With an estimated 400,000 people with combined visual and hearing loss in the UK, we are proud to offer Deafblind Communication qualifications.
We offer qualifications in Deafblind Communication from Level 2 to Level 6.
Search for Signature approved courses today using the Signature Centre Finder.
This qualification is designed to enable learners to develop knowledge, understanding and skill in relation to communication with deafblind people who use English, and who make use of residual sight and hearing in communication. The deafblind experience is explored in depth and the individuality of the dual sensory loss is the priority. This qualification is seen as the starting point for those who wish towork in the deafblind field.
At the end of the qualification candidates will be able to:
To achieve the full Level 2 Award in Communicating and Guiding with Deafblind People, learners are required to achieve three units. Unit K202 is the theory unit; Unit T201 and Unit T202 are practical units. Units can be achieved separately.
| Unit | QAN unit number | Unit title | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| K202 | L/601/8630 | Understanding Communication with Deafblind People | Written examination |
| T201 | R/601/8631 | Communicating Deafblind People | Practical assessment of skills |
The following table details the recommended learning hours required to achieve this qualification.
| Unit | Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | Additional study hours | Total learning hours | Credit value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K202 | 20 | 10 | 30 | 3 |
| T201 | 20 | 5 | 25 | 3 |
| Total | 40 | 15 | 55 | 6 |
Guided learning hours include assessment time.
Additional study hours include private study, homework, practice, etc.
Signature approved centres will deliver this qualification over agreed timescales.
It assumes no previous knowledge or experience, but candidates will benefit from having achieved Signature Level 1 Award in Deaf Awareness and Communication before they start this qualification.
Candidates for assessment must have clear speech to achieve the requirement listed in unit T201. It is the responsibility of the centre to explain this requirement before accepting a candidate for this qualification.
Level 2 Certificate in Communicating with Deafblind People is suitable for those who:
On completion of Signature Level 2 Award in Communicating with Deafblind People, a range of further qualifications are available, including:
A range of professional qualifications and a range of other qualifications at Levels 2 and 3 are also available.
This qualification is designed to give learners the knowledge and skills necessary to communicate with deafblind people who use English and the Deafblind Manual Alphabet. It builds on the knowledge and skills gained in Level 2 Award in Communicating with Deafblind People qualification with which this qualification shares two units (K202 and T201).
At the end of the qualification candidates will be able to:
To achieve the full Level 2 Award in Communicating with Deafblind People, learners arerequired to achieve two units. Unit K202 is the theory unit, and Unit T201 is the practical unit.
Units can be taken in any order and can be achieved separately.
| Unit | QAN unit number | Unit title | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| K202 | L/601/8630 | Understanding Communication with Deafblind People | Written paper |
| T201 | R/601/8631 | Communicating Deafblind People | Practical assessment of skills |
| T202 | D/601/8633 | Deafblind Manual Communication and Guiding | Practical assessment of skills |
The following table details the recommended learning hours required to achieve this qualification.
| Unit | Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | Additional study hours | Total learning hours | Credit value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K202 | 20 | 10 | 30 | 3 |
| T201 | 20 | 5 | 25 | 3 |
| Total | 40 | 15 | 55 | 6 |
Guided learning hours include assessment time.
Additional study hours include private study, homework, practice, etc.
Signature approved centres will deliver this qualification over agreed timescales.
It assumes no previous knowledge or experience, but candidates will benefit from having achieved Signature Level 1 Award in Deaf Awareness and Communication before they start this qualification.
Candidates for assessment must have clear speech to achieve the requirement listed in unit T201. It is the responsibility of the centre to explain this requirement before accepting a candidate for this qualification.
Level 2 Certificate in Communicating with Deafblind People is suitable for those who:
On completion of Signature Level 2 Award in Communicating with Deafblind People, a range of further qualifications are available, including:
A range of professional qualifications and a range of other qualifications at Levels 2 and 3 are also available.
This qualification is designed to give learners the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively with all groups of deafblind* people. It meets the Care Act, 2014 Deafblind requirements which includes the “Care and Support Policy Guidance for Deafblind Children and Adults, 2014” under the Care Act, 2014, issued under Section 7, Department of Health, previously known as (LAC(DH)(2009)6).
*In this specification, the term ‘deafblind’ relates to all of the following: people with acquired deafblindness, Deaf visually-impaired people, blind hearing-impaired people, and people with congenital deafblindness. This qualification is not designed to give candidates the required skills to assess children who are deafblind or someone whose acquired deafblindness is of a complex nature.
