New Zealanders who have both sight and hearing loss are challenged by a unique disability that is often isolating. Their contact may be limited to those who understand their individualised way of communicating.

The RNZFB employs five deafblind coordinators around the country, including specialist support trainers and one national deafblind trainer.

This service aims to improve quality of life by reducing isolation, enabling deafblind people to live as independently as possible in their local community, and raising awareness of the challenges of being deafblind.

Deafblind Coordinators assist members and people they come into contact with to find alternative ways to communicate. Coordinators help members gain access to recreational activities that develop and maintain social networks. Deafblind Coordinators are supported by a small group of deafblind volunteers who work as communicator guides or intervenors.

To access Deafblind Services contact your closest regional Deafblind Coordinator on 0800 24 33 33 or email: mailto:deafblind.

For more information, please follow this link to our online fact sheet about deafblindness.