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“I don’t need to look to see. I don’t need to hear to listen. I just sense it.”
To see Deafblind Communication in action, click here.
The world of an individual who is deafblind extends only as far as their reach. Through the specialized touch of our highly trained staff, called Intervenors, the world is brought closer to them. Without this, a deaflind person has little to no understanding of every day concepts we take for granted. For instance, an individual who is deafblind cannot understand the difference between a wall versus a closed door, or why you would sit on a chair and not a table. Without intervention, they are not able to understand and navigate their environment safely or communicate effectively with others, and will become isolated and withdrawn.
Communicating with an individual who is deafblind varies according to the needs of the individual. Often, when sighted/hearing people think of communication, they think of spoken, written or even signed language. Much of communication is non-verbal and even unintentional. Some communication methods used by individuals who are deafblind include speech, gesture, sign language, body movement, changes in facial expression, objects, pictures and many more.
Intervenors are specially trained to act as the ‘eyes’ and ‘ears’ of the resident. Intervenors provide information about the environment and what is happening. The process provides information to assist the individual who is deafblind to communicate, form accurate concepts, make appropriate decisions, and anticipate coming events, assists with life skills and most importantly, assists the individual to achieve as much independence as possible. Intervention is a process, not a means to an end. It is required for a lifetime.
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