Breaking Barriers in the Sensory World


To find specific blog posts for this section search #deaf #deafblind #eds #vestibular #sensory #disability
 My first venture into the research world began with a simple but powerful question: How aware are physiotherapy students of Deaf people and their communication needs? 
That project opened a door I haven’t closed since. Even as I’ve moved through various clinical roles, research has remained a constant thread, a way to question, understand, and advocate for those whose needs are too often overlooked. 
Over time, my areas of interest have expanded and deepened. I now focus on a range of sensory-related experiences and conditions, including: 
  • The Deaf community, especially British Sign Language (BSL) users
  • Deafness and hearing loss more broadly (I particularly champion for the higher rates of hearing-loss in the Armed Forces Community, I think they are overlooked!)
  • Deafblindness and various forms of visual impairment, such as visual snow and nystagmus
  • Vestibular dysfunction and disorder
  • Combined sensory integration challenges, including proprioceptive difficulties often seen in conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD)
These areas may seem diverse, but they’re united by one key issue: they’re still underrepresented in mainstream research, especially in ways that are inclusive and accessible to those with lived experience.

Through this site, I’ll use blog posts to spotlight some of the key concerns I have about research gaps, not to dismiss the fantastic work already happening, but to add to the conversation. Much of the research out there is innovative and meaningful. But often, communities like the Deaf community are left out of both participation and focus.

This absence has consequences. It impacts how research is applied, who it helps, and who continues to fall through the cracks.

My goal here isn’t just critique, it’s to rally, to raise visibility, to share insights, and to advocate for research that includes, not just observes. The work is out there. Let’s make sure it’s reaching everyone.

I have not listed posts in this section because it is so varied and most of my posts can be relevant! I would recommend using the 'search' function if you are looking for anything specific.

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