At the end of the qualification candidates will be able to:
To achieve the full Level 3 Award in Evaluating the needs of Deafblind Adults, learners are required to achieve two units: DK301 and DK302. Units can be achieved separately.
| Signature Unit Code | RQF unit number | Unit title |
|---|---|---|
| DK301 | A/615/3442 | Understanding Congenital Deafblindness using a Person Centred Approach |
| DK302 | J/615/3444 | Insights into Mobility and Implications for Communication with Deafblind Individuals |
The recommended length of study is detailed below:
| Unit | Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | Additional study hours | Study hours | Credit value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DK301 | 20 | 10 | 30 | 3 |
| DK302 | 20 | 10 | 30 | 3 |
Total qualification time:
| Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | Additional Study Hours | Total Qualification Time | Credit Value at Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 20 | 60 | 6 |
Learners must be able to demonstrate competence in Signature Level 2 Award in Communicating and Guiding DBG2 before they start this qualification. It is the responsibility of the Centre to ensure the candidate meets this requirement before enrolling a candidate for this qualification.
Level 3 Award in Evaluating the needs of Deafblind Adults is suitable for those who:
There is a range of further Signature qualifications available, including:
Level 6 Certificate in Working Effectively with Deafblind Manual and Visual Frame and Hands on A range of professional qualifications and a range of other qualifications at Levels 2 and 3 are also available
Signature Level 3 Award in Insights into Communication with Congenitally Deafblind People is designed to enable learners develop knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to communication with deafblind* people who do not use English or British Sign Language (BSL) as a formal language. Causes and implications of congenital deafblindness and the roles of those who promote and develop communication, including the development of a communication method is explored in detail. The importance of a deafblind person’s wishes in decision-making is seen as vital.
* In this specification, the term ‘deafblind’ relates to people with congenital deafblindness.
At the end of the qualification, learners will be able:
To achieve the full Level 3 Award in Insights into Communication with Congenitally Deafblind People, learners are required to achieve two units.
Units can be taken in any order and can be achieved separately.
| Unit | QAN unit number | Unit title | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| K301 | J/601/8724 | Understanding Congenital Deafblindness | Written paper |
| K302 | H/601/8729 | The Congenitally Deafblind Individual | Written paper |
The following table details the recommended learning hours required to achieve this qualification.
| Unit | Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | Additional study hours | Total learning hours | Credit value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K301 | 20 | 10 | 30 | 3 |
| K302 | 20 | 10 | 30 | 3 |
| Total | 40 | 20 | 60 | 6 |
Guided learning hours include assessment time.
Additional study hours include private study, homework, practice, etc.
Signature approved centres will deliver this qualification over agreed timescales.
It assumes there is previous knowledge and candidates will have benefited from having achieved the Signature Level 2 Award in Communicating with Deafblind People and/or the Signature Level 2 Award in Communicating and Guiding with Deafblind People.
Level 3 Award in Insights into Communication with Congenitally Deafblind People is suitable for those who:
On completion of Signature Level 3 Award in Insights into Communication with Congenitally Deafblind People, a range of other qualifications at Levels 2 and 3 are available. Please see Signature website for further details.
The aim of the qualification is to enable learners to use knowledge and skills already obtained in previous qualifications and to be able to work effectively with deafblind people who use Deafblind Manual in a variety of everyday settings including: conversations, socialising, educational, personal, employment (Access to Work).
This qualification will provide learners with both the technical skills and strategies to be able to communicate effectively with users of Deafblind Manual and the knowledge and skills involved with making language accessible to deafblind people. This will include concepts and structures for describing/analysing English and will develop understanding of ways to make information accessible while maintaining meaning and an awareness of the use of additional communication methods to convey this meaning.
The qualification is divided into two units each of which will be assessed separately. Although
assessments can be taken straight after each unit has been taught, Signature suggests that all assessments are best taken at the end of the course when all teaching is complete.
| Unit | QAN unit number | Unit title | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| DM301 | Y/507/3281 | Producing and Receiving Deafblind Manual | Practical assessment of skills |
| MOD301 | F/507/3288 | Modifying Language for Deafblind People | Written paper and a practical assessment of skills |
The following table details the recommended learning hours required to achieve this qualification.
| Unit | Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | Additional study hours | Total learning hours | Credit value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DM301 | 60 | 20 | 80 | 8 |
| K302 | 40 | 20 | 60 | 6 |
| Total | 100 | 40 | 140 | 14 |
The certificate has a credit value of 14 and 140 hours of learning time in total. The
recommended guided learning hours is 100 in total as show in the table below. The guided learning hours of 100 is the time the learner is timetabled for face to face contact with the centre and should include:
In order to be entered for this course leading to this qualification, learners must be able to
demonstrate competence at DBG Level 2 or equivalent. It is the responsibility of the centre to ensure these requirements has been met before accepting a learner on the course. Learners should be assessed at their induction for the skills required.
