Jo Milne is a passionate advocate for people living with Usher syndrome – the genetic condition causing both hearing and sight loss. Jo was diagnosed as profoundly deaf at 16 months old, but it wasn’t until she was 29 that she was registered as blind and found to have Usher syndrome.
In 2014, Jo underwent a cochlear implant operation, giving her the ability to hear for the first time. Her story was picked up by the world’s media, and the clip of her implants being switched on was viewed by more than 12 million people.
She has since dedicated her life to raising awareness and supporting those living with Usher syndrome and their families, accelerating research through the charity she founded – Cure Usher Syndrome. As a lifelong campaigner fighting for meaningful change, Jo empowers her audiences through her personal journey of resilience, determination, and commitment to providing a voice for those touched by inequality and injustice.