Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you are a deafblind person, family member, employer, educator, service provider, policymaker, researcher, member of the media, or simply interested in learning more, this page provides answers to some of the most common questions about deafblindness and the issues affecting the deafblind community.
Select one of the categories below to explore frequently asked questions. If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please[ contact DBCA. We welcome your questions and are always happy to provide additional information or direct you to helpful resources.
People and Deafblindness
What does "deafblind" mean?
Deafblindness is a combined hearing and vision disability that creates unique challenges in accessing information, communicating with others, traveling independently, and participating fully in society. Deafblindness is not simply the sum of hearing loss and vision loss; together they create distinct barriers that often require specialized communication methods, assistive technology, and individualized accommodations.
Are all deafblind people completely deaf and completely blind?
No. Most deafblind people have some usable hearing, some usable vision, or both. The amount of hearing and vision varies greatly from person to person, and many people experience progressive changes over time.
What causes deafblindness?
Deafblindness may result from many different conditions, including congenital syndromes, genetic disorders, illness, injury, aging, or progressive vision and hearing loss. Common causes include Usher syndrome, CHARGE syndrome, congenital rubella syndrome, age-related dual sensory loss, and acquired medical conditions.
Why does DBCA write "deafblind" as one word?
DBCA uses "deafblind" as one word to recognize deafblindness as a distinct disability and community rather than simply the combination of deafness and blindness.
Why did DBCA adopt "deafblind" in 2012?
DBCA formally adopted "deafblind" as one word in 2012 to promote unity within the community while recognizing that individuals remain free to describe their identities in the manner they prefer.
Is there a difference between "DeafBlind," "deafblind," and "deaf-blind"?
Different organizations and individuals use different terminology. Some emphasize cultural identity, others use medical or educational terminology, while others follow long-standing conventions. DBCA respects these differences while using "deafblind" as its preferred organizational style.
How diverse is the deafblind community?
The deafblind community includes people of every age, race, ethnicity, language, culture, socioeconomic background, and communication preference. Individuals may become deafblind at birth, during childhood, or later in life.
How many deafblind people are there?
There is no single universally accepted estimate because researchers use different definitions and data collection methods. Estimates vary considerably depending on whether they count only people with the most significant combined hearing and vision loss or include everyone experiencing dual sensory loss. Improving national data remains an important public policy issue.
What are some common misconceptions about deafblind people?
Common misconceptions include the belief that all deafblind people are totally deaf and blind, use the same communication method, cannot work, or cannot live independently. In reality, deafblind people have diverse abilities, careers, interests, and communication preferences.
Communication and Access
How do deafblind people communicate?
Communication methods vary depending on an individual's hearing, vision, language background, and personal preference. Some people use tactile American Sign Language (ASL), ProTactile, spoken language, Braille, print on palm, speech-to-text, assistive listening technology, or a combination of methods.
What is tactile American Sign Language?
Tactile ASL is a form of American Sign Language received through touch rather than vision. The deafblind individual places their hands on or near the signer's hands to perceive the signs tactually.
What is ProTactile?
ProTactile is an approach to communication that uses touch as a primary source of language and environmental information. It emphasizes direct tactile communication and shared access to information.
Are interpreters for deaf people the same as interpreters for deafblind people?
Not always. Interpreting for deafblind people often requires specialized training in tactile communication, environmental description, guiding techniques, and individualized communication preferences.
What is a Support Service Provider (SSP)?
An SSP assists deafblind individuals by providing visual and environmental information and facilitating access to the community. SSPs are distinct from interpreters because their primary role is not language interpretation but access to information and the environment.
What is a co-navigator?
A co-navigator is a trained professional who combines environmental access, communication support, and informed decision-making assistance through a collaborative relationship with the deafblind individual. While similar in some respects to SSPs, the specific role may vary by program or organization.
Do all deafblind people use the same communication method?
No. Communication is highly individualized. Effective communication depends on understanding each person's preferred methods and providing appropriate accommodations.
What is effective communication?
Effective communication means providing information in a manner that allows a deafblind person to understand and participate as effectively as others. The appropriate accommodation depends on the individual and the situation.
Technology and Independence
What assistive technologies do deafblind people commonly use?
Many deafblind people use refreshable Braille displays, screen readers, hearing technologies, video magnifiers, smartphones, tablets, accessible computers, OCR software, GPS applications, and other assistive technologies tailored to their needs.
What is a refreshable Braille display?
A refreshable Braille display is an electronic device that converts digital text into Braille using movable pins. It enables deafblind users to read and interact with computers, smartphones, and other digital devices.
What is a screen reader?
A screen reader is software that converts on-screen information into speech, Braille, or both, enabling people who are blind or have low vision to use computers, smartphones, and other digital devices. Examples include third-party screen readers such as Job Access With Speech (JAWS) and NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) for Windows, as well as built-in screen readers such as VoiceOver on Apple devices, Narrator on Windows, and TalkBack on Android.
What is a screen magnifier?
