Definition of Deafblindness
Whilst there is no generally accepted definition of Deafblindness there is a working description that has been accepted over many years. Persons are regarded as Deafblind “if their combined sight and hearing impairment cause difficulties with communication, access to information and mobility. This includes people with a progressive sight and hearing loss". (Think Dual Sensory, Department of Health, 1995). Deafblindness can be found in all age groups, including children, but the incidence is greatest in older adults.
The term 'dual sensory loss' can be used interchangeably with deafblindness denoting the fact that combined losses of sight and hearing are significant for the individual even where they are not profoundly deaf and totally blind. It is the way in which one sensory impairment impacts upon, or compounds the second impairment, which causes difficulties, even if, taken separately, each single sensory impairment appears relatively mild.
This definition is also used in the Department of Health, Section 7 Guidance for local authorities, which outlines their obligations to deafblind people living in their area.
