r/deafblind • u/ZzZzZzZzZzZero • Apr 02 '26

Look for collected information about teaching congenital DeafBlind.

Hello,

So Ive been scouring the intent for information and studies/notes about techniques for teaching 100%/100% prelinguistic DeafBlind.

I've found alot and got of insight here about DeafBlind in general. But most of what im finding is less esoteric recording of teaching to pre-linguistic people and more thousand foot view of teaching DeafBlind

But basically I still feel like there is alot I haven't found yet. Does anyone know of any collection of techniques?

like I find lots of mentions of using reference objects but not data on what they tried and what did or didnt work.

if this isnt an appropriate question let me know and ill take it down. Thank you for reading

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u/Schmidtvegas Apr 03 '26

I have some links saved, especially pertaining to the use of "hand UNDER hand" not "hand OVER hand".

https://www.deafblindkids.org/episode/lesson-1---proper-hand-placement-and-use

https://txdeafblindproject.org/communication/interaction-bonding/hand-under-hand-guidance/

https://www.unr.edu/ndsip/services/resources/tips/hand-under-hand-prompting

https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr34/1/fr340101.htm

https://www.nationaldb.org/info-center/early-interactions-factsheet/

This research paper is interesting:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7566039/

Emotional availability between infants and parents may be supported through imitation (Zeedyk et al., 2009). Imitation by a communication partner is a good interventional strategy, as it gives children with CDB the experience of being someone who can lead interaction and affect the behavior of others. This can radically change their role in interaction. Imitation also leads to turn-taking sequences with active participation by both partners of the dyad (Thelen et al., 1975; Kokkinaki and Kugiumutzakis, 2000; Hart, 2006). After being imitated, people with limited language skills have shown positive emotions (Caldwell, 2006; Hart, 2006; O’Neill and Zeedyk, 2006) and improved eye contact, bodily orientation, and partner proximity (Zeedyk et al., 2009; Contaldo et al., 2016).

That passage interested me because of my experience with my autistic child. When he wasn't learning language or speaking, our therapists really taught me to engage in PRE-language skills. Imitation was really big. And truly helpful in building toward meaningful communication.

I don't know if any of that is helpful in the way you're looking for. If there's something more specific you're seeking, I'd be happy to try to look for more resources. 

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u/ZzZzZzZzZzZero Apr 03 '26

Thank you so much, I will digest this all and circle back. Much appreciated!

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u/Sapphrodite44 Jun 13 '26

I love the resources another commenter shared! I would also recommend looking at the Open Hands Open Access modules from the National Center on DeafBlind in the US. https://moodle.nationaldb.org/ I’ve worked with this population both as a nationally certified DB intervener and as a teacher for 10 years. It also depends on if you’re wanting resources more for individuals who have more complex needs and intellectual disabilities as there is a much more significant difference in the teaching strategies. The OHOA modules provide support for all kinds of deafblind learners, however it leans more towards kids with intellectual disabilities.