Sense - for deafblind people

Description:

Sense is the largest specialist organisation in the UK working with and campaigning for people with deafness, blindness and associated disabilities.

Sense provides information, advice, & support to deaf/blind children & adults, their families and involved professionals. The team can offer free and impartial expert information and advice on a range of issues, such as health and social care, benefits and education. They also offer information about communication, your legal rights and entitlements, Sense services and technology.

Sense has produced guides on the Special Education Needs system for parents, professionals as well as toolkits for parents and professionals, to support inclusive play for children.

Sense can offer advice on placement in schools and centres, as well as representing families in case conferences and putting families in touch with each other. Sense also provides holidays for children and adults over the summer months.

They have a new online project for siblings and young carers which is aimed at supporting the wellbeing of young people with a caring role. The project includes both age appropriate group sessions and one to one peer sessions where young people can share their experiences and interests with a fellow sibling or young carer. The Siblings and Young Carers project is suitable for young people aged 5-18 who have a sibling or parent with complex communication needs.

The Sense Buddying service, matches a disabled person with a volunteer is now available online. Buddies socialise over phone, via videocall or letter.  Volunteer buddies are carefully matched with people based on their communication style, hobbies and interests, with a focus on having fun together and becoming friends.  Virtual Buddying is suitable for individuals of all ages with communication or sensory needs.

The Sense Arts and Sports service supports people with complex disabilities to access arts and wellbeing activities, as well as sport and physical activity sessions, they also now run sessions online, sessions are interactive, fun and enable people to be creative.