Today, Monday 22nd June, marks the start of Deafblind Awareness Week which runs until Sunday 28th June 2026. We’re celebrating the achievements, independence and individuality of people we support who are deafblind.
Too often, people focus on what someone can’t do. We’re sharing stories that show what’s possible when the right support is in place.
Our week begins with a moving video from Larraine. With support from her Communicator Guide, Suzie, Larraine attends exercise classes, stays active and enjoys all the benefits that movement and fitness bring.
Larraine told us:
“People underestimate thinking that because you’re vision impaired and hearing impaired, that you kinda stay at home and do nothing…they might not be aware that we can do these things.”
“You still are a human being…You can get support. If there’s something you really want to carry on doing, you know, they can help you to do those things.” Here is the YouTube link to Larraine’s inspirational video
If you or someone you know has combined sight and hearing loss, and needs support to continue their much-loved hobbies and daily activities, please find our range of services and complete a referral form from our page at: sightforsurrey.org.uk/get-help/deafblind/Our second video features our Friendship Group’s visit to Brooklands Museum. Here is the YouTube link to watch the group’s visit to the aviation and motoring museum.
How many different forms of communication did you see in this video?
Our charity’s monthly Friendship group is for people who have combined sight and hearing loss. The group’s outings are a wonderful way to get together, chat and help end feelings of isolation.
Interested in joining? Please get in touch with our helpdesk team via your preferred way, to find out more:
– Tel: 01732 377701
– Email: info@sightforsurrey.org.uk
– SMS: 07860 026269
– FaceTime: dutysw@sensoryservices.org.uk
– Convo via: www.sightforsurrey.org.uk
Our second inspirational story of the week is Lucy’s cake business.
Running a business takes determination, creativity and confidence. Entrepreneur Lucy’s immensely proud of her all she’s achieved with her cake business. With support from her two Communicator Guides, Lucy also enjoys going out shopping, coming to our Friendship Group meet ups and sporting activities.
“They really encourage me to become independent…” Lucy tells us.
Lucy’s cake business is thriving. She receives regular cake orders for birthday celebrations and events. Her cakes are beyond delicious! We’re excited to see Lucy grow in confidence and her business flourish. What an achievement! Here is the YouTube link to Lucy’s heart-warming video.
And finally, we end the week on Saturday 27th June. On this day, author, lecturer, and passionate campaigner, Helen Keller was born. Helen Keller became one of the world’s most influential advocates for people who are deafblind, proving that communication, education, and opportunity should be accessible to everyone. Helen was the first deafblind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, graduating from college in 1904. Her achievements challenged society’s assumptions about what deafblind people could accomplish and helped pave the way for greater inclusion and accessibility.
27th June is now officially recognised by the United Nations as the International Day of Deafblindness and always lies within Deafblind Awareness Week. An important date to continue raising awareness, breaking down barriers, and creating a more inclusive society for everyone around the world.
