Complex needs
This page explains what the term ‘disabled people with complex needs’ means, within the context of who Sense supports, and the importance of getting the right support.
Sense is here for every disabled person with complex needs
We offer support all over the UK. Whether you need some expert advice, a place to socialise, or help with communicating or getting around, we offer something for everyone. Because everyone should feel connected and included in the world.
To find out what kind of support we could give you or your loved one, speak to one of our friendly team.
What does ‘disabled people with complex needs’ mean?
Disabled people with complex needs tend to have two or more of the following conditions:
- Deaf or hearing impairment
- Blind or vision impairment
- Learning disability
- Autism
They may have other needs as well as two or more of the above.
These needs may be with a person from birth, or following illness or injury, or they may develop with age.
Being disabled with complex needs means you may experience unique barriers in daily life. It might mean you need high level support to communicate, develop new skills and live more independently.
How many people in the UK have complex needs?
- More than 1.6 million disabled people with complex needs in the UK.
- 1 in 10 disabled people are disabled with complex needs.
- By 2029, it is projected the number of disabled people with complex needs in the UK will increase to 2 million.
Sense partnered with the National Centre for Social Research to publish these figures in 2022. Find out more about our research into complex needs in the UK.
Getting the right support
If you, or someone in your family, has complex needs, getting the right support as soon as possible can make all the difference to how you live your life.
Our years of experience and expertise at Sense mean we understand that no two people’s needs are the same.
We know how important it is to find the right approach for each disabled person and their family.
Find out more about the support we offer to children and adults with complex needs and their families.
Support for disabled children and young people
Support for disabled adults
Support from Sense
If you’ve got any questions about getting support from Sense, our friendly team are here to help.
This content was last reviewed in April 2023. We’ll review it again in 2025.