As Eye See It – A Deaf-Blind Perspective

Fifty percent of deaf and hard of hearing population with vision loss have Usher Syndrome (deaf/hard of hearing and retinitis pigmentosa). Others more commonly experience age related cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration while others experience vision loss from birth or traumatic brain related injuries.  

This matching exercise is a very broad overview. Take a look at the following pictures and match each picture with the correct description below.

20/20 Vision

A: Cataracts

B: Diabetic Retinopathy

C: Glaucoma

D: Macular Degeneration

E: Retinitis Pigmentosa

____ I may need you to move closer to me, sign more slowly and more clearly, and sign within
a “box” (smaller signing space). Sometimes, I would need you to wear dark clothing so I can see
your signs more clearly.

____ I may need you repeat certain signs I miss and sign more slowly and clearly

____ I would need you to sign off center. I will let you know when I see your hands.

____ I may need you to move closer to me, sign more slowly and more clearly. Sometimes I
would need you to wear dark clothing to see your signs more clearly.

____ I would need you to sign within a “box”. Sometimes, at night I would need tactile
communication.

(Answers on the bottom of this page, upside down.)

Accommodating Deaf-Blind Persons

The best way to accommodate is to just ASK the deaf-blind person or deaf/hard of hearing person with low vision.

For hands on experience, come join the monthly deaf-blind socials with the Northern California Association of the Deaf-Blind. See ncadb.org for calendar of events. You may also wish to contact Sook Hee Choi, Deaf-Blind Employment Access Specialist at the Lighthouse for the Blind at schoi@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-255-5906 (VP/Voice).

Other helpful resources are nationaldb.org, aadb.org, and seattledbsc.org.

A popular text is “Guidelines: Practical Tips for Working and Socializing with Deaf-Blind People” by Theresa Smith (2002 edition; older editions include videos).

[This article originally appeared in DCARA's DeafLink and is used with permission. Special thanks to Christine Kanta for the submission and to Natty Franck for the formatting.]