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@rnib

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Let’s create a world where there are no barriers for blind and partially sighted people.

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Things blind and partially sighted people hear way too often. ⁉️

[Video description and transcript:
“POV: if our comment section was a livestream.” Lisa, is sat wearing a khaki green hoodie and is answering questions as if they’ve been sent in on a livestream. She’s reacting with puzzled facial expressions and some sassy head nods.

Transcript: “POV: if our comment section was a live stream.”

‘Are you visually impaired?’ Yes, I have a condition called Nystagmus.

‘Why aren't you wearing sunglasses?’ Um, oh, because, yeah, I get it, cause some people think that, um, just because you're blind or partially sighted, you, uh like, wear sunglasses. Like, it's, kind of part of a bit of a stereotypical uniform for us. Um, I'm not wearing them, It's not that sunny today, so I've decided not to wear them. But some people, you know, many wear them for light sensitivity, so, you know, protect their eyes.

‘If you’re visually impaired, does that mean you have superhuman senses?’ No, as in, like, my hearing, no, no, people always think that because you lose a sense, you gain another one. Um, that's not true. In fact, uh, my hearing is also not great as well as my vision.

‘If you can't see, how are you using a phone?’ Okay, guys, okay, there's, there's accessible software you can get for your phones. If you're blind or partially sighted, you can get either like a magnifier that makes your screen bigger, or you can get, um, voice over which reads everything out on your screen so you can hear it. So yes, we can use our phones. [sassy head nod]

‘Do you wish you could be cured?’ Cured? I'm not sick. What do you mean? Do you wish you your eye condition can be cured? Um, not really. Um, I was born with, I was born with Nystagmus. So it's a big part of me. Um, so, no, I don't think so. I imagine a lot of people say the same that they're quite comfortable. It's more, I think it's more there's a lot of things in the world that probably need changing rather than, um, me changing to fit the world I think. And I feel like quite a lot of people in the blind and partially sighted community might, might feel the same.] by @rnib

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6 months ago

2026 is the year to make life easier for blind and partially sighted people. So make being a disability ally your New Year’s Resolution. Are you with us?

[Image description: The image shows a white rectangular box with rounded corners placed over a background of golden fireworks against a dark night sky. Inside the white box, there is a bold heading at the top that reads: “2026: The Year of Being an Ally.” Below the heading, there is a single list of seven statements in black text. The list reads:‘Treat us how you’d treat everyone, Read, watch, and learn from disability people and their content, Don’t be afraid to say the word “disability”, Listen to us, ask us questions, Make accessibility an integral part of your life, Support us when we need you to.’] The image shows a white rectangular box with rounded corners placed over a background of golden fireworks against a dark night sky. Inside the white box, there is a bold heading at the top that reads: “2026: The Year of Being an Ally.” Below the heading, there is a single list of seven statements in black text. The list reads:‘Treat us how you’d treat everyone, Read, watch, and learn from disability people and their content, Don’t be afraid to say the word “disability”, Listen to us, ask us questions, Make accessibility an integral part of your life, Support us when we need you to. by @rnib

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9 months ago

We also don't deal with birds 🦜

[Image description: "Imagine being confused with the RNLI again. We don’t even own a boat." An illustration of a boat, something between a fancy yacht and a lifeboat sailing the waves (what do we know, we aren't the RNLI) sits neatly between the copy.] "Imagine being confused with the RNLI again. We don’t even own a boat." An illustration of a boat, something between a fancy yacht and a lifeboat sailing the waves (what do we know, we aren't the RNLI) sits neatly between the copy. by @rnib

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a year ago

What might it be like if you have age-related macular degeneration (AMD)? This picture shows what people with the condition might see, although everyone’s experience is different.

In the early stages, you may have no symptoms. So what are the signs to look out for?

- Your vision becoming blurrier and you have difficulty seeing detail like small text
- A small, blurred area developing in the middle of your vision
- Straight lines starting to appear wavy or like there is a bump in them

Don’t ignore the signs. If you notice changes to your vision quickly, you should see your optometrist straight away. If you need treatment, the earlier it is started, the better the results for your sight.

