Better Communication in Individuals with Congenital Deafblindness – Development of a Novel Video-guide Method and Work Package

The aim of the proposed ”nyttiggörande” is to, based on a former project  Better Communication in Individuals with Congenital Deafblindess, BeCom (FORTE 2018-01840), develop, implement and assess a new video-guidance workplan and education material for enhanced communication directed to support persons (staff) to people with congenital deafbllindness.utveckla, Living with deafbliness entails a combined  impairment of vision and hearing where the degree of the difficulties is so serious that it cannot be compensated for (www.nkcdb.se).

To live with congenital deafblindness means that language and communication do not develop in typical ways.

For communication alternative, tactile, and adapted ways are necessary and it is a time-consuming endeavour to learn how to best interact together.

Support persons in special housing are key for the wellbeing of persons with congenital deafblindness.Based on results from BeCom, it is now an opportunity to develop, trial and assess a video-based work package directed towards support persons who work with people with congenital deafblindness.

The project involves co-construction with a range of stakeholders with expertise in the field in Sweden and internationally (University of Groningen),The gains of the project are improved competence of staff who work as support persons in special housing and increased meaningful social interaction for persons with congenital deafblindness.

Scientifically and methodologically it is likely that the work-package can be used cross-diagnostically for people with other linguistic and communicative impairments.