Ann-Christine Gullacksen, Malmö university Sweden1 Social Work Social Development 2012 Life adjustment and combined visaual and hearing disablility/deafblindness – an internal process over time By Ann-Christine Gullacksen Malmö University Sweden

Ann-Christine Gullacksen, Malmö university Sweden2 What is Deafblindness? ”I’m very unhappy and annoyed and sad about it, but also angry with myself, that I haven’t taken it seriously and asked for help in time.”

Ann-Christine Gullacksen, Malmö university Sweden3 The study Life adjustment and combined visaual and hearing disability/deafblindness – an internal process over time Authors: Gullacksen, Ann-Christine, Sweden Göransson, Lena, Sweden Henningsen Rönnblom, Gunilla, Norway Koppen, Anny, Norway Rud Jörgensen, Anette. Denmark Nordic Center of Welfare and Social Issues, 2011

Ann-Christine Gullacksen, Malmö university Sweden4 The progressive condition in acquired deafblindness ” Often, I stand and look at myself in the mirror. Then I check with my hands when I start seeing them. There are periods when I do this often.”

Ann-Christine Gullacksen, Malmö university Sweden5 The life adjustment ”It would be nice to just jump into the car to go and buy flowers. Now I have to plan it – perhaps I can get an interpreter in two days, but come two days later and I might be worn out and not as motivated.”

Ann-Christine Gullacksen, Malmö university Sweden6 Meeting with the social office ”I applied for a personal assistant but I was not granted one. I have appealed so now I have to wait. Instead, the council offered me home care, for example cleaning, but that’s not what I need.”

Ann-Christine Gullacksen, Malmö university Sweden7 Attitudes towards support Stage Idoes not ask for any support, rejects propositions from professionals Stage IIcareful approach, explores the use of assistive technology and support,”like-minded” show possibilities, listens to professionals Stage IIIrequests compensating support, the support is more integrated in the self-image, growing need of support and assistive technology, admits ones needs

Ann-Christine Gullacksen, Malmö university Sweden8 Accepting support as an integrated part of life ”The thought of what’s going to happen if my vision deteriorates – it’s not as stressful any more. I know that there is something to take from and that you’ll see the possibilities once you’re there.”

Ann-Christine Gullacksen, Malmö university Sweden9 Strategies to handle the situation ”There’s always a dilemma with things I want to do. I should have rested yesterday instead of going to town. But I want to experience things too. When I get really worn out, I get a physical pain. I think it’s mental exhaustion. Then I must rest for two days before my batteries are charged again!”

Ann-Christine Gullacksen, Malmö university Sweden10 Conclusions The rehabilitation process in all its parts must strengthen the persons self confidence and ability to defend his or her rights of support from society, and being able to claim an expert role in the negotiation with officials and social workers in order to get the most suitable support when needed – Being empowered with the over all intention to be able to live a good life.

Ann-Christine Gullacksen, Malmö university Sweden11 Life adjustment model Stage I Stage IIStage III Maintaining life Hold on toProcessing/Rooted in oneself Exploring Recognition Repeated downturns and plateaus

Ann-Christine Gullacksen, Malmö university Sweden12 The report: Swedish: _id=186 Danish: Norwegian: English: Order: