"Empowering DeafBlind Individuals to reach their highest potential."
Tips on Interaction

Tips on Interacting with Individuals Who Have a Dual Sensory Loss

The following are tips to consider when when interacting with an individual who has a dual sensory loss.

  • Say the person's name or lightly touch them on the hand or arm before speaking to them.
  • Do not shout!
  • Speak at a normal volume. You may need to move closer but don't raise your voice.
  • Speak at a normal rate, unless if you have a tendency to speak fast, then slow down a little.
  • Do not over emphasize or exaggerate your speech.
  • Do not say "never mind" or "forget it"!
  • In an area that echoes, you may need to speak a little softer and perhaps move a little closer to the individual.
  • When repeating perhaps state the sentence in a different manner. For example, instead of "Do you want to go shopping?" You might say, "Want to go to the store?"
  • If possible turn background noise down or off.
  • When in a group setting, try to only have one person speaking at a time.
  • Specify when changing topics.
  • Avoid saying only one word but rather say short sentences to help put the word in context.
  • Talk directly to the person and not around them.
  • Do not answer questions that are directed to the individual.
  • Inform the person when you are moving away or leaving.
  • When using phonetics, use words that are not similar to others. For example, "T" for tango and "P" for puppy.
  • When stating numbers, use single digits. For example, five six rather than "fifty six".
  • Give directions such as left or right rather than "over here" or tapping on the table or chair.  Distinguishing where sounds are coming from is often difficult.
  • When something needs to be repeated, only one person needs to restate it. Multiple voices at the same time makes comprehension very problematic.
Remember, everyone is different so these are tips to consider. You cannot go wrong with simply asking the individual, when in doubt, "How can I help you hear me better?"
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Jeri's House, Inc.!
Support Jeri's House Inc on Amazon Smile:

If you're like most of us, you have bought a thing or two from Amazon. If you're like some households, then the majority of your purchases are delivered to your door via Amazon. Why not make an impact in the DeafBlind community by supporting Jeri's House with the things you are already buying? According to their website: AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice. We recommend Jeri's House as that charitable organization of choice! The donations can really add up with the things you are buying. Here's how to use Amazon Smile:

How to Shop Amazon Smile

1. Visit smile.amazon.com. We recommend bookmarking this page so you'll land on the smile page every time you shop.
2. Sign into your account if you're not already, and search for Jeri's House as your charity of choice. Once you make this selection, you will receive an email confirmation. You are now ready to support Jeri's House in your everyday purchases!  Or use this shortcut to go directly to Jeri's House search result https://smile.amazon.com/ch/81-5032992
3. Shop as normal. Most items are eligible for an Amazon Smile donation, but they will let you know is something is not. Shop as usual, and watch the donations add up! (Note: If you use the regular Amazon.com site, no contribution will be made.)

How to Shop Amazon Smile on Mobile

One of the drawbacks to AmazonSmile, is you have to make your purchases through the AmazonSmile site. Purchases through the regular Amazon site and their mobile site won't give a donation. Fortunately, there's a work around.

If you regularly shop Amazon through your mobile browser, simply navigate to smile.amazon.com instead of the App! It will be a very similar experience to what you are used to.
If you regularly shop Amazon through the Amazon app you could add items to your cart via the app but finish the checkout process on your Safari browser. (Just make sure you are at smile.amazon.com before you checkout.) Or you could take the following steps on your Apple device:

Shortcut to Use Amazon Smile on the iPhone

1. Visit smile.amazon.com in Safari.
2. Next, hit the share button at the bottom middle of your screen.
3. Now click add to Home Screen. You have just created a shortcut to the Amazon Smile page to easily navigate here from the homepage.
4. Use the shortcut you just created the next time you shop on Amazon.

(918) 619-6610
Main Number

(918) 200-6550

Jeri's House, Inc.
P.O. Box 580695
Tulsa, OK 74158