NESS is delighted to have to signed in support of the campaign to recognise the Nordic definition of Deafblindness.
Deafblind Scotland is running the campaign, with the support of the Cross-party Group on Deafness. They, with NESS’s full support, are calling on the Scottish Government to formally recognise deafblindness as a distinct disability in Scotland. Deafblindness has achieved this recognition elsewhere in the UK and in much of Europe but not formally in Scotland.
This definition we want the Scottish Government to adopt is:
Deafblindness is a combined vision and hearing impairment of such severity that it is hard for the impaired senses to compensate for each other. Thus, deafblindness is a distinct disability.
To varying degrees, deafblindness limits activities and restricts full participation in society. It affects social life, communication, access to information, orientation, and the ability to move around freely and safely. To help compensate for the combined vision and hearing impairment, especially the tactile sense becomes important. (nordicwelfare.org)
The full Nordic Definition on Deafblindness can be viewed here: https://nordicwelfare.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/nordic-definition-of-deafblindness.pdf.
For more information about the campaign, visit http://tinyurl.com/ypkzj7u9.
Achieving this recognition is a crucial step toward identifying and diagnosing people with dual sensory loss as early as possible, and thereafter addressing the unique challenges that they face. Adopting a clear definition of deaf blindness will mean that people living with a sight loss and hearing loss will be get the support they need to live the life that they want.
We would ask you to support this campaign by signing the Declaration on the Definition of Deafblindness by contacting info@dbscotland.org.uk with your name, designation, and body or organisation that you represent (if applicable).
Story published 27th March 2024
