Definitions of some of the key terms used in the RCSLT deafblindness guidance.

Abstract object symbol

An object symbol that uses a part of an object.

Auditory neuropathy processing disorder

A hearing disorder in which the inner ear successfully detects sound, but has a problem with sending sound from the ear to the brain.

Auditory processing disorder

A hearing problem where the brain is unable to process sounds in the normal way.

Bodily tactile communication

Involves an eclectic, bodily approach to the whole person as a physical individual in a physical world. The physical approach also includes the residual senses (vision/hearing) and the entire body. Use of tactual signs/sign support based on elements from Sign Language as well as haptic communication are part of, but not the full extent of this modality.

Braille

A tactile alphabet based on patterns of raised dots.

Cerebral vision impairment

The name for problems with vision that stem from the brain rather than the eye.

Clear speech

A way of speaking where the speaker focuses on precision, and accuracy of lip patterns in a fully formed manner, without distorting natural speech patterns.

Close signing

Manual signs that are produced at the best distance for the person to follow sign using residual vision.

Communicator guide

A specialist worker who provides individual support for a deafblind person, providing communication and orientation and mobility support.

Community deafblind worker

A specialist worker based in social services to support the identification, assessment and support of deafblind people.

Deafblind

Umbrella term describing the co-existence of hearing and vision difficulties where residual senses are unable to compensate for each other.

Deafblind block alphabet

A sequence of signals made in the hand to spell out words using capital letters.

Deafblind manual alphabet

A sequence of signals made in the hand to spell out words. Signals are loosely based upon the two handed alphabet.

Distance senses

Includes vision, hearing and smell. These senses allow us to find out information at a distance.

Dual sensory impaired

Describing the coexistence of hearing and vision difficulties where residual senses are unable to compensate for each other.

Dual sensory loss

Describing the co-existence of hearing and vision difficulties where residual senses are unable to compensate for each other, most likely used to describe older people with deteriorating hearing and vision over time.

Eye care liaison officer (ELCO)

A specialist worker based in eye clinics to support people with vision needs.

Habilitation specialist

Practitioners who identify, deliver and evaluate habilitative interventions to vision impaired children mobility, orientation and independent living skills to maximise their independence.

Haptic sense

The sense of touch, haptic meaning the active exploration in perception.

Human support practitioners

A collective term used to describe the different specialist roles who provide one to one assistance to individuals with disability.

Interoceptive sense

The lesser known sense of interpreting feelings and sensations that go on within the body, including hunger, thirst, pain, heart rate, itches and tickling.

Intervenor

A specialist worker who provides individual support for a deafblind child to support learning, development and facilitate independence.

Moon

A tactile alphabet based on simplified letter shapes.

Multi-sensory impairment

Describing the co-existence of hearing and vision difficulties where residual senses are unable to compensate for each other, most likely used to describe children or people born with deafblindness, reflecting the inclusion of other senses and likelihood of additional physical or learning needs.

Near senses or internal senses

Includes vestibular, proprioception, and interoception. These senses allow us to monitor our own body.

Object cues

Objects used to alert a person about an upcoming event.

Objects of reference

Objects used to communicate.

On body signs

Manual signs that are made by making contact with the body, an adapted manual signs system that blends touch cues and tactile signing.

Profound and multiple learning disability (PMLD)

People with PMLD are characterised by a complex range of severe physical and learning disabilities with an IQ below 25 and a lack of functional skills. See NICE learning disabilities guidance.

Proprioceptive sense

The sense that involves complex sensations, including perception of joint position and movement, muscle force, and effort that allow us to perceive the location, movement, and action of parts of the body.

Regulation of the senses

The ability to maintain an appropriate level of alertness and respond appropriately to sensory information in the environment.

Rehabilitation specialist

Practitioners who identify, deliver and evaluate professional rehabilitation interventions to vision impaired people to enhance their skills, confidence and to maximise their independence.

Sensory integration

The ability to take information from our senses, and process and organise it in our brain.

Sensory processing disorder

When the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses.

Speech to text (reporter or palantypist)

A palantypist types verbatim what is spoken onto a screen which is read by the person.

Tactile symbols

Physical symbols that are used like picture symbols for sighted people, include objects, parts of objects or raised imagery.

Tadoma method

A method of feeling speech by placing the hand on the throat of the speaker.

Tangible symbols

Tactile symbols that share a perceptual relationship with what they represent. They are tactile, but can also include photos or imagery.

Touch cues

A specific touch made in a particular location used to alert a person about an upcoming event.

Tracking

Manual signs are followed by the listener placing their hands on the speaker’s wrist to follow broad movements and keep signs within the residual visual field.

Vestibular sense

The sense that involves the sensation of body rotation, gravitation and movement, coordinated within the middle ear and allows us to perceive awareness of body balance, upright perception and movement.

Visual frame

Manual signs that are produced with the best place for the person to follow using residual vision.