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Sense

@sensecharity.bsky.social
1.3K followers 389 following 67 posts

We’re here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs.

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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Thank you @thurrockjen.bsky.social for standing up for disabled children in Parliament on Monday. Too many children aren’t receiving the health support promised in their EHCPs. The government’s SEND reforms must change this.
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
"Without access to MSI teachers, or with only limited support from overstretched schools and teachers, deafblind children are being denied their basic right to learn and get the best start in life." Read more: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Mum fears deaf son is missing out at school due to BSL gap
Caroline says her 10-year-old son Thomas is left isolated due to a lack of BSL qualified staff.
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
The DWP want to treat young disabled adults differently when it comes to assessments. Our benefits system should be fair for all. We're speaking out against welfare cuts in the Independent and other newspapers today. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
independent.co.uk
DWP slammed over new rule excluding young people under 25
Disability charities have said the plans penalise young people ‘because of their age’
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
At Sense, we know the process of applying for disability benefits is long, complicated, and emotionally distressing. We therefore welcome plans from the government to reduce the frequency of assessments for PIP claimants. 1/3
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
We can't wait to cheer on the grandad and granddaughter duo Bob and Amelia at the London Marathon this weekend, who spoke about their running journey with BBC Sport. Bob has run 28 marathons, and can't wait to take on his 29th challenge with Amelia by his side.
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
"The more disabled people speak up, that's how change will happen." Disability benefits are a lifeline for millions in the UK, but this support is under increasing threat. Sign our petition now and say no to more cuts for disabled people: action.sense.org.uk/page/188369/pet…
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
We have some exciting news! The Smiley Charity Film Awards recently announced us as a finalist for their 2026 competition, and we need your vote to help us win a cash prize of up to £10,000! smileycharityfilmawards.com/films/s…
Paul is holding a Sense Award trophy and smiling proudly at the camera. There is a red play button overlaying the image.
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
The Schools Minister, Georgia Gould, answers parents and carers' questions on SEND reform at 6pm on Wednesday 15 April. Find out more about the consultation and plans on SEND reforms. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/focus-on-s...
eventbrite.co.uk
Focus on SEND reform for parents and carers with the Schools Minister
The Schools Minister answers your questions on SEND reform.
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
As #SignLanguageWeek comes to an end, we hope you've been able to learn a little more about communication and we hope you enjoyed learning some British Sign Language. Today you can learn "Which would you like, tea or coffee?" #BSL
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
This week we've been sharing information about British Sign Language (BSL) and other forms of communication. Today, as we near the end of Sign Language Week, we wanted to share this message with you using BSL. #SignLanguageWeek #BritishSignLanguage #BSL
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
On Monday, the 23rd of February, the Government published its plans to reform the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system in England. These plans are open to public consultation for the next 12 weeks. Here is what you need to know: bit.ly/3MK50KJ
bit.ly
Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reforms – what you need to know - Sense
Our initial response to the government's proposed changes to the SEND system.
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
We know there needs to be clear, long-term workforce strategy for everyone supporting disabled children with complex needs in education. Our recent research found that two in five parents had to reduce their working hours because they couldn’t get the SEND support they needed.
A purple graphic with white text that reads: "Two in five parents had to reduce their working hours because they couldn't get the SEND support they needed. 35% had left work altogether."
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
Today’s announcement shows a real commitment from the government to fix the broken SEND system – which currently leaves far too many families fighting for the support their children need. (1/4)
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Parents like Natalie are left feeling like they're failing their children as they are forced to fund additional support, like specialist therapies, from their own pocket because of a broken SEND system. Read her full story here: tinyurl.com/3smvtbzv
tinyurl.com
Parents of disabled children say they are paying thousands over ‘broken system’
‘For our family, the budgeting never really ends,’ one parent said
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Sense has been featured in the media today, including Sky News, responding to government leaks regarding proposed SEND reforms. "For many families, an EHCP is the only enforceable guarantee that their child will receive..." Read the statement in full on our website: bit.ly/4s3akHX
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
We welcome the 7% increase to the Minimum Income Guarantee. From April, 150,000 disabled adults will keep at least £400 more a year. At a time when living costs remain high, this is a vital step forward. (1/4)
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
Popular children's tv character Peppa Pig has revealed that her little brother, George, has been diagnosed with hearing loss. In the show, George will be fitted with a hearing aid and we'll follow his journey as he starts to adjust and explore his new world.
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
Our research found that nearly half (48%) of parents found it stressful securing SEND provision. Ahead of the SEND reforms, the @dcpcampaign.bsky.social is calling for a system that works with disabled children - not against them. You can read more here: www.theguardian.com/education/20...
A black graphic with white text that reads: "Disabled children's rights are not negotiable. Retain EHCPs. Protect tribunals. Give a legal guarantee of support for every child. Fight for ordinary." There is the Disabled Children's Partnership logo in the bottom right.
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Our new research reveals families are already being failed by the existing SEND system, with 47% worried that current support could be reduced further, worsening their situation. You can read more here: www.theguardian.com/education/20...
theguardian.com
‘We’ve fought so hard’: family’s worry as England’s Send overhaul looms
Harvey, who is deafblind, struggled in mainstream nursery during wait for EHCP – and parents fear he could lose out again
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
As members of the @dcpcampaign.bsky.social, we’re proud to support the Young People Survey for disabled young people aged 11 – 25. Your experiences matter - help us make sure young disabled voices shape real change. bit.ly/YPSurvey26
bit.ly
DCP & Kids Young Person's Survey 2026
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
Did you see our incredible campaigner Tiya and our Strategy Lead Harriet on the BBC?
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
“The government’s proposed cuts to disability benefits will have devastating consequences for disabled people across the country - pushing thousands further into poverty, hardship, and isolation.
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
Today we launched a report that found that over half of parents struggle to access support and services that meet the needs of their disabled child.
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Reposted by Sense
James Watson-O'Neill @jwatsononeill.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
Grateful to @mencap.org.uk and @jonsparkes.bsky.social for convening a meeting today with government ministers to feed back on their green paper At @sensecharity.bsky.social we are very concerned about the cuts overall, especially the impact on disabled people with complex needs who may never work
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
We urgently need the Government to work with us to implement robust financial protections for disabled people with complex needs, and to reduce barriers to work for disabled people and uprate the disability benefits in line with inflation next April.
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
“Making it harder to access benefits won’t help disabled people find jobs either. It will only deepen the struggle.” www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
independent.co.uk
‘I’m terrified’: Disabled benefit claimants on the impact of Labour’s £5 billion cuts
Welfare recipients tell The Independent what losing their health-related benefits would mean to them
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
Now that #SignLanguageWeek is over, we're here to remind you that you can learn more about British Sign Language, Makaton and other forms of communication at any time so nobody feels left out. We’ve put together some information for you. Find out more here: www.sense.org.uk/information-...
A purple and orange graphic with text on screen that reads: "BSL and Fingerspelling. British Sign Language is the most common sign language in the UK. It’s a recognised language, with its own vocabulary, grammar and word order. Fingerspelling is the BSL alphabet. Every letter of the alphabet has a sign. You can use these letter signs to spell out words – often names and places – and sentences on your hand.A purple and orange graphic with text on screen that reads: "Makaton and Sign Supported English (SSE) Makaton is a simplified way of signing. It’s sometimes called “key word signing” and is not a formal language. Sign Supported English (SSE) is a term used to describe signing and speaking English at the same time. It borrows BSL signs and uses them in the order they are used in spoken English.A purple and orange graphic with text on screen that reads: "Hands-on If you are D/deaf and also have a visual impairment meaning you can’t see signing at a distance, you can use hands-on BSL., You and the person you’re communicating with use the BSL signs on each other’s hands, not on your own.
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
"At a time when disabled people are already disproportionately impacted by a cost of living crisis, as well as facing extra costs just because they are disabled, we need a system that supports disabled people."
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Yesterday’s Government announcements might have left you confused and worried about what is coming next and what it all means, we’ve put together key changes to help.
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Disabled people need greater financial support from the government – not draconian cuts that will drive more people into poverty. We're deeply concerned about the impact the benefit cuts announced today will have on disabled people.
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
It’s #SignLanguageWeek! British Sign Language (BSL) is the most common sign language in the UK, but did you know it wasn’t until 2022 that the British Sign Language Bill was passed in the UK, formally recognising it as a language by Law!
An orange and purple graphic with white text that reads: "6 facts you might not know about British Sign Language (BSL)."An orange and purple graphic showing two facts. The text reads: 1. In 2003, BSL was formally recognised as a language in the UK. 

