Sensory impairments affect how someone receives and processes information through sight, hearing, smell, taste or touch.
Information and advice
Sensory impairments are conditions that affect one or more of the senses. The most common types are hearing and vision loss, but sensory impairments can also affect balance, smell, taste and touch. These impairments can be present from birth or develop later in life, and they may be temporary, fluctuating or permanent.
Living with a sensory impairment can affect communication, mobility and everyday activities. But with the right support, technology and inclusive environments, people with sensory impairments can live full and independent lives.
There are different kinds of sensory impairments, and each one affects people differently.
Sensory impairments can affect how people navigate their surroundings and interact with others.
With the right support, people with sensory impairments can remain independent.
It is important to ask people about their communication preferences.
We are not a crisis service.
If you feel you might harm yourself or are in immediate danger, call 999.
Information and advice from the Royal National Institute of Blind People.
An overview of how people with complex sensory needs experience the world, and the support available.
Need someone to listen right now? Our peer-support line offers friendly, trained listeners by phone or video.
Explore tools and devices that can support independence and accessibility for people with sensory impairments.
It is a condition that affects one or more senses, such as sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell or balance.
It refers to people who have both a hearing and a visual impairment, sometimes called deafblindness.
Yes. There is a wide range of assistive technology available, from screen readers and hearing aids to vibrating alerts and smart home devices.
You do not have to, but sharing your needs means your employer can make adjustments to support you at work.