Types of Assistive Devices and Technology for DeafBlind Individuals
Assistive devices and technology used by Deaf and Blind individuals are also available to those who are DeafBlind. However, the choice of devices
depends on the individual’s degree of hearing and vision loss, as well as their communication preferences.
Assistive Devices for Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
- Loop systems (for hearing aid users)
- Sound amplification systems (e.g., loudspeakers and headphones)
- Cell phones with amplified sound
Assistive Devices for Individuals Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
- Computer screen magnification software
- Text-to-speech (TTS) screen-reading software
- Large-print keyboards
- Braille displays
- Glass and electronic video magnifiers (desktop and portable)
- OCR (Optical Character Recognition) scanners and readers
- Braille printers and software
- Electronic Braille and speech notetakers
- Electronic book readers and recorders
- Tactile, audible and vibration warning traffic systems
Daily Living Aids for Individuals Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
- Talking and large-screen calculators
- Tactile and talking wristwatches
- Loud vibrating alarm clocks
- Talking alarm clocks
- White canes (standard and electronic) with different tips
- Talking kitchen scales
- Audible vibrating liquid level indicators
- Talking thermometers
- Polarizing anti-glare glasses
- Talking cell phones with enlarged text screens
- Money identifiers
- Braille labelers
- Signature guides
- Accessible games (e.g., large-print playing cards, braille chess)
Computer Literacy and DeafBlind Individuals: The Situation in South Africa
Computer literacy among DeafBlind individuals varies widely, depending on the onset and degree of DeafBlindness as well as access to education and
training opportunities.
For individuals who became DeafBlind later in life, their computer literacy is typically on par with the Deaf or Blind communities, as they may have had prior access to technology.
However, individuals who are born DeafBlind often face greater challenges due to limited access to education, assistive technology and trained educators. The quality of education at special and mainstream schools and the availability of individualized support services significantly impact their ability to learn and use technology.
Challenges in DeafBlind Education and Technology
Training
Research by Tejal Manga and Khetsiwe P. Masuku highlights key barriers faced by educators working with DeafBlind learners in South Africa:
- Lack of adequate training on DeafBlindness, communication methods and teaching strategies.
- Communication challenges between educators and DeafBlind students.
- Diversity of learning needs due to varying degrees of DeafBlindness.
- Limited support structures for educators and assistant educators.
These challenges are more pronounced in rural areas and previously disadvantaged education facilities, where resources and trained professionals are scarce. Addressing these gaps requires targeted capacity-building programmes for educators, with a focus on assistive technology training for both teachers and learners.
Existing Training Institutions for DeafBlind Individuals in South Africa
Currently, only a few institutions in South Africa provide skills development programmes tailored to DeafBlind individuals:
- KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society (Durban)
- Innovation for the Blind (Worcester)
- National Institute for the Deaf (Worcester)
- Some special schools in South Africa
Organizations such as SANCB (South African National Council for the Blind), Optima College (Pretoria), DeafSA and BlindSA offer training for Deaf or Blind individuals, but not specifically for DeafBlind learners.
Limited Access to SETA Learnerships
SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) learnerships rarely have the capacity to accommodate DeafBlind learners due to:
- Lack of trained facilitators with knowledge of DeafBlind communication methods.
- Inaccessible course materials that do not support dual-sensory impairments.
- Limited understanding of DeafBlind needs within mainstream vocational training programmes.
To bridge this gap, there is an urgent need for customized training programmes led by skilled educators and trainers who specialize in DeafBlind education and assistive technology.
Benefits of Assistive Technology for DeafBlind Individuals
Assistive devices and technology are essential for DeafBlind individuals to:
- Access information and communication services.
- Engage with society on an equal level.
- Improve their quality of life.
- Enhance self-representation and independence.
Unfortunately, two major barriers hinder access to assistive technology:
- High costs of specialized devices.
- Limited training on how to effectively use these devices and technologies.