Deafblind Awareness Week is a vital annual event dedicated to raising understanding and support for individuals living with both sight and hearing loss. This week provides an opportunity for communities, organisations, and individuals to come together, amplify the voices of those affected, and encourage inclusivity in all areas of society.
Marking Deafblind Awareness Week 2025
More Than Words: Communication for All
“We can’t continue to wait in two queues but instead need support that recognises the compounding aspects of living with a dual sensory loss.”
- Issy McGrath, Chairperson
This year, Deafblind Scotland is marking Deafblind Awareness Week (23rd–29th June 2025) with a strong focus on recognition.
Under the theme “More Than Words: Communication for All,” we’re calling for Deafblindness to be officially recognised as a distinct disability in Scotland.
This recognition is vital to ensuring that people with both sight and hearing loss receive the tailored support they need—support that truly reflects the unique challenges of living with a dual sensory loss.
Throughout the week, we’re working in partnership with the Scottish Sensory Hub at the Alliance to drive the Communication for All campaign.
At the heart of this campaign is a simple but powerful message: without accessible communication, Deafblind people are excluded from having their views heard and their rights recognised.
By raising awareness and pushing for change, we hope to ensure that Deafblind people are fully seen, heard, and supported—not just during this week, but every day of the year.
What is Deafblind Awareness Week?
Deafblind Awareness Week aims to highlight the unique challenges faced by people who are both deaf and blind, as well as the remarkable resilience of this community. The week serves as a platform to educate the public, break down misconceptions, and promote better access to resources, support, and opportunities. Many organisations use this time to share stories, host events, and launch campaigns that shine a spotlight on deafblindness and advocate for positive change.
When is Deafblind Awareness Week?
The week is strategically timed to coincide with the birthday of Helen Keller, a renowned advocate for people with disabilities, on 27th June. Activities and events take place throughout the week, both online and in communities across the UK and beyond.
Why is Deafblind Awareness Week Important?
Deafblindness affects an estimated 400,000 people in the UK alone. Many individuals with combined sight and hearing loss experience barriers to communication, mobility, and independence. Deafblind Awareness Week is crucial in challenging stereotypes, fostering empathy, and encouraging the design of accessible environments. By raising awareness, we can help ensure that everyone, regardless of sensory abilities, can participate fully in society.
How to Get Involved
There are many ways to support Deafblind Awareness Week:
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Attend Deafblind Scotland events: Look out for seminars, workshops and community gatherings. Our events page can be found here.
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Learn Deafblind Manual: Familiarise yourself with techniques such as the Deafblind Manual, you can learn it here.
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Share information: Use social media to amplify key messages, share personal stories, or highlight relevant resources.
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Support charities and organisations: Consider donating to or volunteering with groups that provide essential services for deafblind people.
Every action, big or small, can make a meaningful difference.
History of Deafblind Awareness Week
Deafblind Awareness Week has its roots in the legacy of Helen Keller, who overcame the challenges of being both deaf and blind to become an influential advocate for people with disabilities. The week was established to honour her achievements and to continue her mission of equality and accessibility. Over the years, the event has grown in prominence, inspiring countless individuals and organisations to champion the rights and inclusion of deafblind people.