On Disability Matters with John Comiskey, Sorcha Nallen, Outreach and Designated Safeguarding Officer at the Anne Sullivan Centre, spoke about the Centre’s work supporting people who are deafblind — and the vital role of awareness, communication, and technology in fostering independence.
The Anne Sullivan Centre was founded in the 1990s by families and friends who shared a common experience: each had a loved one who was both deaf and blind, yet there was no organisation in Ireland dedicated to meeting their specific needs. Named after Anne Sullivan, the teacher of Helen Keller, the Centre continues her legacy of inclusion, education, and empowerment.
Today, the Centre’s residential service in Stillorgan supports 13 adults living with deafblindness, providing one-to-one care and helping them lead as independent and fulfilling lives as possible. Some residents work, attend courses, or enjoy social outings — everyday activities made possible through tailored support and accessible communication strategies.
In addition, the Centre operates a day service for two participants and a much larger outreach programme that extends across the country. “We’ll visit people at home, in school, or in hospital,” Sorcha explained. “We assess their needs and make recommendations — from communication and home safety to assistive technology and independence training.”
That outreach support can begin with a self-referral or through a healthcare professional, such as an audiologist or ophthalmologist. “There’s no minimum requirement,” Sorcha said. “If a person has both hearing and vision loss to any degree, we can help.”
The Centre also provides training and education to professionals, families, and service providers through its “Introduction to Deafblindness” course — explaining the impact of sensory loss, different communication approaches, and strategies for inclusion in everyday settings.
Assistive technology has become a growing part of their work. To promote awareness, the Centre recently hosted an open day showcasing tools that support people with deafblindness in communication, mobility, and independent living.
While the residential service is funded by the HSE, the outreach work relies entirely on charitable donations, and the Centre welcomes support from the public.
🔗 Learn more at www.annesullivan.ie
📱 Follow on Instagram: @AnneSullivanDB — for news, events, and tips on supporting people who are deafblind.
“Being deafblind affects every area of life — how you communicate, how you socialise, how you enjoy activities,” Sorcha said. “We’re here to help people adapt, connect, and live fully.”
About the Episode
This episode of Disability Matters with John Comiskey features Sorcha Nallen from the Anne Sullivan Centre Ireland, discussing deafblind awareness, outreach services, and how assistive technology empowers independence.
Disability Matters airs every Thursday at 4PM on 92.5 Phoenix FM, with repeats Monday 3AM and Tuesday 3AM & 7AM.
Produced by Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL), the show highlights the voices, experiences, and advocacy of Ireland’s disability community.