Deafblind UK Chair Honoured with OBE at Windsor Castle Ceremony
Robert Nolan, the chair of Deafblind UK, has been formally presented with his OBE by the Princess Royal in a special ceremony held at Windsor Castle. This prestigious award recognises his extensive services to individuals living with deafblindness, a condition that affects an estimated 450,000 people across the United Kingdom.
Decades of Dedication and Lived-Experience Advocacy
Robert Nolan, who is deafblind himself and lives with Type 2 Usher Syndrome, has dedicated over 26 years to volunteering with Deafblind UK. He has served as the chair of the charity's board since 2018, following an earlier role as chair of Deafblind Scotland for 18 years. His OBE acknowledges his tireless efforts in fundraising and advocacy, driven by his personal experiences, to ensure that people with combined sight and hearing loss can lead full and independent lives.
It is believed that Robert is only the second deafblind person to receive an OBE, after Father Cyril Axelrod was honoured in 2014. This award not only celebrates his individual achievements but also shines a light on the deafblind community, which is frequently misunderstood and marginalised in society.
Challenges and Misconceptions Surrounding Deafblindness
Deafblindness is often incorrectly perceived as merely a combination of deafness and blindness, leading to inadequate support from generic or single-sensory-loss services. In reality, it is a distinct condition with unique challenges that require specialised understanding and tailored assistance. Robert's recognition underscores the urgent need to address these misconceptions and improve accessibility for all affected individuals.
Personal Reflections and Community Impact
In a heartfelt statement, Robert Nolan OBE shared his joy at the ceremony, noting it was a moment of celebration both personally and for the deafblind community. He was accompanied by his wife and three children, making the occasion even more special. He also mentioned reuniting with Princess Anne, whom he first met in 2017 when she opened Deafblind Scotland's Learning and Development Centre.
"Assumptions are made all too often about what deafblind people can and cannot do," Robert said. "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."
Support from Deafblind UK Leadership
Nikki Morris BEM, chief executive of Deafblind UK, extended warm congratulations to Robert, praising his significant contributions to breaking barriers and raising awareness. "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," she stated. "I am excited to continue working together to create a world where everyone with deafblindness can thrive."
This award marks a pivotal moment in advancing the visibility and rights of deafblind individuals, encouraging ongoing efforts to foster inclusivity and support across the UK.
