About us

What makes Sense different

Jamie sharing a laugh with a support worker as they both drink a cup of tea on the sofa.

Sense is here to support disabled people with complex needs from the first few weeks of life through all the major milestones of adulthood. 

Over 70 years, we’ve build extensive knowledge and expertise in providing personalised, tailored and flexible support. 

Find out more about our amazing story

We’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life.

Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.

With Sense:

  • Children can develop new ways to communicate and play.
  • Young people and adults can develop skills and confidence for work and life.
  • Families can feel seen, supported and valued.

Together, we can achieve long-term change. Through our campaign work we step up in the face of adversity and unite with the 1.6 million disabled people with complex needs in the UK.

Who we support

Sense is here to support disabled people with complex needs to feel connected and included.

There are 1.6 million disabled people with complex needs in the UK, and they tend to have two or more conditions.

Their needs may be from birth, or following illness or injury, or they may develop with age. It often means they may experience unique barriers and need significant support in their daily lives to communicate, develop new skills and live more independently.

Sense also offers practical information, advice and support to carers and families of disabled people with complex needs, supporting them to build the resilience to thrive, not just survive. 

What we stand for

We’re here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. While our work is rooted in providing support services, we also champion the rights of disabled people. 

Regardless of how long it takes, how many barriers we need to overcome, or how hard we have to fight, we’ll stop at nothing to create a fairer more equal world

Around the UK

We have 20 centres and colleges in communities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and Sense Scotland operates a further three.

Around the world 

Through our sister charity, Sense International, we’re active in eight countries around the world. 

Whether it’s for vaccine distribution, access to education, or advocacy, the Sense International team has a wealth of experience in achieving our mission by forging local partnerships where they’re needed most.

A woman holds a smiling boy

“Meeting the team at Sense International Kenya was the turning point for the family. They gave us a new hope and purpose for our baby.”

Tabby, mother of Sospeter, who was born deaf and with complex medical needs
A man is demonstrating a dance pose for the lady stood next to him, she holds his arm as she replicates the move

Our strategy

We’re here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs.
A man in a purple t-shirt hugs another wearing a Sense-branded t-short

Introduction to our plan 2026 – 2029

Too many are being denied the basic rights, support and respect that should never be in question. This plan is our promise to change that.

Our impact

We provide crucial support to thousands of disabled people each year.
Two people walk side by side linking arms

Our commitment to sustainability

We’re committed to reducing our impact on the environment, and doing our bit to combat climate change. 
Alex, a Sense support worker, looks delighted as Thomas, a young boy, grabs her fingers

Our history

70 years of supporting disabled people to connect with others and be included in the world. 
Jamie sharing a laugh with a support worker as they both drink a cup of tea on the sofa.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

What we’re doing to promote EDI in our work and in our workplace.

Learn more

You can find out more about Sense, The National Deafblind and Rubella Association (registered charity number 289868) at the Charity Commission’s Register of Charities.

Or, if you’re looking for support, explore our services. 

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