There are two alternative communication systems: 1) a one hand manual alphabet, 2) printing in the palm of the hand.

One-Hand Manual Alphabet "Finger Spelling"

The one hand manual alphabet, also known as 'finger spelling,' is used by having the person who is deaf-blind, hold one or both of their hands in a slightly cupped, palm-down position so that the "speller" can form the letters and words against the deaf-blind person's palm and fingers. The individual who is deaf-blind can either respond with their voice or by finger spelling back to the other person. They will often guess at the word or finish a sentence or question if they feel they have enough information. This often speeds up conversations, but can also lead to laughs and misinterpretations between people.

With the manual alphabet, every letter of the alphabet is represented by holding one's fingers in a certain manner. For example, "a" is a clenched fist with the thumb against the side of the curled index finger. If the thumb were to be placed against the finger nails of the clenched fingers, it becomes the "e," and with the placing of the thumb against the knuckles it becomes the "s." The deaf-blind person feels the shape of the person's hand and knows what letter is being indicated.

Manual Alphabet

Print in Palm

Print in palm is another communication method used to communicate with a person who is deaf-blind. In this method the person who is deaf-blind holds a hand out, palm facing upwards, and fingers together. In this way, the hand is positioned like a tablet or writing surface. The "speller" then uses their forefinger to draw each letter. Covering the whole palm, the 'speller' uses their forefinger to write each letter in a continuous line and with even pressure. Picking up one's finger in most cases, except for crossing a T, means that a new letter is being started. Pause slightly longer at the end of each word. Look at the chart and notice that the letters are usually drawn from left to right and from top to bottom. Brushing one's hand over the palm of the deaf-blind person's means that you are erasing and starting again. Link

Print in Palm Alphabet

Both methods, the one-hand manual alphabet or printing in the palm, will take practice on the part of both parties. Some people who are deaf-blind may prefer one method over another.

These methods are used in the US; different methods are used in other countries. For an example of how the deaf-blind communicate and other useful links in England, see Information about Deafblindness or Deafblind Manual Alphabet for the manual alphabet used in England.