This section brings together observations and any interview information in an overall, qualitative assessment of sensory functioning. The assessment is linked to the domains in the Nordic definition and should describe how the combined sensory loss affects activity, participation and interaction.
6.1 Qualitative description
On the basis of the indicators for observation, the consequences of the sensory loss are described, and account is taken of how the senses may compensate for one another.
If the person disengages vision and/or hearing when the bodily-tactile sense is activated, for example during exploration of objects or in other situations, this is described. The description is based on how this is expressed in the person’s actions and behaviour.
Describe also whether it appears that the person uses any of the senses in one environment, but not in another, for example at home versus at school.
Describe how the combined sensory loss affects the person’s energy level. Does the sensory loss have consequences for the person’s opportunities and capacity to participate actively in social life?
In relation to the functional assessment of the bodily-tactile sense, it may be useful to consider the following questions:
To what degree, or in what way, does the person use their bodily-tactile sense?
To what degree is the person judged to be able, in a systematic manner, to receive, perceive and organise bodily-tactile sensory stimuli?
Are there any specific preconditions that may affect the assessment of the bodily-tactile sense?
6.2 Assessor’s evaluation
On the basis of the overall assessment, a judgement is made as to whether the person is considered to have the designation deafblindness and whether there is a need for further assessment, follow-up or interventions.