Deafblind UK
Centre for Education and Research
The first deafblind academic hub in the UK
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.
At the heart of every project is the aim to amplify the voice of the deafblind population with deafblind people contributing at every stage of research from conception, methodology, as participants and supporting dissemination.
Birmingham deafblind centre to transform lives, education and research
The Deafblind UK Education and Research Centre connects researchers, practitioners, and people living with deafblindness, to increase knowledge and raise awareness of the condition.
What is Deafblindness?
Deafblindness is a combined deafness and vision impairment that results in significant and unique challenges because one sense cannot compensate for the loss of the other. It exists on a broad spectrum, with levels of hearing and sight loss varying greatly between individuals; total deafness and total blindness are extremely rare.
As a dual-sensory disability, deafblindness uniquely affects a person’s access to information, mobility, and communication, since reduced visual and auditory input limits the ability to receive environmental cues, interact socially, and navigate safely and independently.
Meet the centre lead
Peter is Associate Professor of Social Work and Centre Lead for the Deafblind UK Centre for Education and Research.
Professional Studies (Deafblind Studies) - CPS / DPS
The Certificate in Professional Studies (Deafblind Studies) course at Birmingham City University is based on the belief that all people living with deafblindness have a right to be supported by professionals who have the requisite knowledge and skills to provide high quality service.
Press releases, publications and presentations
Contact
For more information about the work of the Deafblind UK Centre for Education and Research, please contact peter.simcock@bcu.ac.uk.