Hands-On:
Hands-on is also known as hand-over hand signing, refers to a type of sign language where the user’s sense of touch, instead of sight is used. Based upon British Sign Language, in this method, the Deafblind person follows the signs made by placing their hands on top of those of the signer, feeling the signs as they are formed. As many people with Deafblindness can retain some useful sight and this type of signing can be helpful. This method is particularly useful in helping people with Usher syndrome to communicate as their sight reduces.
 
Deafblind Manual:
Deafblind Manual is also called finger spelling, that involves representing the letters of the alphabet, using only the hands. This type of signing uses touch by spelling out each word onto a Deafblind person’s hand. A particular sign or location on the hand signifies each letter. Although the Deafblind manual alphabet can take a while to learn, it’s much faster than block methods. Thus, due to its speed and fluency, this method is one of the most commonly used worldwide. The manual alphabet can denote complex words by spelling individual letters or quickly expressing simple information such as ‘yes’ an ‘no’ through quick signs.
 
Block Communication:
Block Communication is another form of manual communication whereby words are spelt out onto the palm of the Deafblind person’s hand. In contrast to other forms of manual signing, Block communication uses tracing to spell the words on the palm. Block communication can be used to spell out complex words by tracing each letter with your finger in block capitals on the Deafblind persons’s palm. Letters are placed on top of each other and slight pauses signify the end of a word. It’s important to keep letters large and clear as its easier to mistake similar shaped letters. Although Block communication requires minimal tuition, it isn’t as fast, and tends to be less popular than other signing methods due to the limited speed at which information can be imparted.
 
British Sign Language (BSL), is the primary sign language used in the United Kingdom and generally the first language of deaf people in the country. This language uses space and movement of the hands, face, body and head. BSL is a language in its own right. It has both its own grammar and word order. Although BSL is primarily used in the Deaf community, some people who are Deafblind can use this form of communication and it is most commonly used by an individual who suffers from Usher syndrome. Just like any other language, BSL has several regional dialects. This can mean that signs used in some parts of the country, such as Scotland, may not be understood in southern parts of England.
 
Visual Frame Signing:
Most people suffering from Deafblindness will retain some useful sight, and in these cases, communication methods such as visual frame signing can be used successfully. Visual frame signing uses the remaining field of vision to communicate words by sight. An alternative version of this is close signing, whereby signs will be kept at a certain distance from the Deafblind person.
 
Clear Speech:
Speaking clearly is amongst the most effective ways to communicate with someone who has acquired hearing loss. Research suggests that this method can be highly effective in communicating with a Deafblind person as they often retain some useful sight. It’s necessary to control several environmental factors to ensure that the method works well. E.g. it’s essential to check with the Deafblind person which position they prefer you to be located. Similarly, it’s important to minimise background noise and avoid loud places. Holding a conversation in an area with good lighting is also recommended. This allows for the interpreters face to be seen more clearly and people with poor sight can often see more in a well-lit place. In this method, it’s crucial to adapt the condition to suit the individual and to speak slowly and clearly.
 
Tadoma:
Tadoma is also known as tactile lip reading. This is a method of communication for Deafblind people, whereby the Deafblind person places their hands on the speaker’s lips, jawline or neck to feel the vibrations. The middle three fingers usually fall along the speaker’s cheeks, whilst the little finger is used to pick up the vibrations in the speaker’s throat. In this manner, the Deafblind person can feel both the movement of the lips as well as the vibrations in the vocal cords. It’s also helpful to feel the puffing of the cheeks and warm air that is produced by nasal sounds when saying letters like N and M. Tadoma is a relatively tricky method to learn and is not commonly used nowadays. However, some Deafblind people can successfully use Tadoma to retain speech skills which they had before coming deaf.
 
Braille:
Braille is a system commonly used by blind people to read and write. Each Braille character is made up of six dot positions which are arranged in a rectangle. Dots can be raised at any of the six positions and used to form up to 64 permutations. Moon is a similar writing system for blind people, which uses embossed symbols that are mainly derived from the Roman alphabet. Moon is popular with those experiencing acquired sight loss, as many Deafblind people already possess the knowledge of the shapes of letters. Many Deafblind people find Moon easier to understand than Braille and although neither method can be used in general conversation, it can help Deafblind people access information in books and magazines.