Beyond limits: how does the RNIB help people with sight loss?
More than two million people in the UK alone are living with sight loss, with around 340,000 registered as blind or partially sighted. Vision impairment has a massive impact on lives, not just on a personal level, but also socially, financially, and psychologically. That’s why BATA is running a blog series in conjunction with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), to shine a spotlight on the vital assistance the organisation provides, and highlight some of the ongoing challenges in the UK for people with sight loss. Today, we’re focusing on finding out more about the RNIB.
Who is the RNIB?
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is the UK's leading sight loss charity, offering practical and emotional support to blind and partially sighted people, their families and carers. It raises awareness of the experiences of blind and partially sighted people and campaigns for change to make our society more accessible for all. The ultimate aim? No more barriers to people with sight loss.
Useful resources
The RNIB runs frequent campaigns to help society understand what it’s like to live with sight loss, and how communities can adapt to better support blind and partially sighted people. It’s powerful #BeforeYouAsk Campaign takes insights and experiences from blind individuals to help better inform workplaces, social situations, and general daily life scenarios on treating a person with sight loss as equal and capable. You can watch the video campaign here: https://www.rnib.org.uk/our-campaigns/see-differently-see-the-person/beforeyouask/
Additionally, the RNIB provides useful information on the different types of conditions that can affect sight, emotional support resources for navigating a sight loss diagnosis, as well as direction to assistive technology, benefits, and further education.
Recent impact - positive stories
There are many positive stories about people with sight loss enjoying and participating in daily life activities that they shouldn’t be limited to. Earlier this year, London’s Science Museum teamed up with the RNIB to give children with vision impairment an opportunity to carry out science experiments and take part in the museum’s activities. You can read more about this and other positive stories here: https://www.rnib.org.uk/news/rnib-and-science-museum-a-fun-accessible-day-out/
Ongoing challenges in the UK
Although there have been inroads made to accessibility for people with sight loss, there remain long-term challenges, particularly as technology continues to advance and it can be difficult to keep up with ensuring a comprehensive range of accessible options, both practically and digitally. These blogs aim to increase conversation and promote information sharing so we can reach a more inclusive society where people with sight loss don’t have to fight for everyday rights.
If you would like to have your say or get involved in the conversation, please contact BATA’s Communications Coordinator, Jade Hegarty, at jade.hegarty@bataonline.org.
