Sense Charity
Sense is a national charity that has supported and campaigned for people who have both sight and hearing problems for over 50 years.
The combination of sight and hearing loss affects a person’s ability to communicate, to access all kinds of information, and to get around. The two impairments together increase the effects of each, People of all ages can have both sight and hearing difficulties. It may have been from birth, or due to deterioration later in life, but most people will have some vision and hearing
The older someone is, the more likely they are to have both a visual and a hearing impairment. Most people with dual-sensory loss in the UK are older people who have developed hearing and sight problems in later life
There are around 250,000 people in the UK who have a serious impairment of both vision and hearing – 220,000 of which are over the age of 70
Most of what we learn about the world comes through our ears and eyes, so people with sight and hearing loss can often face problems with communication, accessing information and mobility
Sense provides advice and information to people with combined sight and hearing difficulties, their families, carers and the professionals who work with them
One of the hardest aspects of combined sight and hearing difficulties – and of supporting someone who can’t see or hear very well – is the sense of isolation and loneliness this can bring. It can be very hard for a person who has both sight and hearing problems to communicate and connect with others; many families describe how they often feel they are battling alone; and older people can go days and even weeks without speaking to anyone
Our dedicated Information & Advice Team provide support and guidance on all issues relating to combined sight and hearing difficulties
Call our Info & Advice team on 0845 127 0060 or email [email protected] for more information. Further information can be found on Sense’s website – www.sense.org.uk
Sense also carries out research into key issues that impact on people with dual-sensory loss and their families. The research team is a source of information about up to date, relevant research into the experiences of people with sight and hearing problems, their families and carers
The charity campaigns and lobbies for laws and policies which recognise the needs of people with sight and hearing loss. We also support people with dual-sensory loss to campaign, either in support of Sense campaigns or on their own issues
Sense is working to ensure technology is readily available, accessible and affordable to people with sight and hearing difficulties in order to support their independence and choice of lifestyle. We are working to remove the barriers that prevent access to technology whilst promoting the development and increased use of new and existing technologies where it can have a positive outcome for people with dual-sensory loss
Get involved
Help to fundraise for Sense – and make new friends along the way
Volunteer for sense – our volunteers share their skills and learn new ones
Join groups and events for people with sight and hearing loss and their families – and meet up with others affected by dual-sensory loss
Become a Sense member
Check out our shops pages for quality bargains!
Visit the Sense website to find out more
