Sense Summer Appeal 2026

Áine sits on the floor and waves. She is dressed in a red gingham dress and red cardigan

Will you unlock the world for a deafblind child like Áine?

Every day another child like Áine misses out on connecting with the world around them. For many families with a disabled child, the services that they need aren’t there.

With your support we can reach more children who need us.

When Áine first came to Sensory Explorers her parents weren’t sure how to connect with her – until one moment unlocked her world.

Áine when she was a baby lying in a sensory tray with grass, twigs and cotton wool balls

Many deafblind children, like Áine, have some vision. They may be able to see bright colours against black, for example.

At a Sensory Explorers group, Anne, a Sense specialist, put on a special sensory glove and held it close to Áine’s face. She started with a closed fist, which looked black. Then she opened her hand to reveal a bright red pompom.

And Áine’s face lit up.

Now 18 months’ old, Áine is learning the first steps of communication. For example, she’ll choose a pointy star from a basket to show she wants to sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.

Áine’s a happy little thing, giggling, has started clapping and laughing – she’s started to do a little bit of a dance, wiggling her head.
Claire, Áine‘s mum

Áine and mum Claire at a Sensory Explorers session with Anne.

Sensory Explorers groups help disabled children with complex needs to learn through play, and build confidence and connections in a safe and supportive environment.

During each weekly two-hour session, Sense specialists like Anne use various techniques and sensory toys to encourage children to use their senses – unlocking a world of exploration.

And while they’re having fun, they’re learning important life skills and making friends too!

Aine and Anne at a Sensory Explorers session, Aine is on the left looking at the camera and Anne is on the right holding Aine and smiling.

Sensory Explorer groups … should be available to every disabled child with complex needs. But the reality is, they’re not. If it weren’t for Sense, for you, I dread to think how families would cope.
Anne, Sense specialist

Our Sensory Explorers groups would not be possible without generous people like you.

Here’s what your donation could pay for:

£15 for a tactile star

At each session, we pass around a basket full of tactile toys, each associated with a different song.

£30 for a percussion instrument

When a child hits something and it goes bang with vibrations it’s a great way of teaching cause and effect.

£43 for an hour of guided play

In that hour, a Sense specialist like Anne can use various techniques and sensory toys to encourage children to use their senses – unlocking a world of exploration.

£120 for a carousel of chimes

When a child reaches out to run their hands through the chimes, and is instantly rewarded with the tinkling sounds and vibrations – that’s a great way of teaching cause and effect.

£200 for four messy play kits

Complete with gooey slime, colours that ‘pop!’ and ‘crackle!’ when added to water, instant snow, and tablets to turn water into a variety of fun colours – it’s a sensory wonderland that encourages children to explore, no matter how messy they get while doing it!

£265 for an entire Sensory Explorers group

During each two-hour session, Sense specialists like Anne can use various techniques and sensory toys to encourage children to use their senses – unlocking a world of exploration.

Yes, I’ll donate