When most people think about the internet or everyday communication, they may assume that blind and deaf people cannot participate fully. Deafblindness, which involves both hearing and vision impairments, is often misunderstood in this way.
In reality, blind and deaf people use a wide range of methods to learn, communicate, and navigate the world. With the right support and technology, they can access digital spaces, connect with others, and live independent lives. Organisations can also take steps to be accessibility compliant so that people with deafblindness are not excluded online.
In this blog, we will explore what deafblindness means, how blind and deaf people learn, and the different ways they communicate. We will also look at the assistive technologies that make education, mobility, and internet access possible.
What is Deafblindness?
Deafblindness is the combination of both hearing and vision impairments. It does not always mean a complete loss of sight and sound. Many individuals who are blind and deaf still retain some usable hearing or vision, while others experience more profound sensory loss. The condition exists on a spectrum, and the needs of each person can vary widely.
Dual sensory loss influences communication, education, mobility, and access to digital spaces. Some people rely more on residual vision, others on residual hearing, and many use a blend of assistive strategies. Effective support for blind and deaf people requires adaptable technologies, inclusive design, and specialist guidance that reflect individual needs.
Organisations can also benefit from accessibility audits and user testing to ensure that digital platforms meet the needs of people with different levels of deafblindness.
How many people in the UK are deafblind?
In the United Kingdom, Deafblind UK estimates that nearly 450,000 people live with deafblindness. This figure includes individuals with varying levels of hearing and vision loss, from mild impairments to complete sensory loss. The number continues to rise as the population ages, since many older adults develop combined hearing and sight difficulties later in life.
Deafblindness affects people of all ages, although children and younger adults often experience it due to medical conditions, congenital factors, or accidents. Support services across the UK aim to provide blind and deaf people with the tools and strategies needed to learn, communicate, and live independently. Effective deafblind communication, such as tactile signing, braille, and interpreter support, helps many people manage daily life and build connections.
How Do Blind and Deaf People Navigate the Web?
Blind and deaf people rely on specialist technology to access the internet. One of the most important tools is the refreshable braille display, which converts digital text into braille that can be read by touch. Small pins rise and fall on the device to form Braille characters, updating as the user moves through a webpage.
Many people also use screen readers such as JAWS, NVDA, or VoiceOver. These programmes provide spoken output for those with some hearing, often working alongside Braille displays for maximum accessibility. Navigation is handled through keyboard shortcuts or Braille keyboard commands, since a mouse is not practical for users with dual sensory loss.
Accessible website design plays a vital role in making these tools effective. By focusing on accessible web development, organisations can ensure that blind and deaf people are able to browse the web, learn online, and connect with others.
The Challenges of Inaccessible Websites for Blind and Deaf People
Although technology gives blind and deaf people the ability to explore the internet, many websites are still designed without accessibility in mind. Poor coding practices and overlooked design choices can make online spaces difficult, or even impossible, to navigate. When websites fail to meet accessibility standards, users who depend on braille displays or screen readers face unnecessary barriers.
Common accessibility challenges include:
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Poor HTML structure – A lack of proper headings and landmarks for screen reader users
, and semantic HTML makes it difficult for assistive technology to provide a logical reading order.
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Unlabelled buttons and links – If interactive elements are not clearly labelled, users will struggle to understand their purpose.
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Inaccessible forms – Forms that lack proper labelling and field descriptions can make filling them out a frustrating experience.
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Over-reliance on audio or visual content – Videos without transcripts or captions, and images without meaningful alt text, exclude those who rely solely on Braille.
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Complex navigation – Websites with inconsistent layouts and unnecessary clutter can make it hard for users to efficiently move through content.
Making the Web Accessible to Deafblind Users
Creating a website that works well for blind and deaf people does not require complex solutions. Many accessibility improvements are straightforward to implement, yet they make a significant difference for users who rely on braille displays or screen readers. By following best practices, developers and content creators can remove barriers and ensure that online spaces are open to everyone.
Key steps for accessible design include:
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Use semantic HTML to create a clear document structure.
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Ensure all interactive elements have descriptive labels.
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Provide text-based alternatives for all non-text content, including images and videos.
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Keep navigation simple and logical, using headings, landmarks, and skip links. Well-structured design systems make these practices easier to apply consistently.
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Allow users to interact with content via keyboard-only navigation.
Accessible websites benefit more than deafblind users; they improve the overall user experience for a wide audience. At the same time, advances in deafblind technology, from refreshable braille displays to haptic navigation tools, continue to expand opportunities for independence and access.
Conclusion
The internet should be a place of inclusion, not exclusion. Blind and deaf people show that with the right tools and thoughtful design, even those with profound disabilities can access digital content and participate fully online. By applying accessibility best practices, businesses and web developers can ensure that no one is left behind.
Accessibility is not only about meeting legal requirements. It is about providing equal opportunities and creating spaces where every user can connect, learn, and contribute. A well-structured and accessible website improves the experience for all visitors. Investing in accessibility means investing in inclusivity, usability, and a better digital world for everyone.
Want to ensure your website meets accessibility standards? Our Remediation Consulting service helps you fix barriers quickly and create digital spaces where blind and deaf people can participate fully.