Sensory Alliance formed to break down barriers to participation
British Blind Sport, Sense and UK Deaf Sport have joined forces and are collectively working as a Sensory Alliance. With a shared remit and common goals, each partner in the Sensory Alliance will work with key stakeholders to create a unified approach to breaking down the barriers to sport and physical activity for people living with sensory impairments and/or complex disabilities in England.
The Alliance was established in response to the need for a joint approach as highlighted by partners and individuals with sensory impairments and/or complex disabilities. It combines unique skills and experience to develop a joint approach to tackling inactivity across sensory impairment groups.
Each organisation forming the Sensory Alliance receives funding from Sport England to support and engage people with sensory impairments and/or complex disabilities in sport and physical activity.
The Sensory Alliance is committed to:
- Sharing research and data with partners to support the increase of sport and physical activity levels of people with sensory impairments and/or complex disabilities.
- Working jointly on opportunities that will strive to improve experiences of sport and physical activity.
- Promoting activities and events delivered by each organisation within the Sensory Alliance and other external opportunities.
- Working together to develop resources and guidance for the sport and physical activity sector, on how to best support people with sensory impairments and/or complex disabilities to be active and stay active throughout their lives.
Logan Gray, National Partnerships Manager at British Blind Sport, said:
"At British Blind Sport, we are excited at the prospect of working in partnership with UK Deaf Sport and Sense. Combining the knowledge we have of our respective audiences will enable us to provide greater expertise to our partners and have an impact that will reach more people."
Alissa Ayling, National Sports Manager at Sense, commented:
"Sense shares common goals and a shared remit to break down barriers to participation of sport and physical activity for people with complex disabilities. By collaborating with British Blind Sport and UK Deaf Sport, we hope to deliver activities so that people with complex disabilities can be active and healthy."
Valerie Copenhagen, Head of Participation at UK Deaf Sport added:
"This is a great opportunity to work both with and alongside these two organisations to better understand the challenges and the experiences had by our audiences. We can also identify appropriate approaches on how we can support our partners and have a greater impact improving experiences for all those involved, supporting and participating within sport and physical activity."
For further information about the Sensory Alliance, please read below and see main contact for each organisation:
British Blind Sport
British Blind Sport (BBS) supports blind and partially sighted people to get active and play sport. They encourage people of all ages to participate at all levels, from grassroots to Paralympic Games. Find out more on BBS website.
Main contact: Logan Gray, National Partnerships Manager. Email Logan.
Sense
Sense is a national disability charity that supports people living with complex impairments, including those who are deafblind to communicate and experience the world. Find out more on Sense website.
Main contact: Alissa Ayling, National Sports Manager. Email Alissa.
UK Deaf Sport
UK Deaf Sport is the nationwide deaf sports organisation with a vision that every deaf person is active and inspired by sport and physical activity. Find out more on UK Deaf Sport website.
Main contact: Valerie Copenhagen, Head of Participation. Email Valerie.
