What Is CoNavigation? A Vital Service for DeafBlind Individuals in Virginia

braithwaite24
Aug 7
3 min read

Updated: Aug 27

In short, CoNavigation is a specialized service that provides DeafBlind individuals with access to their surroundings, empowering them to navigate life with greater independence. However, there are many nuances to this unique service. Read more for additional details!

1. What Is CoNavigation?

The role of a CoNavigator is different than that of an ASL interpreter, although roles can overlap at times. Typically, an ASL interpreter expects to show up at the requested appointment, and only interpret. However, a DeafBlind individual may need additional support such as:

Visual description- The CoNavigator will describe visual information to the client, including who is speaking, the layout of the room, and a description of any props, screens, or relevant items in the room.
CoNavigation- The CoNavigator will physically walk alongside the DeafBlind client. Some clients may prefer to use a cane and navigate independently, others may prefer to use a CoNavigator, but still others may rely on both at the same time. See this video from Helen Keller Services to see CoNavigation in action.
Linguistic Needs- ASL is a visual language, so it can be challenging for ASL interpreters to interpret a visual language to someone with vision impairment. Tactile ASL utilizes some techniques to make the visual information physically felt and better understood by a DeafBlind person. The client and the interpreter will physically touch each other and sign into the other person's hands. However, DeafBlind individuals can miss up to 70% of information this way. ProTactile is another language DeafBlind people use. ProTactile is a touch language instead of visual and is much more accessible to to some DeafBlind people. (Learn more about ProTactile here). This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, and each client may have varying linguistic needs.

2. Who Benefits from CoNavigation?

Individuals with hearing loss and vision impairment (dual sensory) of any age can benefit from CoNavigation services. A CoNavigator will match the unique needs of the client. We are located in Woodbridge, but can travel across the DMV area and the state of Virginia.

3. When CoNavigation Is Needed

A DeafBlind individual may request a CoNavigator in unfamiliar environments such as medical appointments, public transit, social events, places of worship, courtrooms, or travel.

4. Why It Matters

The DeafBlind community can face many barriers from lack of access, which can lead to social isolation. 2019 statistics from the nationaldb.org state that there are over 10,000 DeafBlind individuals, however our world is far behind when it comes to accessibility. Any time spent in honest conversation with members of the community will bring story after story of interpreters not able to understand their linguistic needs, being unable to sign into kiosks at medical appointments, or even the curbs and signals on the streets not being accessible. There aren't enough services available to the DeafBlind community. The State of Virginia cut funding for their Support Service Provider Pilot Program, which was devastating to the community and has resulted in many individuals having to do without.

(Side Note: A Support Service Provider is an outdated term for CoNavigator and overall has a negative perception of taking away autonomy from the client. For that reason, it is considered to be an offensive term to many individuals).