.

Moon

Moon is a similar concept to Braille but tends to be described as easier to learn. It is often used by people who loose their sight later on rather than being born without sight. Moon is a system of raised patterns forming shapes that equate to each of the 26 letters in the western alphabet. The words are read by feel.

  • For more information please refer to the Moon section of the RNIB website