Sense - the charity for people who are deafblind or who have complex disabilities.

For everyone who is deafblind. For everyone living with complex disabilities. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Who we are and what we do

Sense Specialist Services for Children & Young People is a highly skilled team of specialist teachers and children and family support workers. The team supports:

• Children and young people who have hearing and vision impairment. ·
• Children and young people who have medical conditions that are likely to cause problems with sight and hearing as they grow older – for example Usher syndrome.

We also offer some support to children (and their families) who have either a hearing or vision impairment, and additional needs, which impact on access to information, communication and mobility.  

At Sense, we believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Sense Specialist Services for Children & Young People are here to help you overcome the challenges you may face and to learn to do things differently. Our team can help your child develop communication skills, have access to the right educational support, learn through all sorts of activities and have the right stepping stones to live life to the full.

Family events and groups

We value the importance of families coming together, sharing ideas, experiences and forging friendships. We offer a range of events and groups in West Midlands with exciting activities. Some are targeted towards particular ages of children or young people, but many are open to everyone. 

Sense support packages

We know there will be times when your child and your family, will need more support – such as when your child starts school, changes schools or moves into adulthood. Our team can provide extra support to your family at these key times. No two families are the same, so the support we offer will be based on your particular needs. 

What you can expect from us

We recognise that each child is an individual, with their own potential and challenges. Our approach is to work closely in partnership with you, and the professionals supporting your child, so that, together, we can find the best way to help your child and your family.  We will ensure that both you and the professionals involved have the information that you all need, including information about services which may be available to families within Sense and externally.

Our team is based in Birmingham but our staff cover the whole of the Stoke on Trent area.

Our team conducts visits to family homes, local children’s groups, schools and other locations as appropriate. 

We run an Early years group (ages 0-5) once a week at our centre in Birmingham.

We also run a Saturday club for children and their families once a month based at our centre in Birmingham.

As part of the Saturday club we run a 'teen' group for young people which normally involves going off site to do activities independently, for example bowling and mini-golf.

Referrals are welcomed from families or professionals (with families permission).  They should go via our information line - info@sense.org.uk or 0300 330 9256 - who can put you in touch with our team quickly and easily.