Social Work Social Development 2012

1. Social Work Social Development 2012 Life adjustment and combined visaual and hearing disablility/deafblindness – an internal process over time By Ann-Christine Gullacksen Malmö University Sweden Ann-Christine Gullacksen, Malmö university Sweden

2. What is Deafblindness? ”I’m very unhappy and annoyed and sad about it, but also angry with myself, that I haven’t taken it seriously and asked for help in time.” Ann-Christine Gullacksen, Malmö university Sweden

3. The study Life adjustment and combined visaual and hearing disability/deafblindness – an internal process over time Authors: Gullacksen, Ann-Christine, Sweden Göransson, Lena, Sweden Henningsen Rönnblom, Gunilla, Norway Koppen, Anny, Norway Rud Jörgensen, Anette. Denmark Nordic Center of Welfare and Social Issues, 2011 Ann-Christine Gullacksen, Malmö university Sweden

4. The progressive condition in acquired deafblindness ” Often, I stand and look at myself in the mirror. Then I check with my hands when I start seeing them. There are periods when I do this often.” Ann-Christine Gullacksen, Malmö university Sweden

5. The life adjustment ”It would be nice to just jump into the car to go and buy flowers. Now I have to plan it – perhaps I can get an interpreter in two days, but come two days later and I might be worn out and not as motivated.” Ann-Christine Gullacksen, Malmö university Sweden

6. Meeting with the social office ”I applied for a personal assistant but I was not granted one. I have appealed so now I have to wait. Instead, the council offered me home care, for example cleaning, but that’s not what I need.” Ann-Christine Gullacksen, Malmö university Sweden

7. Attitudes towards support • Stage Idoes not ask for any support, rejects propositions from professionals • Stage IIcareful approach, explores the use of assistive technology and support,”like-minded” show possibilities, listens to professionals • Stage III requests compensating support, the support is more integrated in the self-image, growing need of support and assistive technology, admits ones needs Ann-Christine Gullacksen, Malmö university Sweden

8. Accepting support as an integrated part of life ”The thought of what’s going to happen if my vision deteriorates – it’s not as stressful any more. I know that there is something to take from and that you’ll see the possibilities once you’re there.” Ann-Christine Gullacksen, Malmö university Sweden

9. Strategies to handle the situation ”There’s always a dilemma with things I want to do. I should have rested yesterday instead of going to town. But I want to experience things too. When I get really worn out, I get a physical pain. I think it’s mental exhaustion. Then I must rest for two days before my batteries are charged again!” Ann-Christine Gullacksen, Malmö university Sweden

10. Conclusions • The rehabilitation process in all its parts must strengthen the persons self confidence and ability to defend his or her rights of support from society, • and being able to claim an expert role in the negotiation with officials and social workers in order to get the most suitable support when needed – Being empowered • with the over all intention to be able to live a good life. Ann-Christine Gullacksen, Malmö university Sweden

11. Life adjustment model Stage I Stage II Stage III Maintaining life Hold on to Processing/ Rooted in oneself Exploring Recognition Repeateddownturns and plateaus Ann-Christine Gullacksen, Malmö university Sweden

12. The report: • Swedish: www.mogard.se/products.asp?article_id=186&infogrp_id=34&m_id=186 • Danish: www.nordicwelfare.org/PageFiles/5593/168730_Dansk.pdf • Norwegian: www.nordicwelfare.org/PageFiles/5593/168730_Norsk.pdf • English: www.nordicwelfare.org/PageFiles/5593/168730_Engelsk.pdf • Order: www.nordicwelfare.org/Publikationer Ann-Christine Gullacksen, Malmö university Sweden