Deafblindness Assistive Devices: Guide to Support & Technology

What Is Deafblindness and How Does It Affect Daily Life?

Deafblindness is a combined vision and hearing impairment that limits a person's ability to communicate, access information, and move around independently. It does not necessarily mean total blindness and total deafness; most people with deafblindness have some residual vision or hearing, which determines the types of assistive devices that will be most helpful.

Deafblindness, also referred to as dual sensory impairment or combined vision and hearing loss, is a unique disability that creates challenges far greater than the sum of its parts. When both distance senses are compromised, a person loses the primary channels through which human beings normally gather information about their environment, communicate with others, and navigate the world. The impact on independence, social participation, and mental health can be profound without appropriate support and assistive technology.

The degree of vision and hearing loss varies enormously among people with deafblindness. Some individuals may have useful residual vision that allows them to read large print or recognize faces at close range, while others may rely entirely on tactile information. Similarly, hearing levels can range from mild loss that is manageable with hearing aids to complete deafness. This variability means that there is no single solution for everyone; instead, the combination of assistive devices and support services must be carefully matched to each person's functional abilities and communication preferences.

According to the World Health Organization, deafblindness affects an estimated 0.2 to 2 percent of the global population, with prevalence increasing significantly with age. The majority of cases are acquired rather than congenital, meaning that most people with deafblindness have had some experience with language and literacy before the onset of their dual sensory loss. This has important implications for which assistive devices and communication methods are most appropriate.

The three main areas where deafblindness creates the most significant challenges are communication, information access, and orientation and mobility. Assistive devices have been developed to address each of these areas, and many people with deafblindness use a combination of devices and human support services to maintain their independence and quality of life.

Congenital vs. Acquired Deafblindness

Congenital deafblindness is present from birth or early childhood and is often caused by genetic conditions such as Usher syndrome or CHARGE syndrome, congenital infections like rubella, or complications of premature birth. People with congenital deafblindness may have never had full access to spoken language, making tactile communication methods particularly important from an early age.

Acquired deafblindness develops later in life and has many possible causes. Age-related decline in both vision and hearing is the most common cause worldwide, but conditions such as Usher syndrome (where hearing loss is present from birth but vision loss from retinitis pigmentosa develops progressively), meningitis, traumatic brain injury, and diabetic complications can also lead to combined sensory loss. People who acquire deafblindness after developing language skills may find it easier to adapt to certain assistive technologies, particularly those based on written text and braille.

Impact on Communication and Social Life

Communication is perhaps the most profoundly affected area for people with deafblindness. When a person cannot see facial expressions, lip movements, or sign language clearly, and also cannot hear speech clearly, the usual channels of human communication are severely restricted. This can lead to social isolation, depression, and a significant reduction in quality of life if adequate support is not provided.

Research published in the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness has consistently shown that early intervention with appropriate assistive devices and communication training leads to significantly better outcomes in terms of social participation, employment, and mental health. The World Federation of the Deafblind (WFDB) emphasizes that access to communication support is a fundamental human right for people with deafblindness.

What Types of Assistive Devices Are Available for Deafblindness?

Assistive devices for deafblindness fall into several categories: communication aids (braille displays, tactile signing tools), information access technology (screen readers, magnification software), alerting systems (vibrating alarms, flashing lights), and mobility aids (the red-and-white cane, GPS navigation). The specific combination depends on the individual's residual vision and hearing.

The range of assistive devices available for people with deafblindness has expanded dramatically in recent decades, driven by advances in digital technology, miniaturization of electronics, and improved understanding of the diverse needs of this population. Modern assistive technology for deafblindness spans a wide spectrum from simple, low-tech solutions to sophisticated digital systems that can bridge communication gaps in ways that were unimaginable just a generation ago.

Choosing the right assistive devices requires careful consideration of several factors, including the person's current level of residual vision and hearing, whether their condition is stable or progressive, their communication preferences and language skills, their cognitive and physical abilities, and their specific goals for daily living, education, or employment. A comprehensive assessment by a multidisciplinary team is the essential first step in selecting appropriate devices.

It is important to note that assistive devices work best when they are simple to operate and can be understood through the tactile sense. A person with deafblindness needs to be able to feel whether a device is switched on or off, and controls should be clearly distinguishable by touch. This principle of tactile accessibility underlies the design of the most effective assistive devices for this population.

