As part of International Deafblind Awareness Month, let’s dispel common myths!
1: All Deafblind individuals experience no sight and no hearing at all?
Answer: This is false. I do not fall in this category. Deafblindness is a “spectrum” whereas I have profound hearing loss aided with hearing aids and wear glasses. Another individual may have very limited eye sight but mild hearing loss and vice versa. Every person is unique.
Historically, Helen Keller was instrumental in breaking down barriers to educational opportunities. However, since she was totally deaf and totally blind, the public assume every person is like her. Computers and hearing aids were non-existent at that time.
2. Being Deafblindness makes our other senses “superhuman”.
Answer: This is false. We rely on our other senses to gather information. Some of us, including myself, will adapt and make use of residual hearing and vision to understand environmental surroundings. In my case, I will use both my limited hearing and vision to read the traffic pattern at intersection to assess when it is safe to command my guide dog forward. Another person who may have total loss of sight may use their sense of smell to locate a bakery as a landmark when walking to the doctor’s office.
3. Do Deafblind individuals pursue post-secondary education and seek employment?
Answer: ABSOLUTELY! I utilize technology that allows me the opportunity to be contributing citizen to society, communicate with individuals, live independently, aspire to pursue post-secondary education and seek steady employment. I have graduated college with my adult dogwood / Applied Business Technology certification, job-hunted, found an awesome volunteer opportunity before landing a job with the organization. It may take longer to complete a task, but there is no reason why a Deafblind individual cannot do all of these things. Right now, I am back to the drawing board looking for a new job and continuing to study Emergency Management by working towards a Bachelor’s degree through the Justice Institute of BC.
4. Can a Deafblind person use a phone?
Answer: Yes and No. The answer is complex and it is all dependable on a person’s needs. However, the advent of cell phones has opened doors to being able to do video calls, texting and many more. Many will access books through audio, large print or a Braille display connected to their phone. There are still limitations for individuals who are unable to hear or see at all to access a cell phone, especially, seniors with late-onset vision and hearing loss where learning Braille may be difficult. I love my iPhone and iPad and use it daily for texting, Facetime with friends, shopping and connecting or networking with colleagues within my field of practice.
What are other myths you have heard regarding Deafblindness and had to educate others about them?