Dual Sensory Impairment and Communication Accessibility
Summary
Dual sensory impairment, often termed deafblindness, encompasses concomitant deficits in hearing and vision that vary in onset, severity and progression. This condition imposes multifaceted barriers to communication, mobility and social participation, as individuals may struggle to receive auditory, visual and combined multisensory cues. Communication accessibility for this population requires bespoke strategies, ranging from tactile methods and high-contrast, enlarged print to captioning, sign language and assistive devices that transform sound into vibration or text. Effective support demands an integrated, person-centred approach: evaluation of individual sensory profiles; deployment of tailored technologies; training of communication partners; and policy frameworks that ensure inclusivity in health, education, employment and community settings. Globally, the prevalence of dual sensory impairment is rising among ageing populations and remains significant in congenital syndromes such as Usher syndrome. Advancements in digital health, rehabilitation and service provision underscore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among audiologists, ophthalmologists, occupational therapists, engineers and policymakers. By bridging clinical insights, technological innovation and lived experience, research is paving the way for enhanced autonomy, social connectedness and quality of life for people living with dual sensory loss.
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Dual Sensory Impairment and Communication Accessibility publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in dual sensory impairment and communication accessibility across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Dual sensory impairment (deafblindness): The concurrent presence of hearing and vision loss, which can be congenital or acquired and varies in severity.
Communication accessibility: Adaptations and supports that enable effective exchange of information, including sensory-appropriate formats, assistive devices and environment modifications.
Assistive technology: Tools and devices, such as vibrotactile aids, screen-reading software or captioning systems, designed to compensate for sensory deficits.
Communicative participation: The involvement of an individual in real-life communication situations, reflecting both the ability to communicate and the opportunity to engage socially.
References
- Participation experiences of people with deafblindness or dual sensory loss: A scoping review of global deafblind literature. PLOS ONE (2018).
- Problems identified by dual sensory impaired older adults in long-term care when using a self-management program: A qualitative study. PLOS ONE (2017).
- Comparison of Social Validity Ratings With the Effects of a Video-Feedback Intervention for Communication Partners of Individuals With Deafblindness. Frontiers in Education (2021).
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