Deafblind Rehabilitation Programme (Resource Centre for the Deafblind)

Introduction

Commenced in September 1995, with support from the Hong Kong Community Chest, this programme offers training, consultations, and referral services on learning, daily living, and social adjustment for deafblind of all ages, their caretakers, and rehabilitation workers. The honorary consultant of Deafblind Services, Rev. Dr. Cyril Axelrod OBE, is also a deafblind person.

Thanks to the generous support from the Marden Foundation and Mrs. Anne Marden, Hong Kong first resource centre for the deafblind was established in January 2006. The Centre provides information, training workshops, as well as public education promotions to the deafblinds, their families, and the general public. Members can also enjoy library service, audio or visual materials, and other resources at the Centre.

What is deafblindness?

Deafblindness is a combination of sight and hearing loss that affects a person’s ability to communicate, to access information, and to get around. The degree of loss in both vision and hearing varies for each person.

Objectives

The Centre aims to provide ongoing support to the deafblinds, their families, and rehabilitation workers as to enhance their rehabilitation and strengthen the living skills of the deafblinds.

Services / Courses / Activities

1. Enquiry hotline service
   Hotline phone service for families and rehabilitation workers in relations to learning, caring, and resources of deafblindness.
2. Resource library service
   Various resources are available for members such as reference books, magazines, video tapes and CDs to facilitate understanding of deafblindness, training strategies, and rehabilitation skills.
3. Community services referral
   Professional referral services for the deafblinds and their families on counseling, opt-metrical or audiological services, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation training etc.
4. Adaptive aids consultation
   Adaptive aids and consultation for the deafblinds to assist daily living and communication.
5. Educational talks
   Educational talks and workshops to promote new information and communication techniques for caring and training of the deafblinds.
6. Community education
   Liaison with community groups and schools to promote deafblind services to facilitate care and acceptance by the community.
7. Benefits for members
   Members will receive special offers on products and service, as well as latest information of the Centre. (Please check with our staff for details)

Service Target

• Deafblind persons of all ages
• Relatives and / or caretakers of the deafblinds
• Rehabilitation workers working with the deafblinds

Fee

Deafblind persons: Free of charge

Individual Member: Ordinary: HK$40 (per biennium); Lifetime: HK$300

Group Member: Ordinary: HK$200 (per biennium); Lifetime: HK$500

Honorary Member: HK$1,000

Application Procedure

Deafblind persons in need of rehabilitation service may apply through the Integrated Family Service Centres and Medical Social Service of the Social Welfare Department or they may directly contact the Resource Centre for the Deafblind of the HKSB for referral.

Opening Hours

Mondays to Fridays: 9:00am - 6:00pm

Saturdays: 9:00am - 1:00pm

Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays

Download Area

• Membership Application

Links

• Tactile Sign Language
• Communicator Guide Service for the Deafblind (9/2021 - 8/2024)

Acknowledgment

This project is supported by The Community Chest.