There is one resident here now who has a genetic syndrome which results in gradual deafblindess. He used to live alone, then he moved in with his parents because he was finding it difficult to cope. Now he wants to live alone again. Sometimes people come because they want a break from looking after themselves. They want someone to cook for them, and to accompany them on outings.
People can also come here just to get together with others.
The centre also runs courses for health and social service professionals on deaf blindness, including communication courses. The charity has 70 staff around the country, some deafblind. Its 13 regional officers provide training in the deafblind manual alphabet, teaching it to deafblind people, their families and social workers. Often we find people have no access to the health service, and are not known to social services. Deafblind UK is currently lobbying the Government for an explicit mention of the alphabet in the Disability Discrimination Act's code of practice on the provision of goods and services.