Development of bodily-tactile communication

Learn about how bodily-tactile communication is developed through social interaction.

22. May 2026 10:57

Theme:

Alternative and augmentative communication, Combined visual and hearing impairments, Multiple disabilities

Practical information

Target Group:

Employee in educational-psychological service, Kindergarten employees, Parents/Guardians, School employees

About the course package

The course package is based on the book Communicative Relations. It provides a basic understanding of how people with congenital deafblindness or related complex disabilities use movement and touch to communicate.

The course package is built around the Diamond Model, which illustrates the four fundamental ways in which we humans relate to the world around us. You will learn how bodily-tactile communication is developed, and the significance of the four ways humans relate to the world for communication development.

The last course is about video analysis. A case study will demonstrate how you can analyse interactions using the Diamond Model.

The aim of this course package is to:

Create an understanding of what the development of bodily-tactile communication involves.

Take the perspective of people with congenital deafblindness or others who primarily communicate through bodily-tactile means.

Other relevant information

Target group

The course package is aimed at anyone working with or otherwise involved in the life of a person with congenital deafblindness or other user groups who face similar challenges in developing communication. This also applies to employees in supported residential environments/care homes.

Under guidance

You can take this course on your own or under the guidance of a centre of expertise in bodily-tactile communication, such as Statped, Signo kompetansesenter or Regionsenteret for døvblinde in Tromsø.

User groups

People with congenital deafblindness serve as case studies in the different courses. They show us how ways of relating to the world can be developed and strengthened even without sight, hearing or language. Bodily-tactile communication is also relevant for other user groups who face similar challenges in developing communication.