While it is fairly safe to do
a full sign for DEAF followed by a full sign for BLIND to mean "Deaf-Blind" --
as with many other compounds there is a reduced version in use.
I asked for input from Deaf-Blind people in an online group regarding what
Deaf-Blind people use as their own sign for Deaf-Blind.
A Deaf-Blind person replied the following:
"I point at my ear and then the sign for blind under my right eye, which is a
variant of the sign for blind."
(Source:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Lifeprint.ASLU/posts/1991670997598751/?comment_id=2217069008392281&reply_comment_id=3936671906431974)
I would like to point out two important aspects of this person's comment:
1. This person (who is Deaf-Blind) uses a reduction in the sign DEAF when DEAF
is signed as part of the compound DEAF-BLIND. The reduction consists of the
dropping of the second contact in the sign DEAF. This person also uses a version
of the sign for BLIND with the location done under (what I assume is) the
person's dominant eye.
2. The person specifically pointed out that they were using a variant of the
sign BLIND.
It is good for those learning sign to become aware that signs have variations
and to not assume that the version you were taught or learned is any better than
the version you see someone else do. After you have invested years of
interaction in your local Deaf Community you will become more familiar with
which variations are and/or are not common in your region or nationwide.
Notes: For more information about Deaf-Blindness see The Lifeprint Library article: Deaf-Blindness
Notes: