In Romania, an estimated 387,000 people live with a mild form of deafblindness and over 38,000 people live with a severe form of deafblindness.*
*World Federation of the Deafblind (WFDB), 2018 At risk of exclusion from CRPD and SDGs implementation: Inequality and persons with deafblindness.
As of 2006, Romanian legislation recognizes deafblindness as a distinct disability, as a result of Sense International Romania’s lobbying and advocacy efforts, and recognizes the right of people with deafblindness to interpreters across all aspects of society.
Whilst this was an important development people with deafblindness in Romania still experience marginalisation and isolation, as legislation is not always enforced.
Access to technology can be a game-changer for people with deafblindness, providing new ways to access information, communicate with others, and participate in daily life.
These local resources will enable people with deafblindness and those that support them to live, learn, and thrive.