Communication & senses · England
Stories you can explore with your senses
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A sensory story uses words and things you can experience.
You might hear a sound or feel something rough or smooth.
A sensory story can be shared with another person.
You do not need to understand every word to take part.
Choose something you enjoy.
The story should suit your interests.
Adults can enjoy stories for adults.
You can choose how to join in.
You do not have to touch a story object.
You can ask to stop in your own way.
The person sharing the story should give you time.
They should notice your face, sounds and movements.
You do not have to answer questions.
Your supporter should check that the activity is safe for you.
They should follow your support plans.
You can enjoy a different experience if something does not suit you.
Joanna Grace writes about sensory stories.
Her website is called The Sensory Projects.
You can find some free stories and ideas there.
Some books and courses cost money.
Check before you buy anything.
You can start with the free resources.
What you can do next
Ask someone you trust to explore the ideas with you.
Choose an idea that suits you.
Find Joanna Grace’s free resources Web pageThis link opens another website.
It may use harder words.
More useful links
- Joanna Grace: The Sensory Projects Web page
Find out about Joanna Grace and her work.
- Free short guides Web page
Download introductions to sensory stories and other ideas.
- Sensory stories and books Web page
Some resources cost money. Check before buying.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Products you can explore
You can look at products on a separate page of this website.
Money earned from these links will help maintain Clearer Support and the My Life My Say app, and provide free advocacy.
Sensory stories and Joanna Grace’s work
Explore shared stories through the senses, with links to Joanna Grace and The Sensory Projects.
Children and adults · Resources for families and supporters in England
What is a sensory story?
A sensory story shares a narrative through a small amount of language and experiences linked to its meaning. These might involve an object, texture or sound. It can offer a shared experience without requiring the person to understand every spoken word. Choose the way of taking part around the individual.
Joanna Grace and The Sensory Projects
Dr Joanna Grace founded The Sensory Projects. Her work includes profound disability, sensory engagement, belonging and sensory stories. Her website includes stories, books, training and free resources. This guide links to her own material; it does not reproduce her stories or imply that she has reviewed or endorsed Clearer.
Start with the person’s interests
Choose a theme that matters to the person, taking account of their age, culture, experiences and preferences. Adults can enjoy adult themes and familiar interests; do not choose a children’s story solely because someone has a learning disability. Read the resource instructions and prepare only the experiences appropriate for this person.
Share an invitation, not a test
Offer one experience at a time and leave space for a response. A pause, a small movement or a change in expression may matter. Do not rush to fill every silence with words or another object. Respect withdrawal and dislike. There is no requirement to finish a story, answer questions or make eye contact. Use the person’s communication plan to help interpret responses.
Adapt the activity safely
Check relevant care plans before choosing props or experiences, particularly where there are swallowing, allergy, positioning or seizure-related needs. Seek advice from the person’s team if unsure. Do not put tastes or objects into someone’s mouth, or move their body as part of a story, without the appropriate individual guidance. A story can be adapted using other suitable experiences.
Find free and paid resources
The Sensory Projects’ free educational resources page offers inclusive activities and some free stories. Its guides page has short downloadable introductions. The sensory stories page explains published story resources and links to a short sharing guide. Books and courses may have a charge; check the provider’s information before buying.
Keep different approaches clear
Sensory stories are organised around a narrative and associated experiences. Intensive Interaction is a separate approach that follows the person’s own communication and shared interaction. You can explore both, but neither should be treated as a fixed recipe or a replacement for the person’s individual communication support.
Words you could use
“What does this person enjoy? How can we share this story in their way, allow enough time and respect a wish to stop?”
More useful links
- Joanna Grace: The Sensory Projects Web page
Find out about Joanna Grace and her work.
- Free short guides Web page
Download introductions to sensory stories and other ideas.
- Sensory stories and books Web page
Some resources cost money. Check before buying.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Products you can explore
You can look at products on a separate page of this website.
Money earned from these links will help maintain Clearer Support and the My Life My Say app, and provide free advocacy.
Where the information comes from
Links checked 27 October 2026.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
- The Sensory Projects: Joanna Grace Web page
The author’s own account of her work and the project.
- The Sensory Projects: sensory stories Web page
Explanation of sensory stories and links to story-sharing guidance.
- The Sensory Projects: free educational resources Web page
A starting point for freely available stories and inclusive activities.
- The Sensory Projects: guides Web page
Short downloadable guides; check the individual resource’s terms before reusing it.
- Joanna Grace: Creating a Sensory Invitation, pages 18–19 (PDF) PDF
Practical discussion of invitations, time and sensory environments.
- Intensive Interaction Institute: the approach Web page
A separate introduction to person-led interaction and communication.