A person using a braille display device with both hands
A blind person using a braille terminal, an assistive technology device that converts digital text into Braille characters.
Photo:Sigmund/Unsplash

Recognizing Deafblindness: a distinct disability requiring specialized support and inclusion

Deafblindness is a combined vision and hearing impairment of such severity that it is hard for the impaired senses to compensate for each other, and is thus a distinct disability with its own specific challenges, barriers and requirements for support and inclusion, different from those provided to individuals, who are solely deaf or blind.

Deafblind persons face barriers owing to deafblindness not being treated and/or recognized as a distinct disability, further leading to invisibility in statistics, policies and programmes, and therefore impeding access to services.

Professional deafblind interpreters and interpreter-guides are critical in ensuring access to information, communication, services and fundamental rights, as well as enabling individuals with deafblindness to live independently and be included in the community.

Two women sit together; one wears headphones, while the other holds her hand.

Why June 27?

The General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/79/294, proclaiming 27 June of each year the International Day of Deafblindness. This day commemorates the birth of renowned author Helen Keller (1880 – 1968), one of the most iconic figures in the deafblindness community.

Helen Keller (left) visited the UN Headquarters in 1949. Miss Keller is seen during a committee meeting with her secretary, Miss Polly Thompson, who is interpreting the debate for her. Credit: UN Photo.

Resources

Related observances

Did you know?

an illustration of a red and white striped cane

The red and white striped cane is used by the deafblind community as an important tool for mobility and identification.

Philemon Yang (on screen) delivers a message in the GA Hall, an sign language interpreter is shown on the screen

The Conference of States Parties (COSP) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities  was established in 2008. The 18th session of the COSP took place at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, from 10 to 12 June 2025, under the theme: “Enhancing public awareness of the rights and contributions of persons with disabilities for social development leading up to the Second World Summit for Social Development”. This session focused across three roundtables on the issues of innovative financing, the use of artificial intelligence and the rights of indigenous people with disabilities.

A woman using sign language

When we secure the rights of persons with disabilities, we move our world closer to upholding the core values and principles of the United Nations Charter. The United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy provides the foundation for sustainable and transformative progress on disability inclusion through all pillars of the work of the United Nations: peace and security, human rights, and development.  Read the latest report of the UN Secretary-General about the implementation of the Strategy, available in various accessible formats.

 

an abstract illustration of people engaged in an event

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.