Sensory Handicaps

Abstract

In this chapter the terms blind, deaf and deaf/blind are used repeatedly but it must not be assumed that the subjects are necessarily totally blind, deaf or deaf/blind. In a review of deaf/blind units in several parts of the world, Myers (1976), reported that less than 10% in these units were totally blind and deaf. The majority are, therefore, likely to have some remnant of either or of both senses, and one of the purposes of this chapter is to alert everyone involved with such individuals to the importance of discovering this, so that the patients may be trained to use their residual senses. If the subject is also mentally handicapped, this is even more important, as it is more than likely that without the appropriate stimulation and training these sensory remnants will never be used.