perceptionsense: Tadoma

Tadoma

Tadoma is a method of communication used by deaf-blind individuals. Tactical lipreading to a deaf-blind person puts their hands on the speaker's jaw, lip, or neck to feel vibrations. The technique that deaf-blind people do is to place their thumb on the speaker's lips and their fingers along the jawline. Next, the middle three fingers often fall along the speaker's cheek, with the finger picking up the vibrations of the speaker's throat. This technique is beneficial because it can turn to help retain speech skills

I never really knew there was a name for the technique. I have seen people do this at work. I currently work as a pharmacy technician; one of the customers comes in for his medication with his aid, he always sometimes puts his thumb on his mouth to understand what is being talked about. I believe this is fantastic because it is a technique that overcomes challenges for deaf-blind individuals. I know individuals do not use this tactile, it is still a great sign of communication. According to the textbook, “ Other reasons the Tadoma skill is waning include the growing number of deaf-blind individuals receiving cochlear implants, and the choice of many deaf schools to deemphasize communication techniques other than sign language “ (Pg 152).

Helen Keller did use this tactic and was the most famous person to use this. The resource I am attaching below talks about how Helen Keller talks to individuals. This video is unique because you're getting visibility of how the tactile is used and getting information about Helen Keller. Resources show that Helen using this tactile first word was water. I believe this is an incredible story and individuals should be educated on this tactile.

Tadoma Images:

Beginnings of Deafblind Education | Perkins School for the Blind Analytic Study of the Tadoma Method: Improving Performance Through the Use of Supplementary Tactual Displays: Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research: Vol 35, No 2