Sense believes that everyone has the right to live as part of the community. We are committed to creating a range of accommodation choices in the community to offer individuals the support they need to live as independently as possible and in the way that they choose.
Accommodation choices include:
- family-style homes in registered settings - no more than six people live in each of our group homes and staffing levels reflect the needs of people living there
- independent supported living - flats for more able people
- specialist facilities for those with profound and multiple needs
Our specialist services last year (2006/2007) enabled 307 deafblind people to live as independently as possible, maximise independence, develop skills and abilities and promote personal choice.
Operational policies, staffing levels and lifestyles within the different accomodation are determined by the specific preferences and needs of the individuals living there.
An adapted environment
All accomodation has been specifically adapted to allow sensory-impaired people to access, understand and control as much of their immediate world as possible.
Use of high colour contrasts, textured surfaces, modified lighting and acoustics help to maximise use of residual vision and hearing, and enhance mobility and independence.
Maximising people's potential
Each person has an individual programme that utilises both daily living experiences and specialist resources to enable them to develop the skills they need to achieve their dreams and aspirations.
They are offered a range of opportunities which provide challenges, enjoyment and the chance to interact with others and with the community and environment.
Activities can include:
- ongoing formal education
- vocational training
- arts, crafts and music
- learning through Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- physical and outdoor activities
- relaxing pursuits such as massage, yoga and aromatherapy.
Trained staff
Sense's fully trained staff are skilled in helping deafblind people live as independently as possible, to develop skills and to retain their personal dignity.
We are careful to choose staff who share our values and commitment. All staff are specifically trained in deafblindness and a range of other specialist skills such as behavioural management and communication.
For more information, contact your local office. To find out how Sense's accommodation choices have affected the lives of deafblind people and thier families, read about our achievements.
