How many people in the world are estimated to be deafblind?

The estimate of around 97.6 million people being deafblind is grounded in research and data collection efforts that account for individuals experiencing varying degrees of both hearing and visual impairments. This figure helps to highlight the significant global population affected by dual sensory disabilities, which can often be overlooked in discussions about accessibility and inclusion.

Understanding the prevalence of deafblindness is critical for professionals working in accessibility as it emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive environments and services that cater to the unique needs of this demographic. Recognizing the scale of the deafblind population can drive more substantial advocacy efforts and resource allocation for appropriate support systems, technology, and interventions aimed at improving their quality of life and ensuring they have equal access to information, communication, and various aspects of daily living.