Communication Devices

Communication devices are at the heart of assistive technology for deafblindness. Refreshable braille displays are electronic devices that raise and lower small pins to form braille characters, allowing a person to read text output from a computer, smartphone, or other digital device through touch. Modern braille displays range from compact single-line devices with 14 to 20 cells to full-sized displays with 40 or 80 cells, and many now include built-in notetaking functions and wireless connectivity.

Braille notetakers are portable devices with a braille keyboard and refreshable braille display that allow users to write, read, and manage files independently. These devices often include email clients, web browsers, and calendar applications, essentially functioning as specialized computers optimized for tactile use. Leading models from manufacturers integrate with mainstream smartphones and computers, providing a bridge between the braille world and the digital world.

For people who communicate through sign language, tactile signing is a method where the person with deafblindness places their hands over the signer's hands to feel the signs being made. While this is not a technology per se, it can be supported by trained interpreter-guides who specialize in deafblind communication. Some research projects are also exploring haptic gloves and wearable devices that could translate speech or sign language into tactile signals.

Information Access Technology

Screen readers are software programs that convert on-screen text and interface elements into speech output, braille output, or both. For people with deafblindness, screen readers that output to a refreshable braille display are particularly valuable, as they provide access to computers, smartphones, and the internet without relying on either vision or hearing. Popular screen readers include JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver, all of which support braille display output.

Magnification software enlarges text and images on screen and can adjust contrast, color schemes, and cursor visibility. For people with deafblindness who have usable residual vision, magnification combined with high-contrast settings can make digital content accessible. Many operating systems now include built-in magnification features that can be activated without additional software.

Apps and accessories for smartphones have revolutionized information access for many people with deafblindness. Modern smartphones can connect wirelessly to braille displays, run powerful screen readers, and provide access to a vast ecosystem of accessibility apps. Some apps use the phone's camera to identify objects, read printed text aloud, describe scenes, and provide navigation assistance, with output that can be directed to a braille display for people who cannot use audio.

Alerting and Safety Systems

People with deafblindness need alternative ways to receive alerts and notifications that would normally be perceived through sight or sound. Vibrating alarm clocks and watches use strong vibration patterns to wake the user or signal appointment times. Tactile watches with raised markers or braille faces allow the user to check the time by touch. Modern smartwatches with haptic feedback can also serve this purpose, delivering notifications through distinct vibration patterns.

Vibrating thermometers, doorbell alerts, and fire alarm systems use vibration, bed-shaking devices, or strobe lights to communicate important information. Connected home systems can integrate multiple alerting devices, routing notifications from doorbells, smoke detectors, baby monitors, and phones to a single wearable vibrating receiver that the person carries throughout the day.

Mobility and Orientation Aids

The red-and-white cane is a specialized mobility aid that identifies the user as having both a visual and hearing impairment, distinguishing them from white cane users who have only a visual impairment. The red markings signal to the public that the person may not be able to hear approaching traffic or verbal warnings, and the cane also serves the practical function of detecting obstacles and changes in terrain.

GPS-based navigation systems designed for people with sensory impairments can provide turn-by-turn directions through vibration patterns, braille output, or speech. Some wearable devices use ultrasonic sensors or cameras to detect obstacles and provide haptic feedback about the environment. Research into indoor navigation systems using Bluetooth beacons is also showing promise for helping people with deafblindness navigate complex indoor environments such as hospitals, shopping centers, and public buildings.

How Do I Get Assistive Devices for Deafblindness?

To access assistive devices for deafblindness, start by consulting your primary care physician, ophthalmologist, or audiologist for a referral to a specialized rehabilitation service. A multidisciplinary assessment team will evaluate your needs and recommend appropriate devices. Many countries provide assistive devices through public healthcare systems or disability services.

Accessing assistive devices for deafblindness involves navigating healthcare and social service systems that vary considerably from country to country. However, the general pathway typically begins with medical documentation of combined vision and hearing loss, followed by referral to specialized rehabilitation services, comprehensive assessment, device trial and fitting, and ongoing training and support. Understanding this process can help individuals and families advocate effectively for the support they need.

The first step is typically a visit to an ophthalmologist or audiologist who can document the extent of vision and hearing loss. It is critically important to inform the referring physician that you have both a visual and a hearing impairment, as many healthcare systems treat these conditions separately, and the combined impact may not be recognized unless it is explicitly communicated. A clear referral that specifies combined sensory loss ensures that you are directed to the right specialist team.

