Talking Sense blog

People like you, writing about their experiences of complex disabilities, deafblindness and all things Sense.

• Five things research tells us about disabled people’s lives in 2021

  

  Rachael, who works on research at Sense, takes a look at what the latest statistics tell us about disabled people's lives.

• I’ve spent years living an isolated life, but the pandemic has increased my loneliness

  

  Ian, 42, is from Rochford, Essex, and has Usher syndrome. His work as a photographer came to a complete stop during the pandemic, leaving him more isolated.

• How Sense College sparked Asif and Ashton’s friendship

  

  Asif and Ashton are two friends who met while attending Sense College. They used video calls to stay connected during lockdowns. Lynn, Ashton's mum, and Saima, Asif’s sister, explain their friendship, and how they coped during the Covid-19 pandemic.

• I haven’t been out since the pandemic started nearly a year ago

  

  Darran started to lose his vision ten years ago and lost his main forms of social interaction.

• I experienced loneliness after the loss of my mother

  

  After his mother died, Ian realised how much he'd depended on her for support.

• I would love for life to become more accessible now everyone has felt loneliness in the pandemic

  

  Molly, from Maidenhead in Berkshire, was born severely deaf. At the age of 12, she was diagnosed with Usher syndrome, a condition that causes gradual sight and hearing loss.

• I’ve struggled with loneliness and lost my independence during the pandemic

  

  Natalie lives in Wales with her husband and two daughters. In 2012 she was diagnosed with Usher syndrome.

• I’ve experienced loneliness, but thanks to a Buddying scheme I feel less isolated

  

  Saihan lives in East London and has autism. He campaigns for more understanding and support for people with disabilities.

• Five ways to make your social media more accessible

  

  How can you make your social media more inclusive? Small changes can make a big difference. Find out more.

• Permission to be yourself at work

  

  In this blog, our chief executive Richard Kramer talks about vulnerability, being yourself at work and what that looks like in the time of Covid-19.