“Beyond Senses” – When the Community Writes Its Own Future
Published 13 February 2026 | By surdocecitate.ro
From 5 to 8 February 2026, in Predeal, we organized the workshop “Beyond Senses”, a gathering that brought together young people with deafblindness, members of their families, and the Sense Internațional România team. The event was part of the Global Inclusive Education Project (August 2023 – July 2026), funded by the Nelumbo Foundation and Sense International UK.
Beyond the winter landscapes and moments of shared joy, the meeting had a clear objective: to listen, to understand, and to build together the strategic directions for the coming years.
The Voice of the Community at the Heart of the Strategy
We organized two focus groups – one with young people with deafblindness and one with members of their families. The discussions were authentic, emotional, and truly helpful in shaping the foundation’s strategic lines for the years ahead.
The young people spoke about their desire for autonomy, communication barriers, difficulties accessing adapted workplaces, and the need for updated assistive technologies. They also discussed prejudices – the constant effort to prove that they can, that they know, that they deserve. As one young participant shared with us: “Sometimes it was very hard for me to make new connections or relationships with people. Now I have overcome this, I managed to solve it. And now I feel very good when I go to new places, when I meet new people. If I want, I speak; if not, I don’t.”
Families highlighted the pressure of continuous responsibility, the fear of isolation after finishing studies, and the lack of real opportunities for professional integration for their children.
The shared message was clear: accessibility is not a privilege, it is a right, and accessible communication, interpreters, assistive technologies, and adapted employment opportunities are essential conditions for a dignified life.
Leadership from Within the Community
A truly important moment was the first activity independently organized by Oana and Iulian, in their roles as president and vice-president of the Association “Beyond Senses” .
It was not just an activity. It was a step towards self-representation, a signal that people with deafblindness are not only beneficiaries of programs but leaders of their own community.
The Deafblindness Resource Hub – Built from Real Experience
An important part of the meeting was dedicated to developing the Deafblindness Resource Hub, which our colleagues in the UK are working on intensively. The Hub is designed to support people with deafblindness, their families, and professionals in the field. Participants came with concrete suggestions, which we will review and implement so that the Hub becomes as useful a tool as possible for all interested parties.
We invite you to explore the resources already available at https://deafblindness.info/. These include materials from Romania, as well as from countries such as Peru, India, Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Shared Joy
Alongside work-focused moments, we also enjoyed fun activities, both outdoors and indoors. These recreational moments were full of energy and good spirits, giving participants the opportunity to relax and have fun.
From the train ride to Azuga and the walk to the ski slope, followed by the ride with the gondola witcht inspired admiration for the spectacular scenery, to the evening spent in the guesthouse game room, where many tried bowling for the first time, every activity sparked laughter, enthusiasm, and playful challenges.
Building Together!
The “Beyond Senses” workshop reminded us that relevant policies and strategies cannot be developed in the absence of those directly involved. They are born from dialogue, trust, and active participation.
At Sense Internațional România, we believe that real change begins when the community is listened to and involved in decision-making, and at Predeal, this indeed happened.
