Inclusive music
SENSABILITY & Song
Relaxed live music experiences where adults with severe learning disabilities and their families can enjoy music in their own way.
Explore SENSABILITY & SongWelcome to SENSABILITY
Everyone deserves to belong.
Supporting adults with severe, profound and multiple learning disabilities and their families and carers across Northern Ireland.
We champion inclusion, create meaningful opportunities and help families feel connected, valued and heard.
Our story
Two mothers. Two daughters. One shared vision.
Founded in 2023 by Karen Ryan and Vivien Scott, SENSABILITY grew from their shared experiences as mothers of daughters Emily and Saichon.
They recognised the need for better opportunities, understanding and lasting support for people with profound and complex learning disabilities — especially as they move from school into adult life.
Our mission is to bring families together, amplify their voices and help build a community where everyone is included.
Karen Ryan — Co-Founder & Treasurer
Vivien Scott — Co-Founder
Registered as a Northern Ireland charity on 31 August 2023. Charity number NIC 109700.
Our vision
Safe, well and fulfilled lives
“Supporting and valuing adults with profound & multiple learning disabilities and their families/carers to live safe, well and fulfilled lives within their community.”
We focus on six priorities that help shape our advocacy and community work.
Inclusion
Belonging, dignity and respect in community life.
Equal access
Fair opportunities to use services, facilities and activities.
Planning for the future
Helping families prepare for changing care and support needs.
Safeguarding
Promoting safety and freedom from abuse and discrimination.
Sustainable support
Encouraging appropriate local services that meet real needs.
Progression
Recognising every person's capacity to learn and develop.
Our advocacy focuses on education, social care and healthcare. Learning and development should not stop at 19.
What we do
Connection, support and opportunity
Our programmes bring people together and support families through inclusive activities, community events and information sharing.
Families and carers
Carers' Days
Twice-yearly opportunities for carers to connect, share experiences and enjoy time together.
Supporting carers
Community
Christmas Craft Fair
A festive event bringing people together through creativity and community spirit.
Our eventsInformation and support
Older parents and carers
Information sessions that help families explore important questions and plan for the future.
Learn more
Summer 2026
Inclusive Summer Scheme
Our first week-long inclusive summer scheme took place in Lisburn from 10–14 August 2026.
See the story
Advocacy
Building awareness
Raising awareness of the needs and rights of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities.
Our vision
Our popular music programme
SENSABILITY & Song
Inclusive, funded music events for adults with severe and profound learning disabilities, their families and carers.
Our relaxed sessions welcome listening, singing, movement, vocalising and enjoying the atmosphere — there is no pressure to participate in any particular way.
We always work with the musicians from RiChmusic, whose live performances bring these sessions to life. Visit RiChmusic.
Our venues: The Grove Activity Centre, Lisburn, and Lagan Valley Island Theatre Hall. The specific venue is shown for each event.
Funded · Free to attend
See event booking informationFamilies and carers
Supporting those who care
We understand that caring responsibilities can be lifelong. Our community helps families feel heard, informed and connected.
Carers' Days
We hold Carers' Days twice a year, creating opportunities for carers to meet, enjoy time together and share experiences.
Information sessions
We arrange sessions for older parents and carers, focusing on the information and planning that can help families prepare for the future.
Ask us a questionOur impact · August 2026
Our first Inclusive Summer Scheme
10–14 August 2026 · The Grove Activity Centre, Lisburn
Our first fully funded, parent-supported summer scheme created an inclusive space for children and young people with severe learning disabilities and additional care needs to enjoy activities, sensory experiences and social connection.
The programme included morning and afternoon groups and a free lunch. The event poster acknowledged Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and Diverse Minds Events.
Featured on BBC News NI
Journalist Robbie Meredith reported on the scheme and the importance of inclusive summer opportunities for families.
BBC News NI · 16 August 2026
“Parents create 'lifeline' summer scheme after SEN provision fears”
BBC television footage can be added here if an authorised embeddable version becomes available.
Our community
Moments that matter
A selection of SENSABILITY photographs. More event pictures can be found on our Facebook page.
Events and booking
Join us at an event
We run inclusive music sessions, carers' events, information sessions and community activities. Details of each upcoming event will include its date, time, venue and booking arrangements.
Upcoming dates: No future dates have been published on this website yet. Please check our Facebook page for the latest announcements or email us to enquire. We will add direct free-ticket booking links as events are confirmed.
Regular programme
SENSABILITY & Song
Funded, free-to-attend live music sessions featuring RiChmusic, held at The Grove Activity Centre or Lagan Valley Island Theatre Hall.
Check event announcementsCommunity programme
Carers' Days, information sessions & fairs
We announce new dates and booking information as events are arranged.
Enquire about upcoming eventsWebsite-ready for future Ticket Tailor booking links. No ticket sales or reservations are processed by this static website until links are added.
News and media
Our latest stories
SENSABILITY's summer scheme featured on BBC News NI
16 August 2026 · Robbie Meredith
Read about the importance of inclusive activities and how SENSABILITY's first summer scheme brought families together.
Read the BBC News NI featureFollow our official Facebook page for event photographs and announcements.
Get involved
Help us make a difference
We welcome enquiries from families, carers, community partners, supporters and people interested in volunteering.
Volunteer with SENSABILITY
Whether you'd like to help at an event, support fundraising or share your skills, we'd love to hear from you.
Email about volunteeringContact SENSABILITY
Email:
info@sensabilityni.org
Telephone:
07774 491 843
Postal address:
73 Tullynacross Road
Lisburn, BT27 5SG
Facebook:
facebook.com/sensabilityni
Charity number: NIC 109700
Send an email