A profoundly deaf charity boss is to lead the government's effort to improve disabled people's opportunities.

Tim Cooper, currently a managing director at the Shaw Trust, who has been deaf since birth, has been appointed director at the Office for Disability Issues (ODI).

Based within the Department for Work and Pensions but working with all government departments, the office was set up in 2005 after a government report recommended that, by 2025, disabled people should have the same opportunities and choices as non-disabled people.

Cooper, who has been at the Shaw Trust for the past decade and is currently head of its work and independence division, said he was "really excited" by his appointment.

"There are some real challenges ahead as we step up our engagement with disabled people and build on the relationships with colleagues across government," he said. "This will help us to translate policy into tangible service delivery that supports disabled people in their day-to-day lives."

Jonathan Shaw, minister for disabled people, said he knew Cooper would do a good job. "He brings to the post a great deal of experience and expertise, which will no doubt stand ODI in good stead," Shaw added.

Cooper replaces acting director Stephen Martin.