BDA’s Deafblind Advisory Group holds inaugural meeting

The British Deaf Association held the inaugural meeting of its Deafblind Advisory Group on Tuesday 15 September 2026 at St John’s Deaf Community Centre in London, bringing together Deafblind members, guides and interpreters from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The meeting was led by BDA Trustee and EDI Lead Ahmed Mudawi, alongside BDA CEO Rebecca Mansell, and marked an important step towards strengthening Deafblind representation within the organisation.

BSL Advisory Board member, Sarah Reed, opened the meeting with a powerful speech, saying this was a historic moment and that change must happen now.

The group aims to strengthen Deafblind leadership and agency relating to BSL and Tactile BSL. A key ambition is to appoint a Deafblind Chair who will lead its future activities and ensure Deafblind voices remain at the heart of its work.

As we mark Usher Syndrome Awareness Day today, we recognise the importance of Deafblind leadership, representation and visibility, and ensuring Deafblind voices are at the heart of decisions that affect their lives and communities.