The Deafblind UK Centre for Education and Research at Birmingham City University is the UK’s only academic hub that focuses solely on deafblindness.
Together with researchers, academics and the deafblind community, we are working on a range of studies that will deepen our understanding of deafblindness and help people who are deafblind to be seen, heard and supported.
The Centre leads the way in expanding our understanding about deafblindness, both nationally and internationally. It supports much needed research into dual sensory loss to deepen our understanding about how deafblindness impacts people and how best to support those who are affected.
“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.” Lord David Blunkett.
Our research will be used to:
- Expand our knowledge and awareness of deafblindness and how it impacts people
- Generate new ideas and innovation to transform the lives of people living with sight and hearing loss
- Inform what interventions and support services we, and other organisations, can offer to improve the lives of people who are deafblind
- Influence key decision makers to ensure the right support provision is in place
- Inform developers and creators to ensure that new products and services are designed with deafblind people in mind
- Create a new generation of specialists in deafblindness research and practice
- Teach others about the impact of deafblindness and raise awareness of the condition
Led by world-renowned experts
Birmingham City University is at the forefront of the development and delivery of deafblind studies and research. The Deafblind UK Centre for Education and Research is led by:
- Dr Peter Simcock | Centre Lead, Associate Professor of Social Work at BCU and Deafblind UK Ambassador
- David Childs | Associate Professor, Head of College of Education and Social Work at BCU
- Nikki Morris | CEO, Deafblind UK
Work with us
Check back soon for details of our research projects and opportunities to work with us.
Follow #DBUKresearchBCU on social media for updates on this groundbreaking project.
