Publisher's Synopsis
This volume presents research on the assessment and intervention of communication in people who are deafblind, based on the most important studies of the last two decades, with topics from the fields of both congenital and acquired deafblindness. An overview of the latest interdisciplinary research is provided, bridging the gap between theory and practice to support the knowledge base of educators (including teachers, support workers, parents, educational psychologists, students, therapists, and rehabilitation workers) and other professionals, along with deafblind people themselves. With over sixty contributors, this volume records the latest work of recognized researchers and practitioners across the fields of deafblindness, as well as offering contributions from authors living with deafblindness, and parents of individuals with deafblindness. Divided into six sections, the themes covered include: identification and genetics of deafblindness; assessment; social interaction and behavior; communication, development, and interventions; dialogical approaches in communication; and tactile communication and language. Communication with People who are Deafblind aims to transform and describe international, interdisciplinary research findings, theoretical models, and concepts into valuable implications for educational and rehabilitation practice, and to stimulate new research in this field.