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Practice Report
Deaf-Blindness and Preschoolers with
Down Syndrome
Gretchen A. Good, PhD*
Stephen R. Chadwick, PhD
Massey University
Palmerston North, New Zealand
Abstract
Children with Down syndrome are at risk for vision and/or hearing impairments. This dual sensory
impairment is seldom recognized in this population, although much can be done through appropriate
early intervention, education, and health care to minimize the impact of deaf-blindness on the lives of
these children. Trisomy 21, its associated health conditions, and the syndrome’s effects on hearing and
vision are described. A brief discussion of early intervention and education is provided as well as the
future for children living with Down syndrome and dual sensory impairments. This article highlights the
need for research in dual sensory impairment in those with Down syndrome and provides basic
guidelines for professionals and parents in understanding and addressing complex learning needs.
Keywords: Down syndrome, dual sensory impairment, deaf-blindness
Introduction
There is a lack of research on hearing and vision
impairment in those with Down syndrome. Seldom is
it recognized that most children with Down syndrome
have hearing impairments, and many have both
vision and hearing impairments (Nehring, 2010). An
estimated 60 percent to 80 percent of children with
Down syndrome have hearing impairments (Chen,
2000; Moss, 1998; Roizen, 2002). An estimated 70
percent have vision problems (Owens, Kerker, Zigler,
& Horowitz, 2006; Parents, Relatives & Others
Understanding Downs [P.R.O.U.D.], 2009). In a
calculation of probability, it is reasonable to expect
that at least 49 percent or more have both hearing
and vision impairments. It is important for parents,
educators, researchers, and those who prepare
professionals to work in the blindness field to
understand Down syndrome and its effects on vision
* Please address correspondence to
G.A.Good@massey.ac.nz.
98 | Received January 28, 2010; Accepted May 10, 2010
and hearing. This article discusses daily living and
educational implications of dual sensory impairment
for those with Down syndrome and provides a
snapshot of the current state of early education and
services for children living with both these conditions.
Future needs for children growing into adulthood with
Down syndrome and dual sensory impairments and
for those who educate and support them are also
discussed.
Down Syndrome
Down syndrome occurs in about 1.3 per 1,000 live
births and affects all races equally (Nehring, 2010).
There are therefore approximately 78,050 people in
the United Kingdom, 401,560 in the United States,
and 5,670 in New Zealand with Down syndrome.
The condition was first described in 1866 by John
Langdon Down, after whom it is named, who noted a
number of characteristics commonly shared by those
with the syndrome (Down, 1866). Because affected
individuals tend not to possess every characteristic,
the condition was difficult to diagnose until 1959,