On May 30, the Older Individuals who are Blind Technical Assistance Center (OIB-TAC) presented at the 2025 Envision Conference in Dallas, Texas. Project staff Kendra Farrow and Jennifer Ottowitz led a session titled Dual Sensory Impairment: How Hearing Impacts Adaptations for Vision Impairment, offering valuable insights to around 40 researchers and practitioners in the low vision field.

Envision is one of the largest employers of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The annual Envision Conference has become the leading international event focused on vision rehabilitation and research, bringing together professionals from multiple disciplines to collaborate on improving the lives of people with vision loss.

Farrow and Ottowitz’s presentation addressed the unique challenges faced by individuals who experience both hearing and vision loss, a condition known as dual sensory impairment. Participants learned how hearing loss can affect vision loss adaptations and complicate everyday tasks. One of the key objectives of the session was helping attendees identify at least three common challenges faced by this population, such as orientation to space, locating sound, or following conversations.

In addition, the session focused on equipping professionals with strategies to support better communication. Attendees explored at least three strategies to facilitate communication for individuals with dual sensory impairment. These included encouraging the use of hearing aids, reducing background noise, and using other assistive listening devices such as Bluetooth earbuds. Participants also received information about resources and related programs available to support individuals with dual sensory loss.

By connecting with professionals from across disciplines, the OIB-TAC team helped foster understanding and inclusive approaches to the rehabilitation field.

Learn more about OIB-TAC’s training and resources at www.oib-tac.org.