A dedicated champion for people living with deafblindness has been honoured by the King in the New Year's Honours List. Robert Nolan, the Chair of Deafblind UK, has been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his outstanding services to individuals with combined sight and hearing loss.
A Lifetime of Lived-Experience Advocacy
Robert Nolan, who is deafblind himself and lives with Type 2 Usher Syndrome, has devoted more than 26 years to supporting others. His journey has encompassed extensive volunteering and leadership positions, all driven by his personal experience. Based within the community he serves, he continues to offer his time through Deafblind UK's befriending programme, providing crucial support and connection to those who might otherwise face profound isolation.
His influence extends across the sector, having previously served as the Chair of Deafblind Scotland for an impressive 18 years. This OBE recognises decades of relentless advocacy, leadership, and campaigning rooted in lived experience. His mission has consistently been to ensure that people living with dual sensory loss are better understood, better supported, and empowered to live full and independent lives.
Shining a Light on a Misunderstood Condition
Deafblindness is estimated to affect around 450,000 people in the UK, yet public awareness remains frustratingly low. The condition is frequently misunderstood, with services often focusing solely on either vision or hearing impairment. Rather than being recognised as a distinct condition with its own specific challenges, it is often oversimplified as merely the sum of deafness and blindness.
Deafblind UK states that Robert's award casts a welcome and much-needed spotlight not only on his immense personal contribution but on an entire community that is too frequently overlooked and marginalised.
Voices from the Community
Upon receiving the honour, 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." He explained that throughout his career and volunteering, he has sought to challenge assumptions and highlight what people living with deafblindness can achieve.
"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 a whole," he added. Looking ahead to Deafblind UK's centenary in 2028, Nolan emphasised that there is still significant work to do to improve awareness and opportunities, hoping this recognition fosters greater understanding and inclusion.
Nikki Morris CBE, Chief Executive of Deafblind UK, commented: "I am over the moon. Robert's OBE is richly deserved and could not have gone to a more powerful advocate for our community." She praised his experience, warmth, humour, and unwavering determination. "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."
