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People Who Are Deafblind

A person who is deafblind has some degree of both hearing and vision loss. People who are deafblind are often accompanied by an intervenor, a professional support person who helps with communication. Intervenors are trained in special sign language that involves touching the hands of the client.

People who are deafblind might also use the assistance of braille, large print, a hearing aid, magnification equipment, white cane or service animal.

Tips:

  • Speak directly to your customer, not to the intervenor.
  • The customer is likely to explain to you how to communicate with them or give you an assistance card or note.
  • Don’t assume what a person can or cannot do. Some people who are deafblind have some sight or hearing, while others have neither.