Talking Sense blog

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

• Have yourself an inclusive little Christmas

  

  It's important to remember that for many, Christmas can be a difficult or lonely time of year.

• VOCA: how I get on with my communication aid

  

  Maria, who is supported by Sense, reviews her Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCA) – just in time for Christmas.

• My daughter gained a new best friend during lockdown, thanks to Sense

  

  The Sense Virtual Buddying programme has been a godsend to me and my daughter, Olivia, who is supported by Sense.

• My daughter wasn’t just communicating, she was singing!

  

  At her 20-week pre-natal scan, the hospital found abnormalities. My husband and I decided not to buy any baby things for Bella.

• Virtual Buddying will brighten up my winter – here’s what it can do for you

  

  Bethany has been a volunteer for Sense for a number of years now, and has recently been nominated Volunteer of the Year at the upcoming Sense Awards.

• My son Kyllian moves to the beat of his own drum

  

  After an in-utero brain haemorrhage, my son Kyllian has speech delay and cerebral palsy in one arm and both legs. Imagine our shock when he started to communicate through song.

• Transitioning through lockdown with my buddy Maria

  

  The pandemic brought about a lot of uncertainty. Through all this change, Maria, my buddy, was fantastic.

• How we’re tackling loneliness

  

  Richard, our chief executive, discusses loneliness and how we're helping tackle it.

• Here’s why a regular chat in a changing world became my best lockdown medicine

  

  Shaanvir is a volunteer virtual buddy for Sense. Here, he shares his experience and the amazing bond he has with his buddy, George.

• It’s Safeguarding Adults Week: here’s what you need to know

  

  Steve, who heads up our safeguarding team, explains what safeguarding is, why it matters, and how we do safeguarding at Sense.