Deafblind Awareness Week 2026

Deafblind Awareness Week is an important opportunity to raise awareness of the unique experiences of people living with dual sense loss. There are more than 450,000 deafblind people living in the UK, and while deafblindness can affect people of all ages, including children, it’s more common among older adults as both sight and hearing loss become more prevalent with age.

At Martyn Kemp Opticians, we are committed to supporting individuals with visual impairments and helping to create a more inclusive and accessible community for everyone. 

This week, we encourage everyone to learn more about deafblindness, recognise the challenges many people face, and celebrate the resilience, independence, and achievements of the deafblind community. 

What is Deafblindness?

Deafblindness is a combination of vision and hearing loss that affects a person’s ability to communicate, access information, and navigate the world around them. The condition exists on a spectrum, with individuals experiencing different levels of vision and hearing impairment.

There are two types of deafblindness, congenital deafblindness and acquired deafblindness.

Congenital deafblindness is present from birth or early childhood, whereas acquired deafblindness develops later in life due to conditions such as Usher syndrome, age-related sight and hearing loss, illness, or injury.

Because everyone's needs are different, support and communication methods can vary significantly.

Why Deafblind Awareness Week Matters

Many barriers faced by people with deafblindness are not immediately apparent. Everyday tasks such as reading information, socialising, and travelling independently can present additional challenges.

Deafblind Awareness Week aims to:

• Increase public awareness
• Increase understanding
• Promote accessibility and inclusion
• Highlight available support services
• Encourage equal access to healthcare, education, employment, and community life

Greater awareness helps create communities where everyone can participate with confidence and dignity.

The Importance of Eye Health

For individuals living with hearing loss, maintaining eye health becomes even more important, as vision often plays a crucial role in communication and everyday independence.

Regular eye examinations can help:

• Detect eye conditions early
• Monitor changes in vision
• Identify opportunities for treatment or management
• Support long-term visual wellbeing
• Improve access to visual aids and specialist services

At Martyn Kemp Opticians, we understand the importance of personalised care and clear communication, ensuring every patient feels supported throughout their eye care journey.

How Can You Support Someone Who is Deafblind?

Ask before assisting

Always ask whether help is needed and how you can best assist, rather than making assumptions.

Communicate clearly

Introduce yourself, face the person when speaking, and ask about their preferred communication methods.

Make information accessible

Where possible, provide information in large print, braille, or accessible digital formats.

Be patient and respectful

Everyone communicates differently. Allow extra time and remain open to different methods of communication.

Support deafblind charities

Organisations such as DeafblindUK, Deafblind International, and Sense provide vital support to deafblind individuals and their families. Supporting these charities helps them continue their essential work and makes a real difference to the lives of those they support.

Raising Awareness in 2026 

During Deafblind Awareness Week, we encourage patients, families, and the wider community to take time to learn more about deafblindness and the importance of clear communication and accessible services.

Awareness begins with understanding. By recognising the challenges faced by people with deafblindness and making small changes to improve accessibility, we can help create a more inclusive society for all.

Here When You Need Us

Whether you are concerned about changes in your vision, seeking advice about eye health, or looking for support services, our team at Martyn Kemp Opticians is here to help.

This Deafblind Awareness Week, let’s work together to raise awareness, champion inclusion, and support the deafblind community every step of the way.