Dual Sensory Impairment Project
Capturing the hidden epidemic
Dual Sensory Impairment Project
Capturing the hidden epidemic
By Diana Tang Imagine trying to navigate the world without the ability to hear or see clearly. For many older adults with dual sensory impairment (DSI), this is their daily reality. DSI, the combination of both hearing and vision loss, is a growing challenge among aging populations, often leading to social isolation, frustration, and decreased quality of life. As a …
Last week Annmaree and Suzie travelled to Newcastle to talk on “seeing things that aren’t there” or visual hallucinations, often called Charles Bonnet syndrome. “Seeing things that aren’t there”, that no one else can see and that are called visual hallucinations. “Seeing things that aren’t there” is very common in people with problems seeing well. Deafblind people “see things that …
Travelling can be a complicated experience when you have combined hearing loss and low vision. In particular, going to galleries, museums and exhibitions can often be an excluding experience: not enough accessible information, few visual descriptions, scarce large print materials and frequently, noisy, crowded surrounds. Sometimes I trail behind my husband feeling bored. Sometimes I drink tea in the café …
We sometimes fail to realise that teaching is a gift given and one that is received too. As part of the Master of Occupational Therapy Course, Annmaree, Suzanne and Susannah went to give a lecture on dual sensory impairment using lived experience, research and verbatim testimony. We covered key issues: Annmaree’s journey with deafness and then blindness and the funny …
Annmaree and Moira’s new book, Dual Sensory Impairment and the Older Person: An Invisible Epidemic, was launched locally at Sydney University. The book will be launched by the publisher formally early October. Links to books: An invisible epidemic?: https://livedplacespublishing.com/book/isbn/9781915734365 Knowing what is going on: https://livedplacespublishing.com/book/isbn/9781915271433