In many countries, the responsibility for providing assistive devices is shared between healthcare systems and social services. Vision-related devices may be provided through eye clinics or low-vision services, hearing-related devices through audiology departments, and deafblindness-specific devices through specialized rehabilitation centers or deafblind service organizations. Some countries have dedicated deafblindness teams that coordinate all aspects of assessment and device provision, which is generally the most effective model.

The World Federation of the Deafblind (WFDB) maintains a network of member organizations in countries around the world that can help connect individuals with local services. National deafblind organizations often maintain lists of regional contact persons who can guide people through the process of obtaining assessments and devices. In countries where specialized deafblindness services are limited, general disability services or assistive technology centers may be able to provide some support.

The Assessment Process

A comprehensive assessment for assistive devices should involve a multidisciplinary team that may include an optometrist or ophthalmologist, an audiologist, an occupational therapist, a speech and language therapist, and an assistive technology specialist. The assessment evaluates residual vision and hearing under various conditions, communication abilities and preferences, daily living activities and challenges, educational or employment needs, cognitive and physical abilities, and the person's own goals and priorities.

The assessment process should be adapted to the communication needs of the person with deafblindness. This means providing information in accessible formats, allowing extra time for the assessment, and using appropriate communication methods such as tactile signing, close-range visual signing, or written communication. The person has the right to have a deafblind interpreter present during assessments if the professionals cannot adapt their communication adequately.

Trying and Selecting Devices

After the initial assessment, the specialist team will typically recommend several devices for trial. It is important to try each device in real-world conditions, not just in a clinical setting, because the demands of daily life can reveal practical issues that are not apparent during a brief demonstration. Trial periods should be long enough for the person to become comfortable with the device and to assess its usefulness in their specific environment.

Assistive devices should be simple to use and tactilely intuitive. Controls should be distinguishable by touch, and the person should be able to determine the device's status (on/off, connected/disconnected) without relying on visual or auditory feedback. The best devices are those that feel natural and become an extension of the person's abilities rather than an additional burden.

How Is the Fitting and Training Process for Assistive Devices?

The fitting process involves a personalized assessment by specialists, device trials in real-world settings, customization of settings and features, and structured training. Ongoing support and follow-up appointments are essential to ensure devices continue to meet your needs as your condition and circumstances change.

Receiving an assistive device is only the beginning of a process that requires dedicated training, practice, and ongoing support to achieve the best results. Research consistently shows that the effectiveness of assistive technology depends as much on the quality of training and support as on the device itself. Without adequate instruction and follow-up, even the most advanced devices may end up unused in a drawer.

The training process should be adapted to the individual's learning style, communication preferences, and pace. For people with deafblindness, learning to use a new device often requires more time and repetition than for people with a single sensory impairment, because they cannot use their other distance sense to compensate during the learning process. Training sessions should be scheduled at a pace that allows the person to practice between sessions and consolidate new skills before moving on.

Instruction manuals and training materials should be provided in accessible formats tailored to the individual. This may mean braille manuals, large-print guides with high contrast, audio recordings, or video with sign language interpretation and audio description. The person should be able to refer back to instructions independently after training sessions, so the format must match their communication abilities.

Adapted Communication During Training

Because the training process itself requires clear communication between the instructor and the person with deafblindness, it is essential that the instructor can communicate effectively using the person's preferred methods. If the instructor cannot do so, a deafblind interpreter should be present during all training sessions. The right to interpreter services during device fitting and training is recognized in many countries' disability legislation and by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Training should cover not only the technical operation of the device but also practical strategies for incorporating it into daily routines. For example, learning to use a refreshable braille display involves not just understanding how to navigate menus and enter text, but also developing efficient reading habits, managing battery life, maintaining the device, and troubleshooting common problems.

Follow-up and Ongoing Support

Regular follow-up appointments are important to ensure that assistive devices continue to meet the person's needs. Vision and hearing conditions may change over time, particularly in progressive conditions, and device settings may need to be adjusted accordingly. New technology becomes available regularly, and periodic reassessments can identify opportunities to improve the person's technology setup.

Many people with deafblindness benefit from having access to a designated contact person or case manager who can help coordinate services across different providers. When multiple agencies are involved in providing different aspects of support, having a single point of contact helps prevent gaps in service and reduces the burden on the individual of navigating complex systems.

