Some of the specific methods for communicating with congenitally and multi-sensory impaired people require training and experience.

But there are simple things we can consider that make it possible to communicate with many deafblind people.

Here are some quick tips:

• Make sure you have the person’s attention before trying to communicate with them
• Gently touching the top of the deafblind person’s arm is a common way of attracting their attention without startling them
• Identify yourself clearly
• Check that you are in the best position to communicate
• Avoid noisy places and background noise
• Adapt the conditions to suit the individual
• Speak clearly and a little slower, but don't shout
• Make your lip patterns clear without over-exaggerating
• Keep your face visible – don’t smoke, eat, or cover your mouth
• Use gestures and facial expressions to support what you are saying
• If necessary, repeat phrases or re-phrase the sentence
• Be aware that communicating can be hard work. Take regular communication breaks
• Try writing things down. You might need to experiment with different sizes of letters and different coloured paper and pens
• For phone conversations consider using a text relay service (external link)