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  3. Common Etiologies Associated with DeafBlindness
Helen Keller National Center Etiologies

Common Etiologies Associated with DeafBlindness

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A collage of four images showing a boy holding of a drawing in a sketchbook, two men touching hands and doing tactile sign, a woman and a man touching hands and doing tactile sign, and a woman running outside.

Understanding the diverse etiologies associated with deafblindness is crucial for providers working to support DeafBlind individuals. By familiarizing themselves with these etiologies, providers can gain insights into potential challenges their DeafBlind consumers may face and develop more effective strategies for communication, accessibility, and daily living. Ultimately, this tool aims to enhance service delivery by providing foundational knowledge that can be tailored to the specific needs of each DeafBlind individual.

While this resource offers a concise overview of some of the most common causes and practical implications of deafblindness, it does not cover every possible etiology. It is important to remember that each DeafBlind person’s experiences are unique, and this resource is not a substitute for direct communication with the individual.

Additional Resources

An illustration of the anatomy of a human ear, with arrows pointing to names of internal and external parts of the ear.
Types of Hearing Loss
A woman with gray hair looks at a sheet of paper with lines and a circle as she covers her right eye with her right hand. Beside her there is a person wearing a white lab coat, also looking at the paper.
Visual Conditions Commonly Associated with Deafblindness
Two people communicating in tactile sign language and touching hands.
Tips for Working with a Sign Language Interpreter When Communicating with a DeafBlind Individual