Sense International is the only international non-governmental organisation dedicated to supporting people with deafblindness and their families around the world.

We collaborate with local, national and international partners to deliver tailored support and technical expertise where it is needed. We work alongside people with deafblindness and their families, as well as teachers, health professionals, and governments.

Every penny we raise helps to support more children like Shaban.

Shaban lives with his parents, his brother and two aunts near Dar es Salaam, in Tanzania. Shaban was born prematurely at 28 weeks, weighing just 1.5kg. Shaban’s mother, Ester, noticed he was missing key developmental milestones such as walking and talking but struggled to get a diagnosis for her son. Ester felt that because of Shaban’s disability, she was shut out from her local community.

Feeling lost and isolated, Ester began to lose hope. Things changed when Shaban was referred to his local hospital. Through Sense International’s programme, Shaban’s sight and hearing were tested using professional equipment by trained health workers. Shaban was diagnosed with deafblindness and referred for early intervention therapy. 

Shaban has now met with a specialised occupational therapist every week for the last eight months. Using toys, equipment and physiotherapy, the therapist helps Shaban build muscle and start to communicate. Shaban practices using his hands to grasp and play with the toys. Developing these fine motor skills has helped Shaban with daily tasks like brushing teeth, feeding himself or holding a pen.

Shaban has learnt to use a communication board so he can express his needs and access information. The board uses objects of reference that symbolise different activities. For example, in the morning, when his mother hands him a cup, Shaban knows it is time for porridge, which he can now eat without help. Touching a cup during the day lets Shaban’s mother know he is thirsty.

Shaban’s progress has given Ester hope:  "It was so good that I met other women with children like mine,” she said, “this gave me strength and encouraged me to know how to support my child".

At Sense International, we believe every child with deafblindness deserves to live life to the full. With the help of our partners, we can make this belief a reality for children like Shaban.