Robert Nolan, the Chair of Deafblind UK, was this week (31 March) presented with his OBE by the Princess Royal at Windor Castle for services to people living with deafblindness.
Robert, who is deafblind himself and lives with Type 2 Usher Syndrome, has volunteered with Deafblind UK for more than 26 years and served as Chair of the charity’s Board since 2018. He has also previously served as Chair of Deafblind Scotland for 18 years.
Robert is thought to be the second deafblind person to receive an OBE, following the award being given to Father Cyril Axelrod in 2014[1].
Image: Robert Nolan and his wife Louise at the investiture.
Robert’s OBE recognises his decades of tireless fundraising and lived-experience advocacy to ensure that people living with both sight and hearing loss are able to live full, independent lives.
Deafblindness affects an estimated 450,000 people in the UK, yet remains poorly understood. Despite being a standalone condition with specific challenges, deafblindness is often over-simplified as ‘just’ a combination of deafness and blindness, and generic or single sensory loss services rarely meet deafblind people’s particular needs.
Robert’s award spotlights both his personal contribution and a community that is too often overlooked.
Robert Nolan OBE, Chair of Deafblind UK, said: “This has been a moment of celebration, both personally and for the deafblind community. It’s been particularly special to have my wife and three children here with me.
“It was lovely to see Princess Anne again, who I first met in 2017 as Chair of Deafblind Scotland when she opened the charity’s Learning and Development Centre.
“Assumptions are made all-too-often about what deafblind people can and cannot do, and being presented with this award is one step on the path towards a world where deafblind people are visible, heard, valued and represented.
“Deafblindness affects everyone differently, but we all have ambitions, desires and interests. Much more still needs to be done to counter misconceptions about deafblindness and open doors for everyone in the community.”
Images: Left – Robert recieving the OBE from Princess Anne: Right – Robert and family outside Windsor Castle
Nikki Morris BEM, Chief Executive of Deafblind UK, said: “I want to extend a huge congratulations to Robert from all of us at Deafblind UK. He has made enormous contributions towards breaking barriers for deafblind people and raising awareness of deafblindness, using his personal experiences and natural leadership to drive change.
“I am excited to continue working together to create a world where everyone with deafblindness can thrive.”
About Deafblind UK
Deafblind UK is a charity that supports people to live better with sight and hearing loss. It is the national charity devoted solely to deafblindness.
The charity is approaching its hundredth year in operation, and delivers a range of practical and emotional support with everything from assisted living and interpreter guides, to social connections and advice on assistive technologies. The charity also educates, raises awareness and advocates for change.
About deafblindness
Deafblindness is the loss of sight and hearing to the point where your communication, mobility and ability to access information are impacted. This includes ‘progressive’ sight and hearing loss; where your sight and hearing may deteriorate over a period of time. Deafblindness is often also referred to as ‘dual sensory loss’ or ‘dual sensory impairment’.
It is estimated that there are 450,000 deafblind people in the UK. This is expected to increase to over 600,000 by 2030. This is partly due to our ageing population and higher rates of survival for premature babies. Deafblindness affects people of all ages, including children and young people, but it is more common in older people as our sight and hearing naturally decline as we get older.
Usher syndrome is the most common cause of congenital deafblindness.
[1] Father Cyril Axelrod was made OBE – Deafblind Information
