Breaking Common Myths and Misconceptions of Deafblindness

Each year, Deafblind Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness of a condition that remains widely misunderstood despite affecting thousands of people across the UK.

For many people, the term ‘deafblindness’ conjures up a very specific image of someone who cannot see or hear at all. In reality, deafblindness is far more complex, and the experiences of those living with it can vary enormously.

Misconceptions can create barriers just as significant as the condition itself. They can affect how people communicate, access services, navigate public spaces and participate in everyday life.

This Deafblind Week (June 23^rd – 29^th 2026), we’re taking a closer look at some of the most common myths surrounding deafblindness and exploring the reality behind them.

One of the most common misconceptions is that a person who is deafblind has no vision and no hearing whatsoever. The reality, however, is that many people living with deafblindness have some degree of usable sight, hearing, or both. The condition ‘deafblindness’ describes a combined sight and hearing impairment that makes it difficult for the two senses to compensate for one another.

For example, someone may have significant hearing loss but retain some vision. Another person may have limited peripheral vision alongside moderate hearing loss. Others may experience changes to their sight and hearing gradually over time. Deafblindness exists on a spectrum, meaning no two experiences are exactly alike.

While age-related sight and hearing loss can contribute to deafblindness, people of all ages can be affected. Some individuals are born with conditions that result in combined sensory loss, while others develop deafblindness during childhood, adulthood or later life. Certain medical conditions can lead to progressive changes in both hearing and vision over time.

The assumption that deafblindness only affects older adults can mean younger people are overlooked or misunderstood when seeking support.

Communication is often one of the areas where misconceptions are most damaging.

People who are deafblind use a wide range of communication methods depending on their needs and preferences. These communication methods can include:

It’s important to remember that communication may look different, but it is no less effective. Often, the biggest challenge is not a person’s ability to communicate but whether others understand how to communicate with them back.

Many people assume that someone with deafblindness will always require constant support with day-to-day life. While some individuals may need assistance, many people with deafblindness live independently, work, travel, manage households and participate fully in their communities.

Advances in technology have opened up new opportunities for independence. Smartphone accessibility features, navigation apps, smart home devices, vibrating alerts and braille technology can all help people stay connected and confident in everyday life.

Independence does not mean doing everything alone. Like anyone else, people with deafblindness may use tools, adaptations and support networks that enable them to live life on their own terms.

Although public awareness remains relatively low, deafblindness is more common than many people realise. Thousands of people across the UK live with combined sight and hearing loss. As the population ages, the number of people affected is expected to grow.

Greater awareness is important because understanding leads to better accessibility, more inclusive communities and improved support services.

Well-meaning people sometimes worry about saying or doing the wrong thing when interacting with someone who is deafblind. The reality is that every individual is different and the simplest approach is often the best – just ask.

Ask how the person prefers to communicate. Ask whether they would like assistance. Ask before offering physical support. Respecting personal preferences and recognising individual needs goes a long way towards creating positive interactions.

Deafblindness is often described as a hidden disability because its impact is not always immediately visible to others.

Greater awareness helps challenge assumptions and encourages a more inclusive society. Whether it’s making information more accessible, improving public understanding or simply taking the time to communicate effectively, small actions can make a meaningful difference.

This Deafblind Week, we have an opportunity to move beyond the myths and focus on the reality. People with deafblindness are individuals with their own goals, talents, ambitions and ways of experiencing the world. Understanding begins with listening, learning and recognising that no single story can define an entire community.

By understanding the realities of deafblindness and recognising the diversity of experiences within the community, we can all play a part in building a more accessible and inclusive future.