Sense has many years of experience in working with deafblind adults. This has been developed through the provision of day, residential and supported living services. 

We have drawn on this experience in developing a range of training courses to support professionals across health, social care and voluntary sector organisations. 

Our specialists also offer a range of assessments and advice on various aspects of working with deafblind and multi-sensory impaired people.

We offer:

• Full and comprehensive assessments of individuals in a variety of settings. People may be seen in their residential setting, home or day placement. Assessments can also be carried out at fully equipped Sense facilities
• Functional and developmental assessment reports for community care assessments, or as part of the statementing process. Areas of assessment include communication, multi-sensory needs, vision, hearing, mobility and behaviour
• Training and advice to staff working with deafblind and multi-sensory impaired people that can be provided on an ongoing basis. This can include planning developmental programmes for individuals, planning appropriate services, advice on environmental adaptations, and support visits
• Flexible, high-quality training covering all aspects of dual-sensory and multi-sensory impairment, such as awareness of the impact of sensory impairment, mobility, communication, adapting the environment and tactile awareness. Such training can be tailored to meet individual requirements
• Specialist courses designed to meet the needs of professionals and carers in such areas as communication systems and techniques, challenging behaviour, personal and sexual development, and massage
• Training courses in intervenor skills for people working on a one-to-one basis with deafblind or multi-sensory impaired children or adults.  Externally accredited courses, such as deafblind awareness, deafblind support worker, and communication and guiding skills, are also available

Sense aims to provide staff in other agencies with the specialist knowledge and skills to enable deafblind and multi-sensory impaired people to maximise their abilities, understand and access their surroundings, and reduce the isolation and disabling effects of dual-sensory impairment.

To find out more about training opportunities for professionals who work with adults, email trainingadmin@sense.org.uk

Advice, support and training for professionals working with children

We also provide specialist training and consultancy services aimed at supporting professionals who work with children. In addition we have a range of resources and other support for professionals working with children and young people.

See our training and consultancy for professionals working with children and young people page for more information.