Charity research centre “a gamechanger”

L to R: leader of the new centre Dr Peter Simcock, Deafblind UK chair Robert Nolan, CEO Nikki Morris and associate professor David Childs

The first Deafblind UK academic research centre has been hailed as a “game changer” in the fight to address the “frustrating and overwhelming isolation” felt by many deafblind people.  

The Deafblind UK Centre for Education and Research will connect researchers, practitioners and people living with the condition to increase knowledge and raise awareness.

Based at Birmingham City University (BCU), the unit aims to give junior researchers and the workforce the knowledge and skills to become future leaders in research and practice.  

Former home secretary David, Lord Blunkett, who is blind, said: “A great deal is known about sensory challenges for blind people and those with profound deafness, but much less about the dual challenges that deafblind people encounter on a daily basis.   

“This centre will make an important contribution – both to greater understanding and public awareness to the ways in which social and technological innovation can assist in the future.”  

Deafblind UK chief executive Nikki Morris added: “There’s an urgent need to better understand the impact of deafblindness on people and their loved ones. This new centre will help to fill that gap.”  

Associate professor David Childs, head of the college of education and social work at BCU, said: “This centre will be a game changer in how we understand more about deafblindness and what we can do to make the lives of all those affected better.   

“The research undertaken in this area is shockingly low. The new centre won’t just meet the knowledge gap, it will be an important beacon of hope to those affected by dual sensory loss.”  

Around 450,000 people are affected by the condition in the UK. It affects everyone in different ways. Some people might have mild sight and hearing loss; others can’t see or hear anything. It can be isolating and lead to mental health issues.

“The spectrum of deafblindness is unique,” said Deafblind UK member Ricky Blair. “Certain situations are isolating and overwhelming, like knowing when it’s your place to speak. 

“Frustratingly, there are often adjustments in place for those who are deaf or blind. People often forget that many people have to grapple with both disabilities simultaneously.”  

Deafblind UK partnered with BCU in 2019. The university launched the Certificate and Diploma in Professional Studies (Deafblind Studies) in collaboration with Deafblind UK and a consortium of charities in 2021.

BCU’s Dr Peter Simcock will lead the new centre: “Helen Keller, author, disability rights advocate, political activist and perhaps one of the world’s most well-known deafblind people, described life as either a daring adventure or nothing at all,” said the Deafblind UK ambassador.  

“Our Deafblind UK centre will play a vital role in responding to the urgent need for more research, supporting deafblind people to enjoy this daring adventure to the full.”   

Find out more at Deafblind UK.