What Communication Methods Are Used with Deafblindness?

Communication methods for deafblindness include tactile signing (feeling sign language through touch), haptic communication (signals drawn on the body), braille (reading and writing through raised dots), print-on-palm (writing letters on the hand), and technology-assisted methods using braille displays and screen readers. The choice depends on the person's background, residual senses, and preferences.

Communication is the most fundamental need for any human being, and for people with deafblindness, finding effective communication methods is often the most important aspect of rehabilitation and support. The communication methods available to people with deafblindness are diverse and often highly personal, having evolved in response to the individual's specific combination of sensory abilities, language background, and life experiences.

Understanding these communication methods is important not only for the person with deafblindness but also for family members, caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals who interact with them. Effective communication requires that both parties share a common method, and professionals who work with people with deafblindness should ideally be trained in multiple communication approaches.

The choice of communication method is influenced by several factors: whether the deafblindness is congenital or acquired, the amount of residual vision and hearing, the person's cognitive abilities, their prior language experience (spoken language, sign language, or both), and their personal preferences. Many people with deafblindness use multiple communication methods depending on the situation and the communication partner.

Tactile Sign Language

Tactile signing is one of the most widely used communication methods among people with deafblindness who have a background in sign language. In tactile signing, the deafblind person places one or both hands over the hands of the signer to feel the shape, movement, and location of each sign. This method preserves much of the expressiveness of visual sign language and allows for relatively fast and natural conversation.

Learning tactile signing requires practice and familiarity between communication partners. Many countries train specialized deafblind interpreters who are skilled in adapting their signing to be clear and comfortable for tactile reception. These interpreters also provide environmental descriptions, conveying information about the setting, other people's reactions, and visual events that the deafblind person cannot perceive.

Haptic Communication

Haptic communication, sometimes called social-haptic communication, uses touch signals on the body (typically the back, arm, or hand) to convey information about the environment and social context. Standardized haptic signals can communicate concepts such as "someone has entered the room," "people are laughing," "the speaker is looking at you," or "it is time to go." This system supplements other communication methods by providing the kind of ambient social information that hearing and sighted people take for granted.

Braille and Print-on-Palm

Braille is a tactile reading and writing system using patterns of raised dots that represent letters, numbers, and punctuation. For people with deafblindness who have learned braille, it provides access to written communication, literature, and digital content through refreshable braille displays. Braille literacy is increasingly important in the digital age, as it enables independent access to computers, smartphones, and the internet.

Print-on-palm (also called block letters on palm) involves writing individual letters on the palm of the deafblind person's hand using a finger. This method is particularly useful for communicating with people who know how to read and write but do not know sign language or braille. It can be slow, but it is universally accessible and requires no special equipment or training from the communication partner beyond knowing the alphabet.

Technology-Assisted Communication

Modern technology has created new possibilities for communication that did not exist even a decade ago. Refreshable braille displays connected to smartphones or computers allow deafblind people to send and receive text messages, emails, and social media posts independently. Video relay services enable sign language users to communicate over distance, and real-time text services provide alternatives to traditional phone calls.

Emerging technologies such as AI-powered speech-to-braille systems, haptic gloves that translate sign language into text, and smart glasses with tactile feedback are being researched and developed. While many of these are still in experimental stages, they represent a promising future for deafblind communication technology.

What Support Services Exist for People with Deafblindness?

Support services for deafblindness include interpreter-guide services, rehabilitation and orientation training, assistive technology assessment, peer support groups, educational programs, and advocacy organizations. The World Federation of the Deafblind (WFDB) and national deafblind organizations can connect individuals with services in their area.

Assistive devices are most effective when they are part of a broader support system that addresses the full range of challenges associated with deafblindness. Support services for people with deafblindness encompass direct human assistance, professional rehabilitation services, peer networks, and organizational advocacy. The availability and quality of these services vary widely between countries, but understanding what exists can help individuals and families seek out the support they are entitled to.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which has been ratified by most countries worldwide, specifically recognizes deafblindness as a distinct disability in its preamble. This recognition is significant because it acknowledges that deafblindness is not simply "blindness plus deafness" but a unique condition requiring specialized support. The CRPD establishes that people with deafblindness have the right to access communication, information, education, and participation in society on an equal basis with others.

