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Communication
Many deafblind people use adapted or alternative forms of communication. 

Children who have been deafblind from birth (congenitally deafblind) may use nonverbal communication such as facial expression, vocal sounds, personal gestures, body orientation and body movements to express themselves.  They will be reliant on the adults around them being sensitive to and responsive to their signals.  Their behaviours may not be intentionally communicative. Adults will need to use touch, object and other sensory cues within consistent routines to promote understanding and facilitate active participation in daily activities.  Some deafblind children will go on to develop early symbolic communication using objects, symbols, signs and/or words.

People whose vision or hearing becomes impaired during childhood or adulthood may use strategies which help them access spoken, written or signed communication.  This may include low vision aids, braille, deafblind manual alphabet, block, tactile signing, close visual frame signing, use of amplification such as hearing aids/cochlear implant.

Go to Communication Links  for further information.

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