Sense Public Policy Team 101 Pentonville Road London N1 9LG Email: parliamentary@sense.org.uk Voice and text: 020 7014 9386 Guidance for politicians on communicating with constituents who are deafblind This document aims to offer practical advice to politicians on communicating and meeting with deafblind constituents. Please do not hesitate to contact Sense if you would like any additional information or advice. About Sense Sense is a national charity that supports and campaigns for children and adults who are deafblind. We provide tailored support, advice, information and specialist services to deafblind people, their families, carers and the professionals who work with them. We also support people who have a single sensory impairment with additional needs. About deafblindness Deafblindness is a combination of both sight and hearing difficulties. People can be born deafblind, or become deafblind through illness, accident or in older age. Some deafblind people are profoundly deafblind, whereas others will have some remaining sight and/or hearing but still face specific challenges related to their dual sensory impairment. There are an estimated 356,000 deafblind people in the UK. Most of what we learn about the world comes through our ears and eyes, so deafblind people can often face problems with communication, access to information and mobility. With the right support deafblind people are active members of their communities, this includes being in contact with their elected representatives. Writing to deafblind people Deafblind people access written information in a range of paper-based and electronic formats. A growing number of deafblind people use computer technology to access electronic versions of documents, but for some a paper-based copy is essential. Also some deafblind people will rely on someone else to read out information to them. Here are some key points to bear in mind when writing to deafblind people: • Unless your constituent states otherwise, we recommend that text should be at least 14 point, using a clear font, such as Arial. • Proactively ask about a constituent’s preferred format and offer alternative formats including large print, Braille, audio cassette/CD, e-versions, and easy-read. Alternative formats of documents can be relatively cheaply transcribed by transcription companies. • Some people will ask for coloured paper, usually yellow or blue; this can make documents much easier to read. • When producing a PDF document follow accessibility guidelines for people using assistive technology. • Use plain English, avoiding jargon where possible or defining terms as required. Face-to-face meetings with deafblind people Deafblind people use a wide range of communication methods when meeting people face to face. For some people, you will be able to speak directly to them but may need to speak more slowly and clearly than when talking to a hearing-sighted person. Other deafblind people will require communication support from another person, for example to interpret into sign language or deafblind manual. Once you agree to meet a deafblind person, it is important to find out about their access requirements as far in advance as possible. This is particularly important if you need to arrange an interpreter. Here are some key points of advice: • Follow deafblind people’s instructions about how to communicate with them. • Politicians’ offices are responsible for booking and paying for an interpreter when one is requested. It is important to check that you are booking the right kind of interpreter. • Remember to talk to the deafblind person not the interpreter. • Allow extra time for the meeting, due to slower communication methods. • Many deafblind people will be accompanied by a guide, support worker and/or a support dog. In general when choosing a venue for a meeting, we would strongly recommend that you try to use one that has: • Bright and even lighting • A hearing/ induction loop • Minimal visual distractions (such as televisions) and background noise • Access to all areas for wheelchair users (ramps, lifts & wide doorways) • An accessible toilet • Parking nearby • Adequate seating. Further information The national registers of communication professionals working with deaf and deafblind people Web: www.nrcpd.org.uk Sense Web: www.sense.org.uk RNIB Web: www.rnib.org.uk Adobe accessibility guidelines on producing PDFs Web: http://www.adobe.com/accessibility/user_info.html 1