And we can’t stress enough how important it is to have regular eye tests – they’re an important health check for your eyes. Conditions like AMD can often be picked up by an optometrist even if your vision is still good.

Search AMD RNIB in your browser for more info, and for advice and support contact us on 0303 123 9999 or at helpline@rnib.org.uk.

[Image description: The photo shows a suburban street with a white car parked on the left pavement seen from behind. There is a grass verge on the left of the pavement, with a row of white houses on the other side of the road. An overlayed filter simulates what a person with the advanced or late stages of AMD might see. There is a black spot becoming more transparent at the edges in the middle, partially obscuring the car. The view of the street outside this area is blurred.] The photo shows a suburban street with a white car parked on the left pavement seen from behind. There is a grass verge on the left of the pavement, with a row of white houses on the other side of the road. An overlayed filter simulates what a person with the advanced or late stages of AMD might see. There is a black spot becoming more transparent at the edges in the middle, partially obscuring the car. The view of the street outside this area is blurred. by @rnib

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15 hours ago

What can a vision impairment feel like through a child's eyes?

This is exactly what Terri asked her son Flynn, who has congenital Nystagmus. He shared his thoughts and feelings about living with his vision impairment, and his mum turned his words into a heartfelt poem.

If you’d like help with understanding your child’s vision impairment, search "RNIB education and children services" or contact our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk.

[Video description and transcript:
"But you look fine. A mum's poem inspired by her son's words about living with vision impairment"
"Sometimes my world is foggy,
Soft and misty, a little blurry too,
Like someone gently shook the picture
While I was trying to look at you.
It can be wobbly, vibrating,
Sometimes even seeing double
I might go falling over, tripping,
Walking into bits of trouble.
My eyes can twitch and move about,
Horizontal, up and down,
Even spinning round in circles —
They never really settle down.
Bright lights can feel stinging,
The sunshine makes me squint,
With photophobia glaring bright,
Too strong to barely hint.
I get dizzy, I get tired,
My head finds a null point place,
Where things are just a little clearer
If I tilt my face.
There are hospitals, there are glasses,
There’s equipment that I use,
There’s feeling different, sometimes shy,
With worries I can’t choose.
Sometimes I want to hide away,
Feel embarrassed, small and blue,
With bumps and bruises on my knees
From things I didn’t see through.
But that’s not all my story —
That’s not all of me.
Because I am resilient,
Stronger than you know,
Full of charm and laughter,
With a special kind of glow.
I am happy, I have friends,
I adapt, I learn, I try,
Even when my world feels shaky,
I still reach for the sky.
My eyes may move without my say,
And my vision’s not the same,
But I am brave and wonderful —
More than any name.
My world may look a little different,
From the way it looks to you,
But I see kindness, love and joy…
And that makes my world bright too."] by @rnib

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3 days ago

As people take on the challenge of stopping smoking for the month of October - aka Stoptober - we're reminding you of 5 things you may not know about smoking and sight loss.

Stopping smoking is one of the most important things you can do to protect your eye health and we're here for you if you need support, encouragement or are concerned about anything you've read. Just get in touch on 0303 123 9999 or via helpline@rnib.org.uk to talk to a specialist advisor.

