June 27, International Day of Deafblindness: access to information, autonomy and inclusion

by Alejandra L. Scolari, Head of Technical Aid

Each June 27 marks International Day of Deafblindnessa date that invites us to make visible a disability that still remains little known to a large part of society. Although it is usually defined as the combination of a visual and hearing disability, deafblindness constitutes a specific condition, with its own challenges that impact such everyday aspects as communication, access to information, mobility and social participation.

Often when discussing disability, the focus is on the limitations that a person may experience. However, more and more specialists agree that the biggest obstacles are usually found in the environment. The lack of accessibility, adequate resources and knowledge about certain conditions can generate situations of isolation that are much deeper than the disability itself.

Deafblindness is a clear example of this. In a society where much of the information circulates through screens, visual signals, audio messages and digital platforms, accessing content, carrying out procedures, studying, working or functioning independently can become a challenge if there are no adequate tools and support.

The need to give visibility to this reality is also reflected in the data. According to the World Federation of Deafblind People (WFDB), around 0.2% of the world’s population lives with severe forms of deafblindness, while up to 2% have different degrees of this condition. However, specialized organizations warn that there is a significant under-recording, since in many countries it continues not to be identified as a differentiated disability..

The importance of advancing accessibility is also observed on a global scale. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 2.2 billion people live with some type of visual impairment in the world.. This scenario highlights the need to develop environments, services and technologies that guarantee access to information and full participation of people with sensory disabilities. For those living with deafblindness, these resources are especially relevant.

In this context, assistive technology has opened new opportunities. During recent years, the Braille language, together with the development of electronic Braille lines, has contributed to reducing barriers and strengthening the autonomy of thousands of people. These advances facilitate access to knowledge, communication, education and work, favoring more active participation in daily life.

However, technology alone is not enough. Inclusion also requires accessible environments, trained professionals, sustained public policies and greater social awareness. There is little point in having innovative solutions if people continue to encounter obstacles in accessing services, educational spaces, job opportunities or community activities.

This lack of recognition has concrete consequences. Various international studies show that people with deafblindness face greater difficulties in accessing education, employment and information, in addition to a higher risk of social isolation. The absence of adequate support and inclusive environments tends to deepen inequalities that could be avoided through specific and sustained actions over time.

Therefore, talking about deafblindness is also talking about comprehensive health. The ability to communicate, establish connections, make decisions independently and participate fully in social life has a direct impact on well-being and quality of life. Accessibility is not only a technical issue; It is an essential condition for the exercise of rights and the construction of a more equitable society.

The International Day of the Deafblind, established in honor of the birth of Helen Keller, one of the most emblematic figures of this community, represents an opportunity to reflect on how much progress has been made and how much remains to be done. Making this disability visible means recognizing specific needs, but also understanding that behind every support tool, every innovation and every accessibility measure there is something much more important: the possibility for a person to develop their life project with autonomy and fully participate in the community.

In a world increasingly permeated by technology, the real challenge is not to innovate faster, but to ensure that this innovation reaches everyone. Because building a more accessible society does not only benefit those living with a disability: it allows us to move towards more humane, inclusive communities prepared to guarantee equal opportunities.