Sign language is based completely on sight—the ability to see the signs that someone is producing. But what about those who are Deaf and also have limited or no sight, like Helen Keller? Do 5-10 minutes of quick research to find out what kind of tactics are available for those who are deaf and have limited sight (but are not fully blind). How can their interpreter make sure that their signs are easier to see and understand? Do any of these tactics surprise you?

Signed Languages, Adapted Signs, Tactile Sign Language, Tracking, Tactile Fingerspelling, Speechreading,

Explanation: Some deaf or hard of hearing people with low vision use American Sign Language or an English-based sign language. In some cases, people may need to sign or fingerspell more slowly than usual so the person with limited vision can see signs more clearly. Sometimes the person with low vision can see the signs better if the signer wears a shirt that contrasts with his or her skin color (e.g., a person with light skin needs to wear a dark-colored shirt).

Some deaf-blind people with restricted peripheral vision may prefer the signer to sign in a very small space, usually at chest level. Some signs located at waist level may need to be adapted (e.g. signing “belt” at chest level rather than at waist level).

The deaf-blind person puts his or her hands over the signer’s hands to feel the shape, movement and location of the signs. Some signs and facial expressions may need to be modified (for example, signing “not understand” instead of signing “understand” and shaking one’s head; spelling “dog” rather than signing “dog”). People can use one-handed or two-handed tactile sign language.

People who grew up using ASL in the deaf community may prefer tactile ASL, while others who came from an oral background or learned signs later may prefer a more English-based tactile system.

Some deaf-blind people with restricted but still usable vision (e.g., tunnel vision) may follow signs by holding the signer’s forearm or wrist and using their eyes to follow the signs visually. This helps them follow signs more easily.

This is a way for deaf-blind people with little or no usable vision to speech read another person by touch. They put their thumb on the other person’s chin, and their fingers on the other person’s cheek to feel the vibrations of the person’s voice and the movement of their lips. This method is rarely used nowadays.

Other deaf or hard of hearing people with usable vision use speechreading as well as their residual vision and hearing. They may use hearing aids, cochlear implants, and/or assistive listening devices to help them hear and understand other people better.