• Representing between 0.2% to 2% of the population, making the DeafBlind community is a very diverse population!

  • Across the world, there are more than 300 different sign languages! Despite the misconception, sign language is not universal.

  • DeafBlind people can access communication in different ways like braille, large print, zoom text, and of course, tactile sign!

Interviews with DeafBlind Individuals!

This is your backstage pass to the stories, motivations, and lived experiences of the DeafBlind folks behind our team and pushing us toward a future where accessibility is at the forefront of innovation.

Meet Marianne

Marianne began losing her vision in her 30s and mainly uses tactile sign to communicate, but is now committed to seriously learning braille at age 59 despite the challenges.

Meet Winnie!

Winnie has Usher Syndrome. She overcame early vision loss, family communication barriers, and educational challenges, eventually graduating at the top of her class from Gallaudet University.

Meet John!

After learning independent living skills at the Perkins School, John now lives alone in an accessible apartment, using assistive technology and community support to manage daily tasks.

Additional Resources

If you are a DeafBlind person looking for resources, or looking to learn more about the DeafBlind community, check out these organizations below.

DeafBlind Contact Center

Founded in 1980, the Deaf-Blind Contact Center (DBCC) has been proudly serving the Boston Deafblind community for 39 years. DBCC is a nonprofit social organization of and for Deaf or hard of hearing individuals who have a vision loss. Our mission is to enrich the lives of our members through socializing, educate our community and provide advocacy.

Usher Syndrome Coalition

The Usher Syndrome Coalition is the only organization in the world working to find and support every individual and family living with USH, regardless of where they live, what type of USH they were born with, or their method of communication.

Perkins School for the Blind

Perkins School for the Blind is the leader in education services for children and young adults with disabilities and visual impairments. Perkins School for the Blind, in Watertown, Massachusetts, was founded in 1829 and is the oldest school for the blind in the United States.

American Association of The DeafBlind

AADB is a national consumer organization of, by, and for deaf-blind Americans and their supporters. Their mission is to ensure that all deaf-blind persons achieve their maximum potential through increased independence, productivity, and integration into the community.

DeafBlind Community Access Network (DBCAN)

DBCAN matches DeafBlind adults with trained Providers who assist with accomplishing everyday tasks, such as: reading mail and other printed materials, exercising and participating in fitness programs, using the MBTA and other modes of transportation, doing personal errands (bank, hair salon, shopping, and more), and attending medical appointments. Additionally, this support ensures our DeafBlind community members can also engage in cultural, educational, recreational, and religious events.

Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)

DBCS is one of Canada’s leading providers of specialized support and emergency services for people who are living with a loss of both hearing and sight. Their dedicated professionals work with people who are Deafblind both one-on-one and in group settings to facilitate communication, access, independence, and participation in all parts of daily life. Their services range from intervenor services to literacy and basic skills training to emergency intervenor services in critical situations.

iCanConnect

iCanConnect provides free equipment and training for people with both significant hearing and vision loss who meet the program’s disability and income eligibility guidelines. iCanConnect is a national program with local contacts that helps people stay connected to friends, family and the world.

National Center for Deaf-Blindess

As a national technical assistance center, NCDB works with state deaf-blind projects and other partners to improve educational results and quality of life for children who are deaf-blind and their families.

World Federation of the DeafBlind

WFDB aims to improve the quality of life of persons with deafblindness worldwide, with the objective of achieving their equal rights and equal opportunities in all areas of society, to be a worldwide forum for the exchange of knowledge and experiences in the area of deafblindness, and to increase international solidarity among organizations of persons with deafblindness.

Helen Keller National Center (HKNC)

Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) is the only national program providing comprehensive vocational rehabiliation services to youth (16 and older), working-age adults and seniors (55 and older) with combined hearing and vision loss. We work together with people who are DeafBlind to achieve their goals and aspirations.