On completion of Signature Level 3 Certificate in Working Effectively with Deafblind Manual
(DM) successful candidates can go on to study:
A range of professional qualifications and other qualifications at Levels 3 and Level 6 are also
available.
The aim of the qualification is to enable learners to use knowledge and skills already obtained in previous qualifications and to be able to work effectively with deafblind people who use VF/HO in a variety of everyday settings including: conversations, socialising, educational, personal, employment (Access to Work).
This qualification will provide learners with both the technical skills and strategies to be able to communicate effectively with users of VF/HO and the knowledge and skills involved with making language accessible to deafblind people. This will include concepts and structures for describing/analysing English and will develop understanding of ways to make information accessible while maintaining meaning and an awareness of the use of additional communication methods.
The qualification is divided into two units each of which will be assessed separately. Although
assessments can be taken straight after each unit has been taught, Signature suggests that all assessments are best taken at the end of the course when all teaching is complete.
Units can be taken in any order and can be achieved separately.
| Unit | QAN unit number | Unit title | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| VFHO301 | J/507/3311 | Using Visual Frame and Hands on Signing | A practical assessment of skills |
| MOD301 | F/507/3288 | Modifying Language for Deafblind People | A written paper and practical assessment of skills |
The following table details the recommended learning hours required to achieve this qualification.
| Unit | Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | Additional study hours | Total learning hours | Credit value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VFHO301 | 60 | 20 | 80 | 8 |
| MOD301 | 40 | 20 | 60 | 6 |
| Total | 100 | 40 | 140 | 14 |
The certificate has a credit value of 14 and 140 hours of learning time in total. The
recommended guided learning hours is 100 in total as show in the table below. The guided learning hours of 100 is the time the learner is timetabled for face to face contact with the centre and should include:
In order to be entered for this course leading to this qualification, learners must be able to demonstrate competence at DBG Level 2. It is the responsibility of the centre to ensure these requirements have been met before accepting a learner on the course. Learners should be assessed at their induction for the skills required.
On completion of the qualification, the learners may wish to progress to the following qualifications:
The aim of the qualification is to enable learners to use knowledge and skills already obtained in previous qualifications and through experience, to be able to work with and to be able to interpret for deafblind people using Deafblind Manual. Working in a variety of everyday settings including: conversations, socialising, educational, personal and employment (Access to Work).
This qualification will provide learners with both the technical skills and strategies to be able to communicate with and interpret effectively with and for users of Deafblind Manual as well as the knowledge and skills involved with making language accessible to deafblind people. This will include and further develop understanding of ways to make language and information accessible while maintaining meaning and an awareness of the use of additional communication methods to convey this meaning.
The qualification is divided into two units each of which will be assessed separately. Although assessments can be taken straight after each unit has been taught, Signature suggests that all assessments are best taken at the end of the course when all teaching is complete.
| Unit | QAN unit number | Unit title | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| DM601 | L/507/5948 | Producing and Receiving Deafblind Manual | Portfolio |
| MOD603 | R/507/5949 | Modifying Language for Deafblind People | Portfolio |
The certificate has a credit value of 14 and 140 hours of learning time in total. The
recommended guided learning hours is 100 in total as shown in the table below. The guided learning hours of 100 is the time the learner is timetabled for face to face contact with the centre and should include:
| Unit | Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | Additional study hours | Total learning hours | Credit value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DM601 | 60 | 20 | 80 | 8 |
| MOD603 | 40 | 20 | 60 | 6 |
| Total | 100 | 40 | 140 | 14 |
Guided learning hours include assessment time.
Additional study hours include private study, homework, practice, etc.
Signature approved centres will deliver this qualification over agreed timescales.
In order to be entered for this course leading to this qualification, learners must be able to demonstrate competence at DBG Level 2 and DM Level 3 or equivalent. It is the responsibility of the centre to ensure these requirements have been met before accepting a learner on the course. Learners should be assessed at their induction for the skills required.
On completion of Signature Level 6 Certificate in Working Effectively with Deafblind Manual
(DM) successful candidates can go on to study:
A range of professional qualifications and other qualifications at Levels 6 are also available.
The aim of the qualification is to enable learners to use knowledge and skills already obtained in previous qualifications and through experience, to be able to work effectively, interpreting for deafblind people who use VFHO. Working in a variety of everyday settings including: conversations, socialising, educational, personal and employment (Access to Work).
