Government funding for specialist interpreter support welcomed by Deafblind UK

Deafblind UK has welcomed an announcement of new government funding to increase the number of specialist interpreters available to support deafblind people.

The funding will increase the number of registered specialist deafblind interpreters in the UK from eight to 68. It will support competency sessions for interpreters, who will then go on to work with deafblind people.

The Government has committed £15,000 towards competency sessions, after a gap in support was identified by the British Sign Language Advisory Board.

The announcement was made during Deafblind Awareness Week, which is marked internationally in the last week of June.

Nikki Morris, chief executive of Deafblind UK, said: “Communication is a fundamental part of independence, connection and leading a full life, yet for many deafblind people access to appropriate communication support remains far too difficult.

“Effective interpreter support for deafblind people requires understanding, expertise and the ability to adapt to each individual’s needs.”

There are around 12,000 deafblind people with communication needs in the UK, although the total number of people with some aspect of dual sensory loss is estimated to be around 450,000.

There is no single communication method used by all deafblind people. Clear speech, British Sign Language, or a tactile form of sign language called Deafblind Manual may be used, depending on the individual’s level of dual sensory loss.

Morris emphasised: “Expanding the number of professionals with the right skills will make a real difference to people’s everyday lives – from accessing healthcare and education, to employment, social connection and making choices about their own lives.”

She said that the charity warmly welcomed the investment and the recognition that specialist skills are needed to support people living with dual sensory loss.

She added: “I would like to thank everyone involved in helping bring about this crucial support. This announcement is an important step forward, and we look forward to continuing to work with government, professionals and people with lived experience to build a future where every deafblind person can access the support they need.”

Sir Stephen Timms MP, minister of state for social security and disability, said: “This government recognises that too many deafblind people have faced barriers simply because specialist support has not been available where it is needed most.

“This grant funding will start to address that. Effective communication should not be a privilege.”