Deafblindness in Children: Time to Act in India

Deafblindness or dual sensory impairment (DSI) is a distinctive disability, which encompasses varying degrees of hearing impairment and low vision. The impact of deafblindness is not merely an addition of the impact of the two disabilities, but it is manifold. Deafblind children have cognitive, speech, motor and social delay. They can have multiple medical needs, which should be identified and met. It is estimated that there could be more than 500,000 deafblind adults and children in India. Doctors, general public, strategists and law makers need to have heightened awareness of its various aspects. It is time India acts for long-term welfare of its deafblind children, including their disability rights and access to a structured health and education system, thus increasing their chance of becoming independent employable adults.