There are five training qualification levels:

Level 1 - Deafblind Awareness

• Suitable for all social services staff, including senior managers and those involved in service planning.

Level 2 - Deafblind Support work

• Suitable for those involved in direct contact with deafblind people, either in residential or domiciliary settings.

Level 3 - Communicating and Guiding with a Deafblind Person

• Suitable for those working as Communicator Guides, specialist social workers, or those who have close contact with deafblind people. It would also be of value to those working in other disciplines or teams, such as teams for older people or occupational therapists.

Level 4 - Deafblind Interpreter  

• This aims to provide a detailed understanding of the role of interpreting for deafblind people and the techniques required.

Level 5 - Diploma in Deafblindness  

• This is accredited by Birmingham University and aimed at those wishing to develop and extend their knowledge and practice as a deafblind specialist.

University Courses in deafblindness

University of Birmingham

• Multi-sensory Impairment (Distant Education Course) Post Graduate Diploma (BPhil/MEd)

University of Manchester

• Working with adults with severe and profound learning disabilities and sensory impairments