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 A DBCS client uses ASL to communicate with another staff member. An intervenor stands beside – ready to help facilitate communication.

Connecting our communities through diverse means

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An intervenor hands a tablet to a client with a large print message written on it for them to read.

The Deafblind community has a diverse population. Each person has varying degrees of combined vision and hearing loss, which means that each individual’s preferred communication is unique. Some people may rely on a single communication method, while others may use a combination. 

  • Expressive and receptive communication is the exchange of messages between at least two people. 
  • Receptive communication can be thought of as the “input”. It is the process of receiving and understanding a message from another person. 
  • Expressive communication can be thought of as the “output”. It is the process of effectively communicating a message to another person. 

For some people who are Deafblind, their preferred receptive communication method may be different from their expressive communication method. It is important to find out what both their receptive and expressive communication needs are as they may differ. 

Clients of CNIB Deafblind Community Services use a variety of communication methods when receiving services. These methods include:

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An icon representing two-hand manual communication.
Two-hand manual

The two-hand manual alphabet is a method of spelling out words onto a person’s hand – with each letter denoted by a particular sign or place on the hand.

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An icon representing print on palm. One hand draws a letter in the palm of another.
Print-on-palm

In this communication method, letters are traced on the palm, so they can “read” what is being written on their hand. While this method can often be a slower form of communication, it requires minimal training and can be learned quickly. 

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The tactile sign language icon. An illustration of a hand placed on top of a signer’s hand. The signer demonstrates the letter “D” in American Sign Language.
Tactile sign language

Tactile sign language (sometimes known as hand over hand) is a method of communication that relies heavily on touch. The receiver’s hand(s) are placed lightly on the back of the signer’s hands to feel their signs through touch and movement.

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The braille icon. An illustration of six dots representing a braille cell.
Braille

Braille is a tactile writing system used by people who are blind, partially sighted or Deafblind. It can be read either on embossed paper or by using refreshable braille displays that connect to computers and smartphone devices.

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An icon of a person speaking with another person.
Voiceover

In this communication method, words are spoken in a tone, speed and volume that helps facilitate clear and accessible communication for the person who is Deafblind. 

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An icon representing the fingerspelling of “ASL” in American Sign Language.
American Sign Language (ASL)

ASL is a visual and gestural language used by most of the deaf community in the United States and Canada. The shape, placement, and movement of the hands, as well as facial expressions and body movements, all play important parts in conveying information.

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The large print icon. An illustration of a sheet of paper with a large “A” on top.
Large-print

In some cases, written communication is the simplest and clearest form of communication. Some clients may choose to receive their information using printed materials of varying sizes. Most large print notes can range in font sizes from 14-22 and beyond. 

Learn your ABCs

Get ready to learn your ABCs with our ASL Fingerspelling and Two-Hand Manual Alphabet Charts. These fully accessible PDFs are a great way to start learning!