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Watch this page in British Sign Language
(BSL)
What is deafblindness?
The term deafblind describes people of all ages who have a
combination of deafness and visual impairment, which causes
difficulties with:
- Communication
- Access to information
- Mobility
Deafblindness is a unique disability that affects people in
varying ways and can also be referred to as a 'dual sensory
impairment'. The needs of people with a dual sensory impairment
cannot be met by services for single sensory impaired people.
The Deafblind Development Project in Kent
Kent's Deafblind Project has been developed in response to the
statutory guidance
'Social Care for Deafblind Children and Adults'
2001 (this link will open in a new window).
Deafblind guidance
The Deafblind Guidance asks local authorities to identify,
record and make contact with deafblind adults and children; provide
specialist assessments and appropriate services; offer support and
provide information in accessible formats for them.
What the Deafblind Development Project will do
The
Occupational
Therapy and Sensory Disabilities Unit has appointed two
development workers to develop and implement a strategy to meet the
requirements of this guidance.
We are currently identifying the numbers and needs of deafblind
adults in Kent. This covers adults who have been deafblind from
birth, and adults who have acquired deafblindness later in life,
including those with learning and multiple disabilities or both. It
also includes older people, who make up the largest group of people
with acquired dual sensory impairment.
If you know any adults who may be considered as deafblind or who
are deaf or hard of hearing and also visually impaired, please let
us know about them using our
identification
form.
Deafblindness Awareness Week - 25 June to 1 July 2007
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