Deafblindness is the loss of sight and hearing to the point where it impacts your communication, mobility and ability to access information. Deafblindness is often also referred to as ‘dual sensory loss’ or ‘dual sensory impairment’.
There are an estimated 31,000-34,000 people living in Scotland with dual sensory impairment.
Deafblind and visually impaired people are amongst the least visible in society.
Many are older and unable to connect with life in their communities without specialist support or adaptations to the way that we operate public services and businesses.
Deafblindness does not always mean complete sensory loss. Some people might still have some sight and/or hearing.
This year, Deafblind Awareness Week is calling for increased recognition for deafblind people in Scotland. Find out more about defining deafblindness.
Follow the conversation on social media using #DeafblindAwarenessWeek!
Further information on how to get involved in Deafblind Awareness Week in Scotland
Scotland’s 2022 Census found that 117,300 people can use British Sign Language (BSL). Around 2,600 people consider sign language to be their main language, but not all will be BSL users.
Deafblind BSL users can:
People who have dual sensory loss in Scotland can get support, advice, and information from: