My Way Project Empowering Deafblind Individuals: A Tool for Addressing Inequalities and Enhancing Psychosocial Wellbeing.

Living with deafblindness presents unique challenges that affect many aspects of life, from communication to social participation. These challenges often lead to inequalities and psychosocial barriers that can limit opportunities and wellbeing. A new three-year funded project aims to change this by developing a tool designed specifically to help deafblind individuals recognise and reduce these barriers through guided reflection and personalised goal-setting.

This project is supported by the Self Management Fund, administered by The ALLIANCE in partnership with the Scottish Government

Image caption: The logo for the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland, people at the centre, in purple

Understanding the Challenges Faced by Deafblind Individuals

Deafblindness combines varying degrees of hearing and vision loss, creating complex barriers that affect communication, mobility, and access to information. These barriers often lead to:

• Social isolation due to difficulties in connecting with others.

• Limited access to education and employment opportunities.

• Psychosocial challenges, such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and reduced confidence.

• Difficulty in recognising personal strengths and areas for growth because of limited feedback and support.

  
  

These factors contribute to inequalities that affect quality of life and participation in society.

The Need for a Reflective and Supportive Tool

Many existing support services focus on practical assistance but may overlook the importance of psychosocial wellbeing. Recognising and addressing internal barriers is crucial for personal growth and empowerment.

The new project aims to fill this gap by creating a tool that:

• Helps individuals assess their current status across key life areas.

• Provides guided reflection to identify psychosocial barriers.

• Supports ongoing goal-setting tailored to personal priorities.

• Enables regular progress reviews to maintain motivation and track improvements.

  
  

This approach encourages active participation and self-awareness, which are essential for overcoming challenges and building resilience.

What to Expect from the Project

Over the next three years, the project team will:

• Collaborate with deafblind individuals and experts to design and test the tool.

• Ensure accessibility through multiple formats and technologies.

• Provide training and resources for users and support networks.

• Evaluate the tool’s effectiveness through feedback and research.

  
  

The goal is to create a sustainable, user-friendly resource that empowers deafblind people to take control of their wellbeing and life goals.

This new tool represents a meaningful step toward addressing the complex challenges faced by deafblind individuals. By focusing on guided reflection and personalised support, it offers a practical way to reduce psychosocial barriers and promote equality.