Deafblind UK has today welcomed the announcement that our Chair, Robert Nolan, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List 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 has served as Chair of the charity’s Board since 2018, he volunteers through the charity’s befriending programme, and has also previously served as chair of Deafblind Scotland for 18 years.
The honour recognises decades of tireless advocacy, leadership and lived-experience campaigning to ensure that people living with both sight and hearing loss are better understood, better supported and able to live full, independent lives.
Deafblindness affects an estimated 450,000 people in the UK, yet remains poorly understood by many. Services can tend to focus only on either vision or hearing – and rather than being seen as a stand-alone condition with specific challenges, deafblindness is often viewed over-simplistically as just a combination of deafness and blindness.
Robert’s award shines a welcome spotlight not only on his personal contribution, but on a community that is too often overlooked.
Robert Nolan OBE, said: “I am deeply honoured and very proud to receive this award.
“I have always believed that deafblind people should be visible, heard and represented, including in leadership roles. Whether through my career or volunteering I have tried to challenge assumptions and highlight what people living with deafblindness can do, rather than what they may not be able to. With that in mind I see this honour as a celebration not only of my contribution but of the talent and resilience that is found in the deafblind community as whole.
“With the centenary of Deafblind UK approaching in 2028, I am also mindful that there is much more to do to improve awareness and opportunities, and I hope this recognition helps open doors for greater understanding and inclusion.”
Nikki Morris CBE, Chief Executive of Deafblind UK, said: “I am over the moon to see Robert’s contribution honoured. His OBE is richly deserved and could not have gone to a more powerful advocate for our community. He brings experience, warmth, humour and absolute determination to everything he does.
“At Deafblind UK, we see every day how misunderstood deafblindness still is, and how that lack of understanding and support can limit people’s lives – but we know it doesn’t have to be that way. Robert has spent decades changing attitudes, influencing policy and showing what’s possible when we challenge barriers and dream big. We are incredibly proud to have him steering our work as our Chair.”
About Robert Nolan
Robert has led a full and high-achieving life. Born deaf and later diagnosed with Type 2 Usher Syndrome, he built a 35-year international career with Shell Exploration and Production, leading the company’s European Subsurface and Wells Support Team and travelling the world.
An endurance athlete and committed fundraiser, he has run multiple marathons, completed major tandem cycling challenges with his wife Louise, including Land’s End to John O’Groats and the UK Three Peaks. Together they have raised over £80,000 for deafblind people.
His advocacy and leadership has been recognised through honours including London 2012 Olympic torchbearer, SCVO Trusted Trustee of the Year, and Deaf Sports UK Personality of the Year. Now living in the Derbyshire Peak District, Robert continues to speak publicly, fundraise and lead by example, demonstrating that deafblindness need not define ambition, achievement or contribution.
