Deafblind UK expands operations in Northern Ireland to further reduce isolation and enhance the lives of older deafblind people

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the need for services catering for older deafblind people in Northern Ireland (NI) and how Deafblind UK is responding, supported by funding from the Big Lottery Fund.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is designed to provide an overview of deafblindness in NI. Supported by research and case studies, it explains the current situation, highlights the issues of this disability, the unique response required and how Deafblind UK's Connections NI project is meeting these needs.

Findings

Older deafblind people are a highly vulnerable group yet there was a severe lack of services in the region catering for their specific needs. Based on work elsewhere in the UK and initial feedback, Deafblind UK's Connections NI project has been designed to support older deafblind people in the region to give them control over their life choices and retain independence as far as possible.

Research limitations/implications

The project was only launched in April 2013 so although results have been achieved by Deafblind UK elsewhere in the country, it could take some time for similar results to be seen in NI, particularly when considering the nature of the work.

Practical implications

Deafblind UK will work alongside agencies and in the community to raise awareness of deafblindness, helping to create clearer classification of the disability and associated issues, and deliver more targeted services that reach a higher proportion of older deafblind people in the region.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the lack of services for older deafblind people in NI and how Deafblind UK is uniquely meeting these needs.

Citation

Lamont, B. (2013), "Deafblind UK expands operations in Northern Ireland to further reduce isolation and enhance the lives of older deafblind people", Working with Older People, Vol. 17 No. 4, pp. 164-169. https://doi.org/10.1108/WWOP-09-2013-0023