A screen magnifier is software that enlarges text, images, and other on-screen content to make computers, smartphones, and tablets easier to use for people with low vision. Many operating systems include built-in screen magnification features, while other software provides additional magnification and visual enhancement options.
What is a video magnifier?
A video magnifier uses a camera and display to enlarge printed materials or objects for people with low vision. Some models also enhance contrast and color.
What is haptic technology?
Haptic technology communicates information through touch, vibration, or force feedback. It is increasingly important for making digital information accessible to deafblind users.
What technology helps deafblind people live independently?
Depending on individual needs, technology may include accessible home appliances, smart home devices, accessible medication management, GPS navigation, Braille labeling, wearable devices, and communication tools.
How do deafblind people travel independently?
Many people combine orientation and mobility skills with GPS applications, accessible transportation services, white canes, guide dogs, tactile maps, and environmental information provided by technology or trained support personnel.
What assistive technology is used in education and employment?
Examples include refreshable Braille displays, screen readers, magnification software, accessible note-taking devices, OCR software, communication technology, and accessible workplace or classroom accommodations.
What are some of today's biggest technology challenges?
Rapid technological change, inaccessible websites and mobile applications, inconsistent accessibility across software updates, limited interoperability between assistive technologies, and insufficient accessibility testing continue to present significant barriers.
How is artificial intelligence affecting accessibility?
Artificial intelligence offers exciting opportunities to improve image descriptions, navigation, communication, and information access. At the same time, AI systems must be designed with accessibility in mind to ensure they remain usable by deafblind people.
Programs and Services
What programs are available to deafblind people?
Programs may include vocational rehabilitation, independent living services, communications equipment programs, educational services, orientation and mobility training, interpreter services, and community-based support programs.
What is the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program?
The National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP), also known as iCanConnect, is a federally supported program that provides eligible individuals who are deafblind with communications equipment, individualized assessments, installation, training, and ongoing support to access telecommunications, advanced communications, and the Internet.
What is vocational rehabilitation?
Vocational rehabilitation programs assist eligible individuals with preparing for, obtaining, retaining, or advancing in employment through services such as counseling, training, assistive technology, and workplace accommodations.
What is the Helen Keller National Center?
The Helen Keller National Center provides specialized training, technical assistance, information, and employment-related services for youth and adults who are deafblind throughout the United States.
What are Independent Living Centers?
Independent Living Centers are community-based organizations that help people with disabilities increase independence through peer support, skills training, advocacy, and information and referral.
Does DBCA provide direct services?
DBCA is primarily an advocacy, education, and public policy organization. While it may collaborate with service providers and community organizations, individuals seeking direct services may be referred to appropriate local, state, or national resources.
How can I find services in my state?
Services vary by state. DBCA can help direct individuals to appropriate organizations and programs based on their location and needs.
Laws and Rights
What laws protect deafblind people?
Several federal and state laws protect the rights of deafblind individuals in areas such as employment, education, communications, housing, transportation, and access to public services.
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
The ADA prohibits disability discrimination and requires many employers, businesses, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations to provide equal access and reasonable accommodations.
What is Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act?
Section 504 prohibits disability discrimination by programs and organizations receiving federal financial assistance.
What is Section 508?
Section 508 requires certain federal agencies to make electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities.
What is the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA)?
The CVAA expands accessibility requirements for modern communications technologies, including advanced communications services, video programming, and equipment used to access those services.
What is the Fair Housing Act?
The Fair Housing Act prohibits disability discrimination in housing and requires certain reasonable accommodations and modifications.
What is the Air Carrier Access Act?
The Air Carrier Access Act prohibits disability discrimination in commercial air travel and establishes accessibility requirements for airlines.
What rights do deafblind employees have?
Qualified employees with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodations that enable them to perform the essential functions of their jobs, unless doing so would create an undue hardship.
Are websites and mobile applications required to be accessible?
Accessibility requirements vary depending on the organization, applicable laws, and jurisdiction. Increasingly, courts, governments, and organizations recognize that digital accessibility is an essential part of equal access.
Advocacy and Public Policy
Why does DBCA engage in advocacy?
DBCA works to advance equal opportunity, accessibility, civil rights, and meaningful participation for deafblind people through education, collaboration, research, and public policy initiatives.
Why is public policy important?
Public policy influences access to education, employment, communications, transportation, technology, healthcare, housing, emergency preparedness, and many other aspects of daily life.
What are some of the greatest challenges facing deafblind people today?
Many deafblind people continue to encounter barriers involving communication access, digital accessibility, transportation, employment, healthcare, housing, emergency information, and access to qualified support services.
How can businesses, governments, and researchers promote accessibility?
Including deafblind people throughout planning, design, testing, implementation, and evaluation helps create products, services, and policies that are more accessible, inclusive, and effective for everyone.
How can I support DBCA's mission?
You can support DBCA [by becoming involved] in advocacy efforts, sharing educational resources, collaborating on accessibility initiatives, participating in community discussions, volunteering, or making a charitable contribution to help advance the organization's mission.