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RNIB achievements - making a difference

Summary: About RNIB's greatest achievements in 2006/07.

In 2006/07 we are proud to have achieved the following to make a difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people.

Information and support

Elderly woman talking on the telephone

Three million people benefited from RNIB’s telephone, online and face-to-face information and advice services.

The exciting merger of RNIB Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Blind Centre means a wider range of services are available for more blind and partially sighted people.

Your stories

"I wanted to know how my mother could register partially sighted. The Helpline also told me about visual aids for around the home and about parking permits."

"It was more than I expected. I thought I would just be sent a brochure [about macular degeneration] but the Helpline took time to explain things, were very clear and pointed me in all sorts of directions".

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Access to information

Close up of man's fingers reading braille

We created one of the world’s largest resources of large print, braille, audio and electronic books by merging the National Library for the Blind with RNIB. At the same time we continued to influence Government and industry to make information accessible to all.

Your stories

"I really love books like Harry Potter. Mum bought me the whole series in large print. I read the second book in four days!"

"I recently bought a flat and was forced to sign my life away with hardly any of the crucial legal documents, surveys or letters accessible to me. My requests were met with 'we don't do that' or were ignored at every turn, it's so frustrating."

"I've been trying for years to get accessible information from my housing association. This has finally paid off and I'm now getting all correspondance in large print."

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Audio description

Man looking at remote control for TV

2006/07 witnessed a major shift in making TV, cinema and theatre more accessible to blind and partially sighted people. Now more programmes, films and shows include audio description, the extra narrative which brings visual elements like costume and scenery to life.

Your stories

"In the past I needed a sighted person to come to the cinema with me and describe what was happening on the screen. Thanks to the audio description I can now follow the plot closely. Audio description has made a huge difference to my life."

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Money and benefits

Person looking down at her hands holding a receipt and money

A life-changing £5million was identified in unclaimed benefits for people with sight loss by RNIB. In addition we took big strides in the campaign to achieve the higher mobility rate of Disability Living Allowance for people with sight problems.

Your stories

"I have far greater mobility problems than most people with physical disabilities who can drive a car, yet receive less benefit - it’s unfair and unjust."

“From April this year, we are better off to the tune of £80 a week. I’d recommend the service to anyone else.”

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Campaigns

Older woman with makeup-stained tear running down her cheek

From a healthy diet to stopping smoking – 65 per cent of all UK adults have heard our vital messages for keeping their eyes healthy and the importance of a regular eye test.

Your stories

"Having an eye test is the most important thing you can do. It stopped me from going blind. People don't realise how quickly something can go wrong with their eyes."

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Our vision

These achievements all work towards RNIB’s overall vision, which is: “A world where people who are blind and partially sighted enjoy the same rights, responsibilities, opportunities and quality of life as people who are sighted.”

Our mission is “To challenge blindness by empowering people who are blind or partially sighted, removing the barriers they face and helping to prevent blindness.”

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Content author: webeditor@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 08/04/2008 18:38

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Quiz

If you see a blind person in the street you should:





Your stories

Jill's story - Jill lost her sight 12 years ago at the age of 19. “The experience left me feeling isolated. I often felt like my life was pointless." Now, as a presenter on Insight Radio, she uses her experiences to help others. “My prayer is that what we do helps those who are going through sight loss. Even the tiniest piece of information can make a huge difference. If my show can help do that, then my journey has not been in vain.” Jill's full story