Fill in the Gaps > Too many older people who are deafblind ... - Sense

3 > Working with older deafblind peopleInterpretersSome older deafblind people use specialist forms ofcommunication and will require communication supportduring the assessment process. You will need to know whatform of communication the deafblind person uses and bookappropriate interpreters well in advance. Communicationmethods may include:• British Sign Language• Deafblind manual alphabet• Block• Lip-speaking• Speech to text• Community languages.Your local sensoryteam can provideinformation aboutbooking interpretersand there isinformation in theResources sectionat the back of thisbooklet.Communicating effectively – at a distanceTelephoneMany older deafblind peoplehave difficulty using thetelephone but continueto depend on it. Here aresome simple tips to help youcommunicate effectively onthe telephone.• Use the clear speech skillsdescribed earlier• Don’t shout or hold thephone too close to yourmouth, as this causesdistortion• Don’t speak too quietly• When phoning a personwith dual sensory loss,give them time to adjusttheir hearing aid beforestarting the conversation• Keep answer phonemessages short and simple.18