Photo of a young woman with long dark hair, wearing glasses. The woman is smiling.
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Carolin Gravel,
Research team
1.Why is the topic important?
Work can have an impact on the sense of belonging in a society as well as self-determination. This also applies to employees with deafblindness. However, it seems that remaining in the workforce is at risk for this group if adequate support is not provided.
Photo of a woman with short light hair. The woman is smiling.
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Juliane Heldt, Research Participant and Practitioner
2. How were you involved in this project?
As a consultant and Support Service Provider for people with deafblindness, I have participated in interviews and focus groups. In addition, I collaborated with the research team to disseminate the project materials to employer stakeholders, thereby raising awareness of the life realities of individuals with deafblindness and combined hearing and vision loss.
Photo of a man with dark hair and a beard.
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Bastian Hardt, Research Team
3. What did you learn?
Persons with deafblindness represent a highly heterogeneous group whose participation needs should be addressed through specialized and individualized support services. The majority of participants reported a strong need for information on employment participation, as well as a demand for counseling, rehabilitation, and information services specifically tailored to their needs.
Hendrik Klaes-Klagge, Research Participant
1. Why is the topic important?
A key aspect of social participation is professional inclusion. We, as people with deafblindness or dual sensory loss, also want to be part of an open, tolerant society that engages with us on equal terms. We bring expertise and a wealth of (professional) experience – assets that should be invaluable to employers.
Research never stops! We continue to research stories. This important study focuses on the employment of people with deafblindness. Researchers, practitioners, and participants share their views on the significance of the project EMPLOY!
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