Laura Lyttle Blogs her experience of DeafBlindness

Could you tell us a little about yourself and your role at AdaptNI?

My name is Laura Lyttle, and I am an Employment Advisor with Adapt NI. I support Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deafblind people, and those with tinnitus to access employment, training opportunities, qualifications, volunteering, and work experience.

I am also Deafblind myself, with Usher Syndrome, which means I have a combination of profound hearing loss and Retinitis Pigmentosa, a progressive eye condition that affects my vision.

How long have you been involved with AdaptNI and what do you enjoy most about your work?

I have been part of the Adapt NI team for almost three years. What I enjoy most about my role is helping people achieve their goals and overcome barriers that may prevent them from reaching their full potential.

It is incredibly rewarding to support individuals to gain employment, develop new skills, increase their confidence, and pursue their dream careers. I enjoy meeting people from different backgrounds and seeing the positive impact that the right support can have on their lives.

What does being deafblind mean to you?

Deafblindness is a combination of hearing and sight loss that affects how a person accesses information, communicates, and navigates the world around them.

One common misconception is that being deafblind means a person is completely deaf and completely blind. In reality, deafblindness exists on a spectrum. For example, I am profoundly deaf, but I have good central vision. However, my peripheral vision is very limited due to Retinitis Pigmentosa, which affects my mobility and independence.

Every deafblind person's experience is unique, and the support they require can vary significantly.

What are some of the biggest barriers you experience in everyday life?

The two biggest barriers I experience are communication and mobility.

As a British Sign Language (BSL) user, I often require an interpreter to access information and communicate effectively. My vision loss can also make it difficult to navigate unfamiliar environments safely. I may miss obstacles, trip over hazards, bump into people, or struggle to see objects outside my limited field of vision.

These barriers can be reduced significantly when appropriate support and accessibility measures are put in place.

Are there common misconceptions people have about deafblindness that you would like to challenge?

Yes. One of the biggest misconceptions is that all deafblind people are completely deaf and completely blind.

In reality, many deafblind people have some level of hearing and vision. Deafblindness affects everyone differently, and no two individuals will have exactly the same experience. It is important not to make assumptions and instead ask people what support works best for them.

What communication methods and technology help you most?

British Sign Language interpreters are essential for my communication needs. Because of my restricted field of vision, I need to ensure there is enough distance between myself and the interpreter so I can clearly see both their face and hands.

I also rely heavily on captions when watching television, attending online meetings, or using streaming services such as Netflix. Accessible technology and communication support play a vital role in helping me stay connected and informed.

Can you describe a time when a simple adjustment made a big difference to your independence or inclusion?

Small adjustments can have a huge impact. For example, working with interpreters who understand deafblind awareness ensures they position themselves appropriately so I can clearly see their signing.

Technology adjustments are equally important. Changing background colours, increasing contrast, enlarging text, or changing the colour of a mouse pointer can make digital information much more accessible. These simple changes allow me to work more independently and confidently.

Why is accessible employment important for people who are deafblind?

Accessible employment enables deafblind people to contribute their skills, knowledge, and talents without being limited by unnecessary barriers.

When workplaces provide appropriate support and adjustments, employees can fully access information, participate in meetings and training, communicate effectively with colleagues, and perform their roles to the best of their abilities.

Accessibility is not just about removing barriers—it is about creating equal opportunities.

What workplace adjustments have helped you succeed in your role?

BSL interpreters have been essential for meetings, presentations, networking events, promotional activities, and training sessions.

I also use accessibility features on my laptop, including changing background colours, adjusting brightness and contrast settings, and using a larger, more visible mouse pointer. An additional monitor helps me see colleagues more clearly during Microsoft Teams and Zoom meetings.

These adjustments allow me to work efficiently and confidently.

What advice would you give to employers who want to create a more inclusive workplace?

The most important advice is to have open conversations with employees about their individual needs rather than making assumptions.

For Deaf and Deafblind employees, this may include providing BSL or Irish Sign Language interpreters for meetings and training, ensuring rooms are well lit, minimising background noise, providing captioning options, and using assistive technology such as Roger microphones where appropriate.

Simple adjustments can make a significant difference to an employee's experience and success.

How can friends, colleagues and members of the public better support people who are deafblind?

The most important thing is to remember that every deafblind person is different.

Rather than assuming what support someone needs, ask them directly. One person may require communication support, while another may need assistance with mobility or navigating an unfamiliar environment.

Other helpful considerations include ensuring good lighting, reducing glare, describing hazards in the environment, and making information accessible.

What does the theme "Connected by Touch: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges" mean to you personally?

To me, this theme highlights the importance of connection, understanding, and inclusion.

Touch can be a vital communication tool for many deafblind people, but the theme also represents the wider idea of breaking down barriers that prevent people from participating fully in society. Building bridges means creating opportunities for people to communicate, connect, and access the same opportunities as everyone else.

It reminds us that meaningful inclusion starts with understanding and willingness to adapt.

What changes would you like to see in Northern Ireland for people who are deafblind?

I would like to see greater awareness and understanding of deafblindness across Northern Ireland.

Many barriers still exist because people do not fully understand what deafblindness is or how it affects individuals. Increased awareness, improved accessibility, and better access to communication support would help ensure deafblind people can participate fully in education, employment, healthcare, and everyday life.

What are you most proud of achieving?

I am most proud of becoming an Employment Advisor and being able to support Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing people across Northern Ireland.

Through my role, I have the opportunity to advocate for accessibility, promote inclusion, and help people achieve their goals. Knowing that I have helped someone move closer to employment or increased independence is something I am very proud of.

What message would you like to share with readers during DeafBlind Awareness Week?

Deafblind people can achieve the same goals and ambitions as anyone else when barriers are removed and the right support is available.

Take the time to learn about deafblindness, challenge assumptions, and consider how small changes can make a big difference. Inclusion benefits everyone.

If there was one thing you could ask people to remember after reading this blog, what would it be?

Please do not assume what a deafblind person can or cannot do, or what support they may need.

Instead, ask the individual and listen to their preferences. Every deafblind person is different, and person-centred support is the key to true inclusion.