Overview of Communication Methods

Regardless of their age or current level of development, all children and youth who are deafblind must have methods of communicating available to them that allow for both receptive and expressive communication.

A boy and adult woman sitting at his table. He has both hands on a communication board.

There are a wide range of methods—also called modes or forms—of communication used by children who are deafblind. They include vocalizations, gestures, objects, pictures, speech, sign language, and more. Most will use multiple methods. The best methods for each child are based on an assessment of their individual needs and abilities.

As an educational team plans a communication development program for a deaf-blind student, it is critical for team members to know all the available modes and devices that could be effective in meeting the student’s communication needs and how they can be designed into a comprehensive communication system. (Rowland, Schweigert, & Prickett, 1995)

Introductory Resources

Document
Communication Methods Used with Individuals Who Are Deafblindpdf|110.6 KB
Slide Presentation
Communication Forms Used By Individuals Who are Deaf-Blind (from OHOA Module “Progressing from Non-symbolic to Symbolic Communication”)
External Resource
Developing Communication Systems That Meet Everyone’s Needs
External Resource
Tactile Communication Strategies
External Resource
Project CORE

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Offline Resources

Crook, C., Miles, B., & Riggio, M. (1999). Selection of communication modes. In B. Miles & M. Riggio (Eds.) Remarkable conversations: A guide to developing meaningful communication with children and young adults who are deafblind (pp. 124-145). Perkins School for the Blind.

Rowland, C., Schweigert, P. D., & Prickett, J. G. (1995). Communication systems, device, and modes. In K.M. Huebner, J. G. Prickett, T. R. Welch, & E. Joffee, Hand in hand: Essentials of communication and orientation and mobility for your students who are deaf-blind (pp. 219-259). AFB Press.

Reference

Rowland, C., Schweigert, P. D., & Prickett, J. G. (1995). Communication systems, device, and modes. In K.M. Huebner, J. G. Prickett, T. R. Welch, & E. Joffee, Hand in hand: Essentials of communication and orientation and mobility for your students who are deaf-blind (pp. 219-259). AFB Press.

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