🇨🇳 China Marks International Day of Deafblindness with Usher Syndrome Awareness Webinar
To mark the International Day of Deafblindness, the Yusheng Accessible Disability Support Center in China organised an online awareness webinar dedicated to deafblindness and Usher syndrome, bringing together experts, deafblind advocates, and community members to promote greater understanding and inclusion.
The webinar explored the realities of living with deafblindness, the importance of person-centred support, and practical approaches to communication and accessibility. Participants heard from Professor Zheng Xuan, one of China’s leading researchers on deafblindness, and Gao Juncheng, a person with Usher syndrome and trainer in tactile sign language and orientation and mobility, who shared his personal experiences and practical guidance for communicating with deafblind people.
One of the key messages of the webinar was:
“Don’t focus on the medical cause—focus on the person’s functional abilities.”
The event also highlighted the development of one of China’s first systematic deafblind support projects led by a social organisation, including a family guide, home-based support, orientation and mobility training, and peer support initiatives.
WFDB welcomes initiatives that raise awareness of deafblindness and strengthen support for deafblind people, their families, and professionals.
📄 Read the full report below.
Original: 6月27日国际盲聋日｜Usher综合征科普直播：让无声无光的他们被看见
ENG: Usher Syndrome Awareness Livestream China
🇲🇼 VIHEMA Deafblind Malawi Commemorates the International Day of Deafblindness
The Visual Hearing Impairment Membership Association (VIHEMA Deafblind Malawi) joined the global deafblind community in commemorating the International Day of Deafblindness 2026, under the theme “Connected by Touch: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges.”
In its press release, VIHEMA reaffirmed that deafblindness is a distinct disability requiring specialised services, communication methods, and educational approaches. The organisation also reflected on its achievements since its establishment in 2008, including promoting inclusive education, advocating for accessible voting through tactile communication, supporting early childhood development, and strengthening sustainable livelihoods for deafblind people across Malawi.
The press release concludes with a strong call for governments, civil society, development partners, and the private sector to invest in accessible information, tactile communication training, inclusive education, healthcare, and the full participation of persons with deafblindness in national development.
As VIHEMA states:
“Recognise deafblindness as a distinct disability deserving of tailored services.”
WFDB thanks VIHEMA Deafblind Malawi for sharing their important work and continued advocacy for the rights of deafblind persons.
📄 Read the full press release below.
🇪🇸 FASOCIDE Publishes Manifesto for the Rights of Deafblind Persons
On the occasion of the International Day of Deafblindness, the Spanish Federation of Associations of Deafblind Persons (FASOCIDE) published its Manifesto for the Rights of Deafblind Persons, calling for greater visibility, accessibility, participation, and recognition of deafblindness as a unique disability with specific support needs.
The manifesto emphasises the importance of ensuring that deafblind persons are actively involved in decisions that affect their lives and advocates for sustainable funding for representative organisations, specialised support services, professional training, and the establishment of a National Reference Centre for Deafblindness in Spain.
Among its central messages are the statements:
“We are the people who know our reality best and, therefore, we must play an active role in the development of public policies, the design of resources, and all decisions that affect us.”
“Guaranteeing these rights is not an option—it is an obligation.”
WFDB welcomes initiatives that amplify the voices of deafblind persons and promote meaningful participation in building more inclusive societies.
📄 Read the full press release below.
ORIGINAL: MANIFIESTO DIPSc 2026 DEF