2.In 2022, the British Sign Language Bill was passed in the UK recognising BSL as a language by law. "An orange and purple graphic showing two facts. The text reads: 3 .BSL uses a manual alphabet known as "fingerspelling" to spell out names, places, and words that don't have specific signs. 

4. Just like spoken languages, BSL has regional variations. Signs can differ in meaning and form depending on the area of the country where they are used. "An orange and purple graphic showing two facts. The text reads: 5. Facial expressions are crucial in BSL and convey grammatical information and emotions. They can change the meaning of signs and add nuances to the language. 

6. BSL has five main dialects: London, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and the Midlands.
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
The government is planning to cut disability benefits. This could have a devastating impact on disabled people. We need as many MPs as possible to speak out against disability benefits cuts before they're announced as early as Monday. Ask your MP now: action.sense.org.uk/page/167765/...
action.sense.org.uk
Stop cuts to disability benefits | Sense
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
Meet Bethany! Bethany’s brother has down syndrome and as a young carer Bethany helps him day to day, supporting him to communicate. For Bethany, the residential was important so that she could take a break, make friends and be herself.
Two children running joyfully across a grassy field, one holding a pink coat wearing a purple hoodie and the other is wearing a black coat.
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
“Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has nothing to do with work. It exists because living with a disability means facing higher costs, from increased energy bills to specialised equipment and specific diets." www.express.co.uk/finance/pers...
express.co.uk
'PIP has nothing to do with work' as experts slam proposed benefit changes
Experts are speaking out against the proposed changes ahead of the upcoming spring statement.
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
There have been a number of media reports suggesting that the government is planning to make cuts to disability benefits. This is totally shocking and unfair. Our research shows benefits barely cover the basics, so further cuts could plunge more disabled people into poverty.
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
Sharing a warm welcome to our new Chief Executive, James Watson-O’Neill! “I am deeply honoured to lead the next chapter of Sense and committed to building on the strong foundation laid by my predecessor, Richard Kramer."
James and two other individuals engaged in a lively conversation in an indoor setting, with one person gesturing while speaking to the other two who are smiling and listening attentively.
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Sense @sensecharity.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
Hi Everyone! We’ve seen Bluesky is growing fast so we thought we would join! We’re here to help create a world where disabled people are connected and included, no matter what.
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