Worksheet On Deaf Blindness

1334 Words6 Pages
Deafblindness This factsheet is part of our Deaf awareness range. It is general information for anyone who wants to find out more about deafblind people. Read this factsheet to find out: What is deafblindness? What is congenital deafblindness? What are the main causes of congenital deafblindness? What help do congenitally deafblind people need? What is acquired deafblindness? What are the main causes of acquired deafblindness? What help do older deafblind people need? What equipment is available to help deafblind people? Where can I get further information? What is deafblindness? The Department of Health says people are deafblind ‘if their combined sight and hearing impairment cause difficulties with communication, access to information and…show more content…
What are the main causes of acquired deafblindness? There are many causes of acquired deafblindness, including: Usher syndrome. Sight and hearing loss as a result of the ageing process. People who have been born deaf or blind losing their sight or hearing through accident or illness. Usher syndrome Usher syndrome is a genetic condition that causes deafness or hearing loss from birth, and sight loss over a number of years. The sight loss often starts in late childhood and is caused by an eye condition called retinitis pigmentosa (RP). As their sight loss gets worse, it becomes difficult for someone with Usher syndrome to communicate and to move about safely. Usher syndrome is not connected to learning disabilities or other physical problems. It is an inherited condition that is passed down through the family. For a child to have Usher syndrome, both parents must either carry the affected genes, or have the same type of Usher syndrome themselves. Living with Usher syndrome When someone finds out that they have Usher syndrome, the news can be devastating. They will have grown up with deafness or hearing loss, and coming to terms with losing their sight as well can be very hard. People…show more content…
People who have adapted to blindness or partial sight during their lives, and are now losing their hearing. Older deaf or hard of hearing people, who usually communicate by speech or sign language and who are now losing their sight. Older people who have had a dual sensory loss for most of their lives. The problems created by dual sensory loss can make older people withdrawn, depressed and isolated. They may find it much harder to look after themselves, do the shopping, read their mail or enjoy their usual leisure activities. But with the right help, they can live fulfilling lives at home and in their community. Some local authorities provide guides who act as ‘communicators’ for a deafblind person and help them take an active part in everyday life. Depending on their needs, this may mean helping them to pay bills or interpreting at the doctor’s. What equipment is available to help deafblind people? Deafblind people can get equipment to help them live independently, including: Alarm clocks with large raised numbers. Computer packages that display text on a computer screen as well

More about Worksheet On Deaf Blindness

Open Document