Sensory Training

ECL’s Sensory Awareness Training can help your organisation to better meet the needs of people with a sensory impairment.
Group of people sitting down with a smiling female sitting at the front holding her hand up.

Did you know that 1 in 30 people in the UK have a sight impairment and 1 in 5 have a hearing impairment?

This means that no matter what services you deliver or where you work, you will inevitably be interacting with people with a sensory loss.

Training objectives

The objective of this training is to help organisations understand the different causes and conditions of sensory impairment and dual sensory loss, the impact this can have on an individual and their additional needs when engaging with your business.

Co-produced with our volunteers who live with sensory loss, the training will share experiences and best practices, demonstrating how to deliver a better customer service to someone with a sensory impairment.

Ultimately the training will instil confidence in your staff when communicating with someone with a sensory impairment and break down any barriers.

Why invest in Sensory Awareness Training?

  • An inclusive experience is good for business – unleashing the power of the Purple Pound (an estimated spend of £249 billion/annum by disabled people and their families). Tesco, for example, recently created an accessible website that cost around £35,000 - the site now attracts a much wider audience who spend an extra £13 million per year.
  • A better customer experience leads to customer loyalty and enhanced reputation.
  • Confidence that your organisation is complying with the Equality Act 2010.
  • Our CPD accredited training course will earn your staff 4 CPD points.

What types of organisation is it aimed at?

Any public facing service provider (private or public sector) from health and social care providers to retail and hospitality, and any organisation in between.

We have provided bespoke Sensory Awareness Training in the following organisations:

  • GP Practice and primary care training.
  • NHS staff.
  • Essex County Council Social Workers and call centre staff.
  • Essex Police.
  • Essex Fire and Rescue Service.
  • Retail (Café, pub, visitor centre, shop)
  • Voluntary sector.
  • Residential Care homes.
  • Boots the Chemist.
  • Specsavers.
  • Sports and activity centre staff.
  • Essex County Councillors.
  • Maldon District Council.
  • Essex Libraries.
  • EPUT – Essex Partnership University Trust.

After Training – what comes next?

This Sensory Training course is your gateway to the Sensory Champion Community and your continuing sensory awareness journey.

Upon completion of the course, you will have the option to become a Sensory Champion and join our wider community.

We provide Sensory Champions with training, regular information bulletins, events, and a free tote bag with sensory information and in which further information and equipment can be kept.

If you are interested in becoming a champion within your workplace or organisation, please contact us.

Course content

  • Types and causes of sensory loss
  • Communication
  • Barriers and isolation
  • Assistive equipment and technology
  • Accessible environments
  • Practical solutions (in relation to services during Covid)
  • Support available to people with sensory loss

Format of training

Currently we provide face to face training.

Duration of Course: Is usually 4 hours either am or pm but can be flexible to suit your needs.

Sensory awareness training can be created bespoke to your organisation if you prefer, please contact us to discuss your individual requirements.

Training cost

Starting at £65 exc. VAT per person. Discounts available for group bookings.

Course availability

Please view our Eventbrite page to see an up-to-date list of planned training events.

CPD accredited training