Providers with experience supporting Deafblindness
About Deafblindness
Deafblindness is the combination of hearing loss and vision loss, in any degree. It is not simply deaf plus blind. It is its own distinct disability, because the two senses often compensate for each other. Having both affected changes how a person accesses information, communicates and moves through the world. It can be present from birth, sometimes linked to a specific syndrome, or acquired later in life, including through age-related change to both senses. Communication needs are very individual, ranging from tactile Auslan to specific combinations of assistive technology. Support is generally built around the specific person, not a standard approach. It often draws on specialist deafblind services alongside general disability or aged care support. Because this area is so specialised, it is reasonable to ask a provider about direct deafblind experience.
This is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Every person’s needs are different — a provider’s general experience with deafblindness is a starting point for a conversation, not a guarantee of fit.
No SolDirectory members have listed experience supporting deafblindness yet. The supports below are what people commonly look for.
Support commonly linked to Deafblindness
These are supports people with deafblindness commonly look for — not a personal recommendation, just a starting point for browsing.
Planning and checking support
Good planning starts with the person’s preferred communication, accessible information, sensory environment, assistive technology and right to direct assistance.
Questions to ask before choosing support
- Ask what direct experience the provider and allocated worker have supporting people with deafblindness.
- Confirm qualifications, screening, supervision, insurance and any person-specific training required for the support.
- Discuss communication, culture, routines, goals, risks and how the support will be reviewed when needs change.
- Confirm rates, travel, cancellations, reports, funding and the written service agreement before support starts.
Frequently asked questions
What support do people with deafblindness commonly look for?
Support commonly linked to Deafblindness includes therapy services, assistive technology & equipment and community access. Use these as a starting point for browsing providers, not as a personal recommendation.
Does SolDirectory verify a provider’s experience with deafblindness?
No. Providers write their own profiles, including which conditions they have experience supporting. Confirm the details that matter to you directly with the provider.
Is this page medical advice?
No. It is general information to help with browsing providers. For diagnosis, treatment or a specific person’s needs, speak with a GP or the relevant specialist.
Does a diagnosis of deafblindness automatically qualify someone for funding?
No. Funding bodies apply their own current eligibility rules and usually consider functional impact, the support requested and available evidence. Confirm requirements with the responsible program.
Official sources and further support
Other conditions in Hearing, Vision & Sensory
Helpful reading
- Choosing a therapist: occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech pathology: Three common therapies with different focuses. Here is how to work out where to start and what to ask before booking.
- NDIS jargon explained: the terms you will hear and what they mean: Plans, supports, coordinators, managers, registered providers: a plain-language glossary of the words that come up most often.
- NDIS or My Aged Care: which system supports you?: Two government systems support people with disability and older people. Here is how to think about which one applies and what to do if you are not sure.