[Image descriptions:
Image 1: "5 things you didn't know about smoking and sight loss…” with an illustration of a cigarette in an ash tray below, and an arrow pointing to the next slide.
Image 2: 1. “If you smoke, you're 2 to 4 times more likely to develop Age related Macular Degeneration than a non-smoker.” With an arrow pointing to the next slide.
Image 3: 2. “People who smoke are twice as likely to develop cataracts. Cataracts are more likely to develop at an earlier age in adults who smoke and can progress faster.” With arrow pointing to next slide.
Image 4: 3. “Smoking can affect the balance of your tears, leaving your eyes feeling dry and irritated.” With arrow pointing to next slide.
Image 5: 4. "The link between smoking and Age related Macular Degeneration is as strong as the link between smoking and lung cancer.” With arrow pointing to next slide.
Image 6: 5. "Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do to protect your eyes. It can reduce your risk of developing these eye conditions or slow their progression.” With arrow pointing to next slide.
Image 7: “If you're worried about your vision or need advice on how to look after your eyes, we're here for you. Just get in touch on 0303 123 9999 or via helpline@rnib.org.uk to talk to a specialist advisor."] "5 things you didn't know about smoking and sight loss…” with an illustration of a cigarette in an ash tray below, and an arrow pointing to the next slide. by @rnib

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4 days ago

Well, ain’t that just peachy… (Not quite.)🍑
Here are some things that blind and partially sighted people think are a pain in the bum.
Got one to add? Drop it in the comments and we might make a part two.

[Image Descriptions: Images have a pink background with some peaches that look like a bums (cheeky we know)
1: Text reads ‘Things that are a pain in the bum when you're blind or partially sighted.’ and 'that ain't peachy...' with a black and white arrow point to the next slide.
2: Text reads ‘1. Going on a Hinge date and not being able to order because the menu's inaccessible. Nothing says romance like “sorry, can you read me the entire menu?”
3. Text reads ‘2. Someone leaving a bin, scooter, sign or random object directly in the middle of the pavement’.
4. Text reads ‘3. Getting handed a form and being told, “You just need to fill this in.” Ah yes, our favourite accessibility feature: just.’
5. Text reads ‘4. When an author announces the cover of their latest book without a description of what it looks like. Besties, we want to be part of the hype too!’] ‘Things that are a pain in the bum when you're blind or partially sighted' and 'that ain't peachy..' With a black and white arrow point to the next slide. by @rnib

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4 days ago

Wrong answers only: What is this thing? 🤔

[Image description: A little, yellow, clip-like device that has metal prongs on the back with moveable beads on them. Blind or partially sighted tea and coffee lovers will for sure know what this is!] "What is this? (Wrong answers only)" A little, yellow, clip-like device that has metal prongs on the back with moveable beads on them. by @rnib

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5 days ago

If Ted Lasso has taught us anything, it's that seeing the best in people matters far more than judging them by their disability. ❤️

[Image description:
Image one: "How 'Ted Lasso' characters would react to ableism." Below is a stacked lineup of some of the cast. Left to right, Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis. Coach Beard, played by Brendon Hunt. Keeley Jones, played by Juno Temple. Roy Kent, played by Brett Goldstein. Rebecca Welton, played by Hannah Waddingham. Lesley Higgins, played by Jeremy Swift.

Image two: Ted Lasso: "Be curious, not judgmental." Ted, is smiling and has his iconic moustache and a smooth comb-over haircut. He's wearing a navy AFC Richmond V-neck sweater with a white shirt underneath.

Image three: Roy Kent: "**** **" Roy is standing tall; he's got short dark hair and dark stubble. His facial expression is unimpressed, and you should feel slightly on the edge of your seat by what he might say next. He's wearing a navy AFC Richmond t-shirt.

Image four: Rebecca: "What do you think you're doing? Just stop it!" Her blonde hair is slightly pushed back with a bouncy blow-dry; she's wearing large dangly earrings and has very professional but natural makeup. She's wearing a black and orange dog-tooth patterned V-neck top.

Image five: Coach Beard: "Be the change you want to see in the world...or don't. I'm not your dad." In true Coach Beard style, he's wearing a blue AFC Richmond cap, some blue reflective sports sunglasses, and is wearing a yellow whistle around his neck. He's got a beard (of course), and is looking ahead with a hard-to-read facial expression, but mostly looking like he's daydreaming.

Image six: Higgins: “Human beings are never going to be perfect… keep asking for help… you’ll always be moving towards better.” He's looking slightly concerned, like he's just heard some bad news. He's wearing a suit with an AFC Richmond pin; he's also got a comb over hair style and he's wearing glasses.

