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Living with Deafblindness

Assistive Technology and Equipment

Equipment and assistive devices may support people with deafblindness to live more independently.

This page includes information and resources that people with deafblindness may find helpful.

It is a guide. An individual’s unique needs should be considered before making recommendations and purchases. Deafblind Information Australia does not endorse and is not affiliated with any particular brands or products. Independent research and consultation with an occupational therapist are recommended.

Please discuss with your occupational therapist should you wish to purchase any aids or equipment.

The world is changing rapidly, and inclusive technology options are increasing.

Descriptions and examples of both assistive and inclusive technologies follow.

Assistive technology

Assistive technology is anything that is designed and produced with the aim of assisting someone with a disability to participate in a meaningful activity of daily living.

Examples of Assistive Technology include;

  • Tactile braille readers
  • Single loop magnifier
  • Screen readers
  • Hearing loop systems
  • Sound amplifiers
  • Adaptive cutlery

Inclusive Technology

Inclusive technologies are products developed for the mainstream market that have either

  • been designed to include people with disabilities, or
  • assist people with disabilities, even though this was not a factor when the product was first designed.

Inclusive technologies are used during many daily activities and in different places.  Some examples include smartphones for communication and ergonomic potato peelers for arthritic hands. Sometimes inclusive technologies need to be modified to make them more suitable for someone with deafblindness.

Examples can include but are not limited to;

  • Smartphones
  • Smart lighting
  • Sensors in the home
  • Door and home automation
  • Gaming systems
  • Smart locks for the home
  • Voice-activated showers and taps

These are not exhaustive lists of assistive and inclusive technologies. Technologies change often and quickly.  Any examples on this website are examples only. They are intended to help you know the types of products available. Please contact an occupational therapist to discuss possible solutions for access to activities of daily living.

Deafblind Technology Project update

Download Deafblind Technology Project update webinar transcript (Word docx, 248KB)


Deafblind Information Australia is not a supplier of equipment. Some Australian suppliers can be found in our Find Services pages.