Sense International helps deafblind people in less developed countries to communicate, connect, interact and flourish
Sense International provides specialist training, information and support to ensure that every person living with deafblindness can achieve their full potential
We are Sense International
Sense International works in partnership to provide services and raise awareness of the needs of deafblind people and their families so they can connect, participate and contribute to their communities.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh is the location of our latest project which is being delivered through our partner the Centre for Disability in Development in Dhaka, with the direct support of Sense International India. Prior to our intervention there were no services for deafblind people in Bangladesh. By 2014, we aim to work with 16 partner organisations to reach 800 deafblind children and adults across Bangladesh.
The project is working to ensure that deafblind people have access to specialist advice, opportunities and support. Integral to the project are training and mentoring to support both partner organisations and professionals to provide quality services to deafblind people. At the same time networks of deafblind people, their families and teachers are coming together to raise awareness and influence policy at government level.
Since the start of the project we have established a National Resource Centre to disseminate information and provide a good practice model for centre based services for deafblind people. Over the course of the project this centre will become a hub of technical expertise, providing support to other interested organisations and advocating for the rights of deafblind people.
We have also built strong links with six partner organisations, whose staff have received training in identifying and working with deafblind people and their families. In just one year they have identified 81 deafblind children and adults, who have been referred for medical and functional assessments. Unique education plans have been developed for these individuals and family members have been provided with group and individual counselling, to ensure that their needs are met.
The work in Bangladesh is supported by the Department for International Development (DFID) and the kind generosity of an individual donor.
Supported by:
visit the DFID website