Support groups

Sense International (Romania) helps establish groups and networks for deafblind people, their families and those who care for them. These groups meet periodically to allow their members to support one another, talk about the challenges of deafblindness and raise awareness of the needs of deafblind people.

Parents' Network

Parents face enormous challenges in adjusting to the unique needs of their deafblind children. When they need advice, encouragement or information, they can contact the Association of Parents with Deafblind Children in Romania, which was set up with the support of Sense International (Romania). With 80 members nationwide, this group is a lifeline for many parents in search of support, education and health services.

In addition to supporting parents directly, the group is using its strength as a national association to raise awareness locally and nationally of the needs of their children. This will help to persuade the government to increase funding and services for deafblind people, and to make the general population more accepting of deafblindness.

Deafblind People's Network

In 2002, Sense International (Romania) started its work with deafblind adults in Timisoara, western Romania. We established a day centre in collaboration with the Romanian Government's National Authority for Disabled People, where deafblind people could access rehabilitation services, find peer support and encouragement, and take part in leisure activities.

In 2004, deafblind people who attend the centre decided to form the Association of Deafblind People in Romania. In 2005, we helped the association to improve its abilities to manage and run projects, and to campaign for the rights of deafblind people. There is now an effective staff and governing committee taking on more and more responsibility for management.

In addition, the government has officially recognised the Association of Deafblind People in Romania as a service provider. This means the association can get funds directly from the government, giving it greater financial independence and an ability to increase the range of services.

Teachers' network

Sesne International (Romania) helps to support a Teachers' Peer Support Programme and a Teachers' Network, which provide follow-up and ongoing support to teachers who work with deafblind children. The network meets twice a year and gives teachers a chance to share their experiences and to learn from each other.