30 March 2026

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, met representatives from Sense International’s work across eight countries at a gala dinner in London on Thursday 26 March, which celebrated the impact of the global charity. The Changemakers Gala Dinner brought together influential figures and philanthropists in celebration of the incredible people championing the charity’s mission of building a world where everyone is included. 

Sense International supports children and adults with deafblindness and complex disabilities. The charity’s work, which spans India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Romania, Peru, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, helps to reach almost 100,000 people and their families each year. 

The Princess Royal has been the charity’s Patron since it was founded in 1994, and joined supporters and beneficiaries at the flagship event at the Underglobe, situated directly beneath Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Former England Cricket Captain and Sense International supporter Chris Cowdrey hosted the event, which celebrated the ‘changemakers’ who are shaping Sense International’s work and leading progress towards a world without barriers for people with deafblindness and complex disabilities. 

At the event, Her Royal Highness heard impactful stories from two inspiring female founders with deafblindness who have been supported by Sense International.  

Oana, 34, from Romania, has been supported by the international charity to found a new organisation, ‘Asociației Dincolo de Simțuri’ (in English: ‘The Association Beyond Senses’), alongside other young people with deafblindness, which will carry out programmes, projects and activities with the purpose of advocating for social inclusion and improving quality of life for people with deafblindness in Romania. 

Mwanaasha’s story of growing up with deafblindness in Tanzania also featured. Held back from learning at school by a lack of provision for students with disabilities including deafblindness, Mwanaasha, now 36, was supported by Sense International Tanzania to start her own business selling soaps and detergents; she also advocates for change alongside other people with deafblindness, leading an organization called Viziwi Wasioona Tanzania.  

Since its formation, Sense International has reached over a million children, young people and adults, providing essential services such as sensory screening and early intervention, inclusive education, and vocational training. The charity works with health services, schools, employers and governments, building understanding and awareness of deafblindness and supporting people to create inclusive communities. 

Acuity Analytics, supporters of the event, partners with financial institutions and corporates around the world, bringing together deep expertise in research, data, analytics, and AI to solve complex challenges and support long-term success. Their global team of over 7,800 people, based across 28 locations, works closely with more than 850 organisations worldwide. 

Kavita Prasad, Chief Executive of Sense International, said: “We are delighted to have been joined by our Patron Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, at the Changemakers Gala Dinner, a night that brings together global disability leaders, advocates and funders who are dedicated to building a world without barriers. It emphasises this vital moment for philanthropy and corporate support to step up and commit to lasting change.  

“Our vision is of a world where people with deafblindness and complex disabilities have equal opportunities, are meaningfully included in societies and systems and can realise their rights.  We are proud to celebrate the incredible achievements of the people we work with across the world who are committed to driving that change” 

Robert King, CEO of Acuity Analytics, said: “We are proud to support Sense International and their amazing work for both adults and children across many countries. We both admire and support their work to bring down barriers and create equal opportunities.  

“At Acuity Analytics, we try to support such work both directly with our own community projects and indirectly by supporting organizations such as Sense International. Opportunity and Inclusion strengthen societies and unlock potential. By standing alongside organisations that champion rights, access and agency, we are helping to build a more equitable world where everyone can thrive and grow.” 

Interested in becoming a ‘Changemaker’? Contact Daniela Palou at daniela.palou@sense.org.uk to see how you can get involved.

The Sense International ‘Changemakers Gala Dinner’, sponsored by Acuity Analytics, took place at the Underglobe, an event space under Shakespeare’s iconic Globe Theatre in London, on Thursday 26 March.