Deafblind Awareness Week aims to raise awareness about deafblindness and to increase support for deafblind people and their families.

The theme for Deafblind Awareness Week 2013 (24 to 30 June) was older people. Currently there are around 220,000 older people in the UK with combined sight and hearing loss, many of whom live at home. This number is predicted to double over the next 20 years, rising to 418,000 over the age of 70 by 2030. 

Read our new report

Our new report, "I don't see or hear too well these days..." reveals that too many older people with hearing and sight loss are missing out on the support they need, often leaving them lonely and depressed.
Download the report

Other support

Enjoy Life! - If you have an older relative who doesn’t see and hear too well, this booklet will help you understand what they are going through, how you can help and where to go for more support.

Holiday Plus - our week-long holidays for older people with hearing and sight loss who need additional support to access and enjoy a break.

Hearing and sight loss in older people

Blog post

If you’re not sure you know anyone who’s deafblind, then read on… - Sense Policy Officer explains that realising that deafblind doesn’t mean completely deaf and completely blind is a light bulb moment for many people.

Esther's story

Esther lives in her own home, and receives communicator-guide support, which has a brilliant impact on her quality of life. Download a transcript (Text file)

Ken's story

Ken, a World War II veteran, describes how he lost his hearing and sight, receiving an MBE and what the future holds.

Sense Awards 2013

The Sense Awards celebrate the achievements of deafblind, multi-sensory-impaired (MSI) people and those who support them.  

Is there a person, organisation, project or team that has really impressed you over the last year? Make your nominations for this year's Awards.

Deafblind Awareness Week event

A Sense of Space - a multi-sensory and immersive performance