​DHS COVID-19 PROVIDER RESOURCES // ODP​

ODP COMMUNICATIONS TOOLKIT 

Updated: April 10, 2020

• Communication methods are as individualized as the person and may include: 
• Touch cues
• Gestures
• Real objects as reference
• Tactile Sign Language
  
• Large print or close up viewing for someone with low vision
• Braille
• A person with deaf-blindness typically navigates life via touch; touching objects ad people to understand information in the environment.
• Communication may take much longer than expected.
• The individual may prefer more communication than expected, such as describing where things are or what you are doing.
• Many people with deaf-blindness, particularly those with an additional disability such as a developmental disability, may not have a complete system of communication and may not understand a lot that is happening around them.
• Being in an unfamiliar environment and experiencing things out of the normal routine, is very challenging for someone with deaf-blindness. Helping the individual to feel safe and calm is an important prerequisite to communication and treatment.
• What to do:
• Let them know you are there by touching them gently on the shoulder.
• Identify yourself in the same way with touch (your watch, ring, long hair, glasses, etc.), your name, and your role, each time you interact with them.
• Allow extra time for the person to consider their response. A delay does not necessarily mean they do not have a response. 
• Tell them when you are leaving the room.
• Do not force them to touch something or move their hands or body without permission first.
• Do not move important items around.
• For someone with a vision loss, seeing the item up close, in their periphery, with brighter light, or with contrasting colors may be needed.