This qualification will provide learners with both the technical skills and strategies to be able to communicate with and interpret effectively for users of VFHO as well as the knowledge and skills involved with making language accessible to deafblind people. This will include and further develop understanding of ways to make language and information accessible while maintaining meaning and an awareness of the use of additional communication methods to convey this meaning.
The qualification is divided into two units each of which will be assessed separately. Although assessments can be taken straight after each unit has been taught, Signature suggests that all assessments are best taken at the end of the course when all teaching is complete.
| Unit | QAN unit number | Unit title | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| VFHO602 | J/507/6063 | Using Visual Frame and Hands On Signing | Portfolio |
| MOD603 | R/507/5949 | Modifying Language for Deafblind People | Portfolio |
The certificate has a credit value of 14 and 140 hours of learning time in total. The
recommended guided learning hours is 100 in total as shown in the table below. The guided learning hours of 100 is the time the learner is timetabled for face to face contact with the centre and should include:
| Unit | Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | Additional study hours | Total learning hours | Credit value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VFHO602 | 60 | 20 | 80 | 8 |
| MOD603 | 40 | 20 | 60 | 6 |
| Total | 100 | 40 | 140 | 14 |
Guided learning hours include assessment time.
Additional study hours include private study, homework, practice, etc.
Signature approved centres will deliver this qualification over agreed timescales.
In order to be entered for this course leading to this qualification, learners must be able to demonstrate competence at DBG Level 2 and Level 3 VFHO or equivalent. It is the responsibility of the centre to ensure these requirements have been met before accepting a learner on the course. Learners should be assessed at their induction for the skills required.
On completion of the qualification, the learners may wish to progress to the following
qualifications:
The aim of the qualification is to enable learners to use knowledge and skills already obtained from previous qualifications and through experience, to be able to work effectively, interpreting for deafblind people who use Deafblind Manual and Visual Frame and Hands On. Working in a variety of everyday settings including: conversations, socialising, educational, personal, employment (Access to Work).
This qualification will provide learners with both the technical skills and strategies to be able to communicate with and interpret effectively for users of Deafblind Manual and Visual Frame and Hands on as well as the knowledge and skills involved with making language accessible to deafblind people. This will include and further develop understanding of ways to make the language and information accessible while maintaining meaning and an awareness of the use of additional communication methods to convey this meaning.
The qualification is divided into two units each of which will be assessed separately. Although assessments can be taken straight after each unit has been taught, Signature suggests that all assessments are best taken at the end of the course when all teaching is complete.
| Unit | QAN unit number | Unit title | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| DM601 | L/507/5948 | Producing and Receiving Deafblind Manual | Portfolio |
| VFHO602 | J/507/6063 | Using Visual Frame and Hands On Signing | Portfolio |
| MOD603 | R/507/5949 | Modifying Language for Deafblind People | Portfolio |
The certificate has a credit value of 22 and 220 hours of learning time in total. The
recommended guided learning hours is 100 in total as shown in the table below. The guided learning hours of 160 is the time the learner is timetabled for face to face contact with the centre and should include:
| Unit | Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | Additional study hours | Total learning hours | Credit value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DM601 | 60 | 20 | 80 | 8 |
| VFHO602 | 60 | 20 | 80 | 6 |
| MOD603 | 40 | 20 | 60 | 6 |
| Total | 160 | 60 | 220 | 22 |
Guided learning hours include assessment time.
Additional study hours include private study, homework, practice, etc.
Signature approved centres will deliver this qualification over agreed timescales.
In order to be entered for this course leading to this qualification, learners must be able to demonstrate competence at Level 3 Deafblind Manual and Visual Frame and Hands On, or equivalent. It is the responsibility of the centre to ensure these requirements have been met before accepting a learner on the course. Learners should be assessed at their induction for the skills required.
A range of professional qualifications and other qualifications at Levels 6 are available for
candidates
Depending on the deafblind person’s level of hearing and vision, there are many communication methods. It’s important to remember that deafblind communication methods are individual and mostly depend on personal preference and what works best for them.
Some of the most popular deafblind communication methods include the Deafblind Manual Alphabet, visual frame signing, hands-on signing, and tactile lip reading.
If you’d like to communicate with someone with hearing loss, face them directly so they can understand you through lip-reading and facial expressions. You should also speak clearly and naturally at your normal pace and tone, even though it’s common to want to exaggerate or shout your words. Most importantly, be patient and respectful at all times.
To communicate with a Deaf person using sign language, you can firstly get their attention by waving or tapping them gently on the shoulder. Maintain good eye contact and proceed by signing clearly and at a steady pace. If you’re new to BSL, focus on delivering clear hand movements over anything else. You can always fingerspell if need be.
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