Course participants should gain knowledge and a deeper understanding of what a radical life adjustment—such as being affected by deafblindness—can mean for both the individual and their family. Many people with deafblindness experience progressive sensory loss, requiring ongoing adaptations and new strategies for everyday life.
By the end of the course, participants should be familiar with key themes and how to support individuals with deafblindness, their families, and relatives in adapting to life with deafblindness. They should also understand the importance of the environment in life adjustment and the factors that can facilitate or hinder adaptation.
The life adjustment model can serve as a framework for making this topic relevant and meaningful for professionals, people with deafblindness, and their families. Other theoretical models may also be used.
Key themes and concepts
The right support at the right time – timing
Transitions and the progression of sensory loss
Constant adaptation and adjustment in life
Strategies for managing everyday life
Energy loss
Identity and self-image
Isolation and loneliness
Social life
The need for support
The importance of the environment
Personal and professional networks
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Facilitating and hindering factors
Special aspects of life changes
Transitions (e.g., from kindergarten to school, childhood to adolescence, adulthood to ageing)
Moving from familiar, safe environments to new ones (e.g., homes, schools, workplaces)
Ageing
Adjustments following changes in physical or mental health
Life events (e.g., moving into one’s own home, divorce, having children)