Colleagues across the North East and North Cumbria are invited to take part in an important research project exploring the use of touch in deafblind practice.
Led by Birmingham City University, the study ‘Navigating touch in deafblind practice: From complexity to professional guidance’ aims to bring together professional insight and lived experience to co‑create clear, practical guidance for those working with people who are deafblind.
The research will engage professionals through a series of activities, including focus groups and a collaborative ‘World Café’ event. These sessions will explore current perspectives and experiences of using touch in practice, before bringing together practitioners and academics to develop guidance that supports confident, person-centred care.
The work will involve:
By bringing these perspectives together, the project aims to ensure that guidance reflects both professional expertise and the needs of people with deafblindness.
The research team is keen to hear from professionals with relevant experience who would be interested in contributing to the study.
Participants will be invited to attend in-person sessions at Birmingham City University, with travel costs supported to enable involvement.
This is an opportunity to:
Alongside the research activity, a number of free events are taking place over the coming months, offering opportunities to learn more and connect with others working in this area:
These sessions provide a valuable opportunity to deepen understanding, share learning, and contribute to shaping future practice.
The team shares updates, events and opportunities through a dedicated contact list. Colleagues who are interested can request to be added to receive further information, including updates on future activity.
This work reflects a wider ambition to strengthen inclusive practice and ensure that professional guidance keeps pace with the complexity of real-world delivery. By working collaboratively, the project aims to balance safeguarding considerations with the need to support meaningful communication and connection for people who are deafblind.
If you would like to find out more or get involved, please get in touch to explore how you can contribute to this important piece of work: [email protected]