Funding for support services comes from various sources depending on the country, including public healthcare systems, disability insurance, social services, and charitable organizations. In many countries, advocacy by deafblind organizations has been instrumental in securing government funding for interpreter services, assistive technology, and rehabilitation programs. Knowing your rights and the available funding mechanisms in your country is an important first step in accessing services.

Interpreter-Guide Services

Interpreter-guides (also called deafblind interpreters or interveners) are specially trained professionals who provide both communication and mobility assistance to people with deafblindness. Unlike interpreters for deaf people who only translate between languages, deafblind interpreter-guides also describe the visual environment, guide the person physically through spaces, and facilitate social interaction by conveying non-verbal cues and context.

The interpreter-guide role requires extensive training in multiple communication methods, guiding techniques, ethics, and the specific challenges of deafblindness. In many countries, interpreter-guide services are available through disability services agencies and can be accessed for medical appointments, education, employment, and social activities. The amount of service hours available varies, and many deafblind advocates argue that current provision is insufficient to meet the actual needs of deafblind individuals.

Rehabilitation and Training Programs

Rehabilitation programs for people with deafblindness typically include orientation and mobility training (learning to navigate safely using a cane, tactile landmarks, and mental mapping), communication skills training (learning or refining tactile signing, braille, or other methods), daily living skills training (adapting household tasks, cooking, personal care), and assistive technology training (learning to use devices and software effectively).

These programs may be provided through specialized deafblindness rehabilitation centers, general disability services, or through outreach from national deafblind organizations. The most effective programs are those that take a holistic approach, addressing the full range of the person's needs rather than treating vision loss and hearing loss as separate issues.

Peer Support and Community

Connecting with other people who have deafblindness can be profoundly valuable for emotional support, practical advice, and social belonging. Many national deafblind organizations run peer support groups, social events, and recreational programs. The World Federation of the Deafblind (WFDB) and its member organizations facilitate international connections through conferences, publications, and online communities.

Family support services are also important, as deafblindness affects not only the individual but also their family members and close relationships. Family education programs can help loved ones learn appropriate communication methods, understand the challenges of deafblindness, and support the person's independence without being overprotective.

Why Is Coordination Between Service Providers Important?

People with deafblindness typically interact with multiple service providers including eye clinics, hearing centers, rehabilitation services, and social services. Effective coordination between these providers prevents gaps in care, reduces the burden on the individual, and ensures a holistic approach. A designated care coordinator or contact person for deafblindness can be invaluable.

One of the most persistent challenges for people with deafblindness is the fragmentation of services across different agencies and specialties. Because deafblindness involves both vision and hearing, people often find themselves navigating separate systems for eye care, hearing care, disability services, assistive technology, interpreter services, and social support. Without coordination, important needs can fall through the cracks, and the individual may receive devices or services that work well in isolation but do not integrate effectively as a whole.

The concept of a coordinated individual plan (sometimes called a person-centered plan or individualized service plan) is widely recognized as best practice for people with complex needs like deafblindness. This type of plan brings together all relevant service providers to develop a unified approach that addresses the person's goals and needs comprehensively. The plan should be developed with the full participation of the person with deafblindness and reviewed regularly.

Many countries have designated contact persons for deafblindness issues at the regional or national level who can help individuals navigate the service system and connect with appropriate providers. These contact persons often have specialized knowledge of deafblindness and can advocate for the individual within bureaucratic systems that may not be familiar with the unique needs of this population.

A designated care coordinator or key worker who oversees all aspects of a deafblind person's support can make an enormous difference. This person serves as a single point of contact, helps coordinate appointments and services, ensures that different providers are aware of each other's recommendations, and advocates for the individual's needs. Research has shown that people with deafblindness who have a care coordinator report higher satisfaction with services and better overall quality of life.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Deafblindness?

The most common causes of deafblindness include age-related sensory decline (the leading cause globally), Usher syndrome (the main genetic cause, responsible for about 50% of hereditary cases), CHARGE syndrome, congenital rubella, meningitis, premature birth complications, and diabetic retinopathy combined with presbycusis.

Understanding the causes of deafblindness is relevant to assistive device selection because the underlying condition often determines the pattern and progression of sensory loss, which in turn affects which devices and communication methods will be most appropriate both now and in the future. A clear diagnosis also enables healthcare professionals to provide accurate information about prognosis and to plan proactively for changing needs.

