Living with sight loss news

News and updates for people living with sight loss, or for anyone supporting someone with sight loss.

Awareness of audio description increases

Published: 19 June 2013 New research recently released by Ofcom shows that 67 per cent of the people surveyed are aware of the service, which gives blind and partially sighted people greater access to television programs.

From the BBC headquarters: BBC and audio description

Published: 3 June 2013 The BBC is very proud of the role it played in pioneering audio description on digital television, a service which complements our network and local radio stations in delivering high quality programmes of all genres to our sight-impaired license-fee payers.

From the BskyB headquarters: BskyB and audio description

Published: 20 May 2013 We've had a commitment to ensure that all our customers can make the most of Sky. That's why we were the first broadcaster to voluntarily provide audio description (AD) on more than 20 percent of programming.

Get the picture - making television easier for people with sight loss

RNIB has produced a video which brings to life some of the features that enhance usability of television and related devices for blind and partially sighted people.

We love audio description: UK broadcasters

2012 was a spectacular year for audio description fans in the UK with television channels broadcasting around 6000 programmes with AD each week.

Sight Village - Scotland

If you live in Glasgow or Edinburgh, why not come and meet us at our National Library Service exhibition stand at Sight Village Scotland this April.

Do you use Freeview?

With 4G being rolled out to replace existing 3G coverage to give smartphone users faster data downloads, concerns are being voiced that some 4G signals - those at 800 MHz - may interfere with the existing Freeview services.

Speak to an employment mentor

If you are a blind or partially sighted person looking for work, or hoping to retain your job, it can be helpful to talk to someone who has been through the challenges you face. Learn more about our new scheme and how you can sign up for free.

Text To Speech International Standard now available

Following the successful launch of Panasonic televisions with voice guidance and the TVonics talking set top box last year, RNIB has worked with IEC on an International Standard on how to provide text to speech in television equipment which has now been published.

Double "Outstanding" award for RNIB Pears Centre

RNIB Pears Centre for Specialist Learning has achieved a double "Outstanding" grading following a recent Ofsted inspection of the school. This rating is in addition to the "Outstanding" grading of the children's home, which is regulated separately.

World Book Night 2013 giveaway

RNIB is giving away hundreds of free audio books to spread the joy of reading on World Book Night on 23 April. Will you be a lucky recipient?

Charles Bonnet syndrome emotional support group

Our Emotional Support Service is planning to run a telephone emotional support group for people experiencing Charles Bonnet syndrome hallucinations. Contact us to get involved.

Meet the library team in July

RNIB National Library Service will be out and about at various exhibitions during March. As a postal library service, it's great to meet readers face to face and find out what you enjoy about the service and get ideas for improvements and new things to try.

Carnegie Medal shadowing scheme

Once again RNIB National Library Service is working to enable young people with sight loss to take part in the CILIP Carnegie Medal shadowing scheme.

An ideal Mother's Day gift

Does your Mum love reading books but struggles to read print? Treat her to a subscription to our top quality audio book service

Last updated: 11 July 2012

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