Deafblind Awareness Week 2023
Deafblind myth busting
In this video for Deafblind Awareness Week 2023, watch Max, Ian, Emma and Becca take on common misconceptions about what it’s like to be deafblind.
Are you deafblind, or do you know someone who is?
We’re always here to offer support, information and advice. If you have any questions, get in touch with our friendly team.
What is deafblindness?
Deafblindness is having both sight and hearing loss that affect your everyday life.
Some people are born deafblind. This is called congenital deafblindness. Others become deafblind later in life. This is known as acquired deafblindness.
Read more about deafblindness in our complete guide.
Stories from people who are deafblind
Want more inspiring stories like these?
How many people in the UK are deafblind?
In 2023, there are over 450,000 people who are deafblind in the UK. This is expected to go up to over 610,000 by 2035.
Find out more about the prevalence of deafblindness in the UK.
How you can help
Deafblindness can be very isolating for a child.
But you can help a child like Luca find their magic and unlock a world of potential.
Your support means that our Children’s Support Workers will help disabled children to communicate using touch, movement and sensory toys.
Who was Helen Keller?
Helen Keller was a deafblind activist and writer, who advocated for disability rights. She was born in Alabama, US, in 1880. She developed sight and hearing loss after an illness at 19 months.
She was a prolific author and speaker, who spent her life campaigning for the rights of deafblind and disabled people.
Without her tireless work, the world would be very different for people who are deafblind today.
Raising deafblind awareness at Sense
We support people who are deafblind all over the UK. At Sense, we believe everyone should be able to take part in life, no matter their disability.
Sense was founded over 65 years ago by two mothers of children who were deafblind. Peggy Freeman and Margaret Brock both contracted rubella while pregnant, and their children were born with congenital rubella syndrome, causing sight and hearing loss.
They fought for their children’s rights to live full, exciting lives. Today, we continue that mission by supporting people who are deafblind to go on holidays, learn new skills and live independently.
Get support from Sense
We offer support for people with complex disabilities, including deafblindness, all over the UK.