A person who is deafblind can neither see nor hear to some degree. This results in difficulties in accessing information and managing daily activities. Many people who are deafblind will be accompanied by an intervenor, a professional who helps with communicating.
Types of assistance used: Braille, large print, print on paper (using black felt marker on non-glossy white paper or using portable white and black boards), communication boards, hearing aid with built-in FM system, magnification equipment such as monocular or magnifier, teletypewriter (TTY), white cane, service animal, support person such as an intervenor.
Tips:
- Don’t assume. Some people who are deafblind have some sight or hearing, while others have neither.
- A person who is deafblind is likely to explain to you how to communicate with him or her or give you an assistance card or a note explaining how to communicate with him or her.
- Identify yourself to the intervenor when you approach the person who is deafblind, but then speak directly to the person as you normally would.
- Don’t suddenly touch a person who is deafblind or touch the person without permission.
For more tips on providing accessible customer service, please see our TDSB Training Guide on the AODA (193K 10/29/2019)
If you have any questions please feel free to email - accessibility@tdsb.on.ca