In the diverse landscape of patient care, opticians serve a crucial role in enhancing visual health and quality of life. Yet, amidst our daily interactions, there exists a subset of individuals whose needs are often overlooked – those living with combined sight and hearing loss, known as deafblindness.
Consider this: How many of your patients grapple with the challenge of navigating the world without the full spectrum of sensory experiences? Statistics indicate that a significant portion of the population contends with varying degrees of dual sensory impairment. Understanding the prevalence and impact of dual sensory loss is not merely a statistic but a crucial cornerstone in providing inclusive and comprehensive eye care.
Deafblindness, a condition that affects communication, mobility and access to vital information, poses distinctive challenges that demand our attention as healthcare providers. While the needs of individuals with singular sensory impairments are often catered to, the synergy between vision and hearing loss remains an under-explored territory in optometry.
The third Deafblind Conference took place back in October, 2023, with the aim of shedding light on the prevalence of dual sensory loss. The event delved into the challenges faced by individuals with deafblindness and the wider impact it has on individuals.
Hosted by specialist sight and hearing loss charity Deafblind UK, and attracting over 930 registrants, the event is believed to be the largest of its kind. Deafblind UK CEO Nikki Morris, pictured above right, said: ‘The event is such a flagship for us. It speaks of our values in ways that statements will never be able to do. I could not have been prouder to have participated in the event.’
So, if there is anything to know about combined sight and hearing loss then this is the place to hear it. As with previous years, there was a range of national and international speakers from a vast array of backgrounds. We also heard panel discussions about the challenges of being a deafblind parent, how Deafblind UK’s support workers connect with the people they support and about how local authorities are carving out paths for their workforce to better support people who are deafblind.
Dr Liz Hodges (pictured right) discussed the impact of deafblindness on education, and Professor Tracy Harwood (pictured below right) explored developing technologies that will be an everyday part of our future. Accessibility was at the forefront of the event with lipspeakers, BSL interpreters and captions available throughout. There was a simple registration process which took account of people using screen readers.
Main takeaways
Conversation is key
Nikki Morris is open about the need for more people to be talking about deafblindness, and this event is a key enabler for this to happen. ‘We are really proud to lead the conversation around deafblindness in the UK, to drive developments forward, amplify voices and to influence change for people living with sight and hearing loss. This event is fast becoming a key calendar event for the industry,’ she said.
Sharing is caring
It is clear that sharing experiences and learning from each other should be highly valued among optometry and audiology professionals. Everyone experiences deafblindness differently and what better way to learn this than from those who are directly affected. As Christopher Patnoe said: ‘Nothing about us, without us.’ So let us keep listening and learning.
Inclusivity is the future
Huge advances in emerging technologies will make life in the future very different for people with deafblindness. It seems that inclusivity in all walks of life will become the norm, seamlessly part of the everyday and something we do subconsciously, rather than an added extra. We might have the tech companies and research institutes to thank for this, but there is also a change in attitude and greater acceptance that some people need a different way to achieve the same result.
A highlight for many people who were watching live from their homes and offices, was the session by Christopher Patnoe, head of Accessibility and Digital Inclusion EMEA at Google, pictured below right. Christopher explored how technology is being developed with inclusivity in mind from day one, to help people connect. Christopher said: ‘These technologies can be profoundly life-changing. As we develop products, if we do it thoughtfully you can meet the needs of everyone, no matter who you are or where you are. If you have to make a choice, choose to be inclusive.’
Where there’s a will, there’s a way
Alexandra Adams is the UK’s first deafblind person training to become a doctor. She talked about the challenges that she has encountered and how she wants to inspire others to achieve. She said: ‘When I said I wanted to apply for medical school and be a doctor I was told not to be so ridiculous. But it takes someone doing something new and different to set the path that is untouched and make change happen.’
Adams’ sheer determination was echoed by Megan Taylor (pictured bottom right) who spoke about her ‘superdog’, Rowley. Together, they demonstrated how dogs not only help people to get around, but to also keep us safe, healthy and connected. Panel discussions with Deafblind UK support workers and representatives from local authorities explored the role that formal support plays in enabling achievement.
Wide-ranging impact
Finally, the conference made it clear that deafblindness, or any sensory loss for that matter, has a far wider impact on someone that their ability to see and hear. As professionals, the need to take a holistic approach has never been greater.
Don’t miss out
Details of the Deafblind Conference 2024 are expected to be released soon and the Deafblind UK team will be looking for speakers. If you have a great story to tell, please get in touch via info@deafblind.org.uk. But most importantly, make sure you register for the event.
Even if you cannot make it on the day, pre-registering means that you can watch all the talks on-demand after the event.
Do not forget to subscribe to Deafblind UK’s newsletter to be the first to hear about this, and other future events. Go to
deafblind.org.uk/newsletter.
- Naomi Dainty is marketing manager at Deafblind UK.