THE devastating double blow of being deaf and blind is being highlighted in a week long event.

The week, which includes information displays and a conference, has been organised by Bexley Council's sensory support service.

Chris Kane-Round, sensory team leader, said the service believed deaf-blind people were more than competent to organise their own lives and make their own decisions.

This could only be achieved with the the right support.

Bexley is currently running the only rehabilitation programme in the country which aims to bring deaf-blind people together to share experiences.

It also runs a deaf-blind club and a communicator guide scheme to support deaf-blind people in the community.

The highlight of the week will be a conference on June 28 which will feature national speakers on the subject.

The conference is being held in Bexley's civic offices, in Bexleyheath Broadway, from 9.45am until 2pm.

Among the matters to be discussed are guidance from the Department of Health which obliges councils to take action to support deaf-blind people, and the national standards introduced by Sense, the national organisation for sufferers of deaf-blindness.

It will also include revelations from deaf-blind people about how they cope with their dual disability.

For details about the conference call 0208303 7777 extension 3462 or 3390 or minicom 020 8303 3267.