Age-related dual sensory loss is by far the most common cause of deafblindness worldwide. As people age, both vision and hearing naturally decline. Age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy are common causes of vision loss in older adults, while presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) affects approximately one-third of people over 65. When both conditions co-occur, the combined impact can meet the criteria for deafblindness, even if each impairment alone would be considered moderate.

Usher syndrome is an autosomal recessive genetic condition and the most common cause of hereditary deafblindness, accounting for approximately 3-6% of all childhood deafness and about 50% of hereditary deafblindness. It is characterized by sensorineural hearing loss and retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a progressive degeneration of the retina. There are three clinical types: Type 1 involves profound congenital deafness and onset of RP in the first decade of life; Type 2 involves moderate to severe congenital hearing loss with RP onset in adolescence or early adulthood; and Type 3 involves progressive hearing loss and variable onset of RP.

CHARGE syndrome is a complex genetic condition caused by mutations in the CHD7 gene that affects multiple organ systems. The acronym stands for Coloboma, Heart defects, Atresia choanae, Retardation of growth/development, Genital abnormalities, and Ear anomalies. Many individuals with CHARGE syndrome have both significant vision and hearing impairments, often from birth, making it one of the leading causes of congenital deafblindness.

Other causes include congenital rubella syndrome (now rare in countries with vaccination programs but still occurring in some regions), meningitis (which can damage both auditory and optic nerves), traumatic brain injury, stroke, and complications of premature birth including retinopathy of prematurity and sensorineural hearing loss. In some cases, the cause remains unknown despite thorough investigation.

How Is Technology Changing Assistive Devices for Deafblindness?

Emerging technologies including AI-powered speech recognition, haptic wearable devices, smart home integration, and real-time translation systems are transforming assistive technology for deafblindness. Smartphone accessibility, wireless braille displays, and app ecosystems have already made information access more portable, affordable, and powerful than ever before.

The pace of technological innovation is creating new possibilities for people with deafblindness at an unprecedented rate. While the fundamental principles of assistive technology remain the same, the devices available today are smaller, more powerful, more connected, and more affordable than their predecessors. Perhaps more importantly, the integration of accessibility features into mainstream consumer technology means that people with deafblindness increasingly have access to the same digital tools and platforms as everyone else, rather than being limited to specialized and often expensive niche products.

Smartphone accessibility has been one of the most significant developments for people with deafblindness in the past decade. Both iOS and Android operating systems now include comprehensive built-in accessibility features including screen readers, braille display support, magnification, and customizable display settings. These features are available on the same devices that everyone else uses, reducing stigma and enabling deafblind people to benefit from the vast ecosystem of mainstream apps.

The integration of Bluetooth connectivity in refreshable braille displays has freed users from physical cables and made it possible to switch seamlessly between multiple devices. A single braille display can now connect to a smartphone for texting and navigation, to a laptop for work, and to a tablet for reading, all wirelessly. This multi-device connectivity has dramatically increased the practical utility of braille displays in daily life.

Artificial intelligence is beginning to have a meaningful impact on assistive technology for deafblindness. AI-powered apps can identify objects through a smartphone camera and describe them through text (which can be output to a braille display), recognize and read printed text in real time, and even describe complex scenes. Speech recognition combined with real-time transcription can convert spoken language into text that is then displayed on a braille device, potentially enabling deafblind people to follow conversations more independently.

Smart home technology offers new possibilities for environmental control and safety. Connected devices can be controlled through accessible interfaces, allowing a deafblind person to manage lighting, heating, door locks, and appliances through their braille display or smartphone. Smart home sensors can provide alerts about visitors, mail delivery, water leaks, and other events through haptic notifications.

Emerging Research

Several research areas show particular promise for the future of deafblindness assistive technology. Haptic wearable devices that convert environmental sounds and speech into patterns of vibration on the skin are being developed by multiple research groups. Brain-computer interfaces and cochlear implant improvements continue to advance, potentially offering new pathways for sensory information to reach the brain. Tactile display technology is evolving beyond traditional braille to include graphical tactile displays that can render shapes, maps, and images through raised pins or pneumatic cells.

The integration of assistive technology with Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure could eventually create environments that are inherently more accessible for people with deafblindness, with buildings, transportation systems, and public spaces providing information through multiple sensory channels including tactile and haptic interfaces.