Hi everyone!

I’m James, I have worked with Deafblind UK/NI since 2018. I am one of the local Outreach Officers in Northern Ireland and currently in training to become a BSL Interpreter.

One aspect of my job involves working with other professionals and helping them understand the barriers deafblind people face. This often involves providing them with an awareness session. Working with members, my main role is case work. This involves creating a full picture of the deafblind person’s need and trying to get them the right support. This can involve organising things like meals on wheels, library service, providing information on accessible technology, referring them for sensory assessments or looking up the football scores! Some of these needs are often highlighted to me by the volunteers working directly with the deafblind person.

My role with regards to Volunteers is diverse. It can involve conducting face to face matches for home befrienders or coordinating volunteers for events such as the deafblind social group.

We couldn’t continue to positively impact the lives of people journeying their sensory difference without the involvement of our talented volunteers. Each one brings a unique spin to their role because everyone’s background is so different.

It is brilliant to see many volunteers get involved in our online team building sessions such as quizzes and BSL classes!