Individuals with deaf-blindness have various medical needs which may require
frequent medical appointments. These visits can be very frightening for
the person receiving the medical treatment if the procedures are not expected
or understood. As the individual with dual sensory impairments becomes frightened,
he/she may express fear through tantrums, assaultive behavior, and/or rigid
body postures which make the examination difficult. The visits can also
be very frustrating for the families and care providers assisting these
individuals during the examinations as they try to explain and manage the
behavior expressed.
The following points are some general guidelines to promote a successful
and positive experience during medical appointments. It is suggested that
parents and care providers review these guidelines with the medical professionals
when the appointment is made or upon arrival at the office. A copy of this
fact sheet can be left with the medical staff to inform them of the needs
of their patients with dual sensory impairments.
1. Try to locate a medical professional who has experience with individuals
with deaf-blindness. If you are in need of a referral, call California Deaf-Blind
Services at 1-800-822-7884 to receive information from our data base on
referrals.
2. Call the medical office staff in advance of your visit to let them know
what to expect (i.e., difficulty waiting, vocalizations, behavior challenges,
etc.)
3. Bring something for the person to do during the periods of waiting at
the office.
4. Bring the person's medical records to decrease the repetition of developmental
history, waiting for records to be sent, and duplication of unnecessary
exams. Include 'addresses and phone numbers of all service providers.
5. Bring. information on the person's specific medical issues if the medical
professionals are new or unfamiliar with the particular syndrome or condition,
etc. (i.e., Congenital Rubella Syndrome, CHARGE Association, etc.)
6. Introduce each of the medical professionals to the person with deaf-
blindness before the professional touches the person. This can be done with
a name sign, an object, or a distinctive scent.
7. Warm hands or instruments before touching the person with dual sensory
impairments.
8. Tell the person what each procedure will be before beginning the procedure.
This can be done by allowing the person to examine the equipment by touch.
You can then touch the body part which will be examined by that piece of
equipment. Pause for a few seconds to allow the person to prepare for the
exam before it begins. You can also have the medical professional demonstrate
the procedure on the family member/care provider to model appropriate responding.
9. Let the person know how the exam is proceeding. Tell the person what
will happen next and what the reasons are for the particular examinations.
10. Model and reward cooperative behavior, appropriate waiting, confidence,
acceptance and relaxed body posture.
11. Give feedback to the medical professionals (i.e., physicians, nurses,
receptionists, hygienist, etc.) regarding their interactions with the person
with dual sensory impairments and the family/care provider (i.e., terminology
used, bedside manner, emotional tone, willingness to work with you, etc.)
This information will be very valuable for the professionals to make future
interactions positive with persons with deaf-blindness.
Fact sheets from California Deaf-Blind Services are to be
used by both families and professionals serving individuals with dual sensory
impairments. The information applies to students 0-22 years of age. The
purpose of the fact sheet is to give general information on a specific topic.
More specific information for an individual student can be provided through
individualized technical assistance available from CDBS. The fact sheet
is a starting point for further information.
Order #020 11/7/96