sensei

Senseiforall

sensei

Sensei creates accessible school environments with a tactile wayfinding system that helps neurodiverse and visually impaired students navigate.

London, UK

United Kingdom

For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models

Globally, over 240 million children with disabilities face systemic barriers to education (UNICEF). Among them, students with vision impairment, autism, ADHD, and cognitive disabilities are disproportionately excluded—not just academically, but physically. Many are unable to navigate school environments independently, facing obstacles from corridors to classrooms to toilets that were never designed with their needs in mind. Only half of primary schools worldwide have disability-adapted infrastructure (UNESCO). In the UK, fewer than 1.3% of schools are fully accessible to visually impaired students—despite the Equality Act 2010 mandating inclusive design. In lower-income countries, these figures are even starker. In India, just 3% of schools meet national accessibility standards. In rural and refugee schools, tactile or sensory navigation tools are virtually nonexistent. This lack of spatial accessibility reinforces cycles of educational exclusion, increased dependence on staff, and rising mental health challenges. It also burdens educators, increases absenteeism, and lowers student engagement. This problem directly addresses UN SDG Target 4.5, which aims to eliminate disparities in education for persons with disabilities. Without accessible infrastructure, equity is impossible. Despite global commitments, physical accessibility remains one of the most overlooked and underfunded gaps in achieving inclusive education.

Sensei is a modular tactile navigation system that transforms school infrastructure into accessible environments for students with vision impairment, autism, ADHD, and cognitive disabilities. The system includes wall-mounted sensory panels featuring distinct raised patterns that signify key zones like classrooms, washrooms, exits, and elevators. These panels are made from EVA foam, a lightweight, wipe-clean material that is 3x more durable and 30% more cost-efficient than rubber-based alternatives. Each pattern is grounded in haptic research and co-designed with students, parents, and educators to be universally intuitive. Panels are installed using damage-free adhesive—requiring no tools, electricity, or renovation—making Sensei ideal for retrofitting schools, including those with limited resources. It supports compliance with the UK Equality Act 2010 and strengthens Ofsted reporting under SEND and inclusion criteria. Sensei is the first standardized, low-tech indoor wayfinding system tailored for schools. It not only enables independence but creates a universal tactile language that can be adapted globally. The solution is currently being piloted in UK schools with support from Guide Dogs, VisionAbility, and Innovate UK. Watch a demo here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGLcLsDrV1Q

Sensei directly serves students with vision impairment, autism, ADHD, and cognitive disabilities, many of whom are excluded not by curriculum—but by the built environment. Globally, over 240 million children with disabilities face systemic barriers to education (UNICEF). In the UK alone, 1.6 million students are identified as having SEND needs—yet the majority of mainstream schools lack infrastructure that supports independent, sensory-friendly navigation. This leads to delayed admissions, increased home-schooling, or placement in segregated settings, limiting not just learning but confidence and belonging. The cost of mobility escorts and staff support places further pressure on families and educators. As one parent shared: “My child knows the answers in class, but getting there is the hardest part.” Sensei provides a simple, low-tech solution: tactile panels that act as intuitive wayfinding tools. Co-designed with students, families, and teachers, these panels help users orient themselves through touch—supporting autonomy, reducing staff burden, and calming transitions. While built for underserved students, Sensei benefits entire school communities—fostering environments that are safer, more inclusive, and human-centered. At its core, Sensei returns agency and dignity to learners who’ve been marginalized by design—and opens doors to participation, not just presence.