Sensability is a charity supporting and valuing adults with profound & multiple learning disabilities and their families/carers to live safe, well and fulfilled lives within their community.We are based in Lisburn, Northern Ireland (Charity number: NIC 109700).

According to the 2021 census, 1.5% of the 1.9 million total population of Northern Ireland have a learning disability and/or Autism. This group experience disproportionate levels of inequality and their quality of life outcomes are lower than it is reasonable to expect of the 21st Century.

The word ‘learning’ makes up half of the term commonly used to describe our learning disabled adults. This does not cease post 19+ when they transition to Adult Services. Healthcare, Socialcare and Education should be accountable for providing life long care and learning for them due to the fact that they

1: ‘Learn’ or make progress at a different rate to neuro typical adults as they have a diagnosis of global developmental delay. (Accountability from EDUCATION PROVIDER)

2. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that without the required access to essential services their progress can regress causing an array of physical, mental and emotional issues. (Accountability from SOCIAL CARE SERVICES)

3: ‘Disabled’ also part of the terminology commonly used to describe our learning disabled adults, identifies ‘health’ as the provider for their life long care in the appropriate setting. (Accountability from HEALTHCARE)

The vision of our Charity covers the following 6 areas of concern:

1: Inclusion – Support people to have good lives in their communities and to be treated with dignity and respect.

2: Equal access - To opportunities and services e.g. contributing to community life, social and leisure opportunities, housing, banking, jobs, health, and transport.

3: Planning for the future post ‘mum/dad/family/carer’ support involving input from a specialist in the laws relating to this.

4: Safeguarding – Be safe in communities and free from the risk of discrimination and abuse.

5: Sustainable support – A commitment to focus on continued development of local services to meet demand.

6: Progression – Recognising that people with disabilities (including the most complex) have the potential to progress and develop.