Image description continued in the comments.] "How 'Ted Lasso' characters would react to ableism." Below is a stacked lineup of some of the cast. Left to right, Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis. Coach Beard, played by Brendon Hunt. Keeley Jones, played by Juno Temple. Roy Kent, played by Brett Goldstein. Rebecca Welton, played by Hannah Waddingham. Lesley Higgins, played by Jeremy Swift. by @rnib

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6 days ago

In honour of #ThreshingDay, we thought we’d introduce our own dragon breeds. Except ours aren’t here to set you on fire. They’re here to make social media more accessible.

[Image Description: All images have a white text box with illustrated swirling clouds, stars, moons and celestial patterns.
Image 1: "If Fourth Wing dragon breeds were social media accessibility features"
Image 2: "Black Dragon: Alt text. The smartest, rarest and most discerning of the bunch. Not always seen, but when they are there, they make the whole experience make sense."
Image 3: "Blue Dragon: CamelCase. "Precise, disciplined and allergic to confusion. They make sure everyone knows where one word ends and the next begins and reducing miscommunication."
Image 4: “Brown Dragon: Shortened Links. Steady, practical and no-nonsense. Not flashy, just efficient. Exactly how they like it.”
Image 5: “Green Dragon: Captions. Keen intellect. Rational. Reasonable. Basically, the dragon breed that said, “Have you considered making your video understandable without sound?”
Image 6: “Orange Dragon: Emojis. Unpredictable, occasionally chaotic, but somehow always adding something to the conversation.”
Image 7: “Red Dragon: Audio Description. Bold, powerful and impossible to ignore. They’re the dragon that makes sure nobody misses the action, the scenery or the dramatic stare across the battlefield”.] "If Fourth Wing dragon breeds were social media accessibility features" by @rnib

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6 days ago

We’re bored so we want to know: what’s your hidden blind or partially sighted person talent?

We’ll go first: apologising to inanimate objects.

[Image description: Text on a blue background reads: "What's your hidden blind or partially sighted person talent?" In the top corner, there's a yellow spotlight shining down on the words, along with yellow sparkles.] Text on a blue background reads: "What's your hidden blind or partially sighted person talent?" In the top corner, there's a yellow spotlight shining down on the words, along with yellow sparkles. by @rnib

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6 days ago

Is the rise in the cost of living affecting you?

If you're worried about the rising cost of living, contact our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk. You don't have to face it alone. ❤️

[Transcript: “Why are blind and partially sighted people affected more by rising costs in the UK?”

“Rising living costs are putting pressure on households across the UK, but for many blind and partially sighted people, the impact goes far beyond paying higher bills.

New research from RNIB has revealed the significant financial pressures facing blind and partially sighted people, with rising costs affecting not only household finances, but also independence, wellbeing and social connection.

Our research found that only 13 percent of blind and partially sighted people receiving disability benefits feel these benefits fully cover the extra costs that come with sight loss.

Those extra costs are often unavoidable. It’s things like transport, assistive technology, specialist equipment, practical support, and higher energy use. Together, these additional expenses can add up to hundreds of pounds every month, making it even harder to cope with rising prices.

The cost of living is not only impacting finances; More than half, 53 percent, of blind and partially sighted people said rising energy costs had negatively affected their wellbeing.

One person told us: "In the past, I used lighting far more to find things around the home and move safely. Now I'm turning lights off far sooner than I actually need."

This is why we’re calling on the UK Government to do more to support blind and partially sighted people.”

Mike Wordingham, RNIB Head of Policy: "With inflation on the rise, energy prices set to increase again, and the Chancellor's Autumn Budget approaching, the UK Government must act to better support blind and partially sighted people. That includes ensuring disability benefits reflect the extra costs that come with sight loss, and addressing the barriers preventing blind and partially sighted people from entering, staying in and progressing in work."] by @rnib

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7 days ago