The Power of Connection

January 2021

In our fast paced lives, it’s sometimes hard to slow down and truly connect with those we love.

For a child with deafblindness, authentic connection is essential for growth and development. This takes place in many ways—through touch, movement, providing ample wait time to receive and process information, communication in ways the child understands, and positive sensory experiences. We hope that you find these resources helpful in understanding the importance of connection.

An interveners interacting with a child in a booster chair.

A teacher interacts with her student in a standing chair.

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Resources

Document
Harmonious Interactions (National Center on Deafblindness)
Techniques that researchers have developed to teach families and educators how to improve their interactions with children who are deafblind.
Interaction and Bonding (Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired)
Strategies to form emotionally meaningful connections with children who are deafblind. Includes an excellent introductory video.
The Importance of Hands and Touch (National Center on Deafblindness)
Information about the importance of touch for individuals who are deafblind. Provides links to a range of resources, from simple to in-depth, about connecting and communicating through touch.
Natural Conversations with Persons who are Deafblind (Perkins School for the Blind)
Even if your child does not have formal language, you can still have great conversations. This fact sheet explains how conversational interactions precede language development and how to be a good conversation partner.