Sense International (India)

Sense International India, also known as Sense India, is dedicated to supporting and advocating for children and adults with deafblindness. Guided by a vision of creating a world where individuals with deafblindness are active and equal members of society, it works to ensure they have access to early intervention, education, livelihood opportunities, healthcare, and inclusion in all aspects of life. Its mission is to break the barriers of isolation by enabling communication, building self-esteem, and fostering independence, ultimately transforming lives through awareness, capacity building, and policy advocacy.

Major Interventions:

Health and Early Intervention: Sense India prioritises early detection and intervention for children with deafblindness. Through baby screening centres and tailored intervention plans, specialists address individual sensory needs. It also covers mental health and sexual and reproductive health, ensuring holistic well-being for both children and adults.

Education: Sense India provides both special and inclusive education, with individualised education plans designed to suit each learner’s abilities. Special educators and therapists work in homes and centres to build communication, mobility, and academic skills, while many children are successfully integrated into mainstream schools under government initiatives.

The Livelihood programme equips young adults with vocational skills suited to their interests and abilities. Training is customised in collaboration with families, and support is provided for income generation through micro-enterprises or employment, enabling economic independence and dignity.

Advocacy and Inclusion: The NGO engages with government bodies to secure rights such as disability pensions, inclusive education, and voting accessibility. It works to raise awareness through campaigns, festivals, and innovative experiences like the Deafblind Experience Zone, sensitising the public to the challenges and abilities of people with deafblindness.

Capacity Building: Training parents, educators, and professionals is a key focus. National and international workshops, hands-on training, and online learning programmes enhance the skills of those supporting individuals with deafblindness, ensuring quality care and sustainable impact.