Glossary of Terms

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DeafBlindness
 

DeafBlindness means a person has both vision loss and hearing loss.
Each person is different.
People use different ways to communicate and get information.

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Communication Facilitator
 

A Communication Facilitator helps people understand each other.
They may:

• Repeat or explain information

• Use communication tools

• Change information into an easier format

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Intervenor
(SSP – Support Service Provider)
 

An Intervenor works one-on-one with a DeafBlind person.
They help by:

• Sharing what is happening around them

• Supporting communication

• Guiding safely from place to place

The DeafBlind person is always in control and makes their own choices.

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Pro-Tactile
 

Pro-Tactile is a way of communicating using touch.
It may include:

• Tactile sign language (signing through touch)

• Touch signals on the body

• Using hands and body to share information

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Interpreter
 

An Interpreter changes one language into another.
They may:

• Change spoken words into sign language

• Use tactile sign language

Interpreters focus only on communication.
They do not guide or describe the environment.