Morrison’s Space: A DeafBlind Activist

A Guide Rooted in Respect, Contact, and Culture

May 26, 2026

By Morrison

Most “how‑to” guides about interacting with DeafBlind people are written from the outside looking in, and those who are not DeafBlind. They focus on politeness, not connection; on fear of doing the wrong thing, not on building relationships. This guide is different. It comes from inside the community, from a DeafBlind, Protactile worldview where contact through touch is a part of the culture and language, and where space (also known as access) is not a favor but a right and a way to live.

1. Start with presence, not assumptions

People often approach us with assumptions about what we can or cannot do – or cannot hear and/or see. Don’t. Don’t focus on what we can or can’t see/hear. Don’t wave at us, or say “hello, hello?” Instead, begin with direct introduction and physical presence by setting the space .

• Lightly touch the back of the hand, shoulder, or forearm.
• Stay in contact long enough for us to orient to you (don’t move, stay and allow us to “find you.”)
• Introduce yourself with your name and what you do.

Presence through contact space (touch) is the first access point.

2. Ask for communication preferences as every DeafBlind person is different

There is no universal method. Some use air space tactile sign language, some use tracking – where they place their hand on your wrist to follow your signs, some use Protactile – which is strictly used through contact space, not air space, some use speech (spoken language), some use text, some may use print-on-palm – where you write in their palm (or in some cases, other countries use the manual alphabet using our hand: ex. British Sign Language uses the fingertips for the vowels) some use all the above.

A simple, respectful question works:

“How do you want to communicate?” or “Where would you like to chat?”

Then follow our lead. This will unfold naturally when you let us be and have that space to lead.

3. Stay in contact – literally, don’t let go

In Protactile culture, contact through touch (known as “contact space”) is information. It is how we stay oriented to people, space, and the flow of interaction.

• Maintain light, continuous contact while talking (keep your hand on our forearm or hand – where we give you the consent to place your hand)
• Don’t pull away suddenly. When you touch us, stay in contact.
• Don’t talk from across the room. Be within that contact space with us.

Distance is a barrier. Contact via touch is access.

4. Share environmental information without being asked

Sighted and hearing people receive constant incidental information. DeafBlind people do not. Offer to share:

• Who is in the room
• What people are doing
• What they are wearing
• Where sound or movement is coming from
• Changes in mood, energy, or group dynamics

This is not “extra.” It is access. It is the space with us in it.

5. Don’t grab, push, or steer

If mobility support is needed, we will ask, or a CoNavigator will be present. Uninvited touching is not help. It is control. It is a breach of consent and our autonomy.

6. Respect autonomy

DeafBlind people are not fragile, helpless, or dependent. We are experts in our own lives. Follow our decisions. Don’t override them.

7. Remember: access is a right, not an act of kindness

When you interact with a DeafBlind person, you are not “helping.” You are participating in a shared world where everyone deserves access, the space where we all coexist. (If you’re not sure about this… ask, don’t assume).