Tag: RNIB

Letter: Accessible letters from Santa

Dear Editor, 

Things may only just be cooling down after what has certainly been a long hot summer, but at the North Pole, things are hotting up with the elves and Father Christmas already gearing up for another jam-packed festive season. 

Once more, the residents of the North Pole are teaming up with their friends at RNIB (the Royal National Institute of Blind People) to make sure that every child experiences the magic that Christmas time brings by helping Santa reply to their letters in a format that’s accessible to them. 

In the lead up to Christmas Day, children with a vision impairment can receive their very own Letter from Santa from RNIB in braille, large print, audio or email format, completely free of charge. 

Last year, more than 1,600 children across the UK were brought the joy of Christmas magic by receiving a letter from Santa in an accessible format thanks to RNIB and Father Christmas’s elves.  

If you know a child with a vision impairment who would love to receive an accessible Letter from Santa, please visit www.rnib.org.uk/santa.

The last date to request a physical letter in braille, large print or audio is Monday 30 November.  

For a Letter from Santa in email format, you have until Tuesday 15 December to submit your request. 

Remember to include the child’s name, age, address, the format they’d like their letter in, and whether they’d like to receive their letter in English or Welsh, and then leave it to Santa’s elves to sort out the magic. 

From everyone at RNIB and at the North Pole, we wish you a magical Christmas and a very Happy New Year! 

Lara Marshall 

Library Engagement Manager at RNIB (the Royal National Institute of Blind People)

Letters: How blind and partially sighted children can take part in the Summer Reading Challenge 2026

Dear Editor,

The heat is on and it’s that time of year when parents have to dig deep to find ways to entertain their kids for the long summer holidays. This can be a daunting task, but what better way to spark children’s imaginations and keep them amused than to get them stuck into some fantastic books.

Here at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) we know there are 25,000 children aged 0 to 16 across the UK who are living with a vision impairment which can make reading that bit more challenging;

We’re determined to make sure these children can spend the summer with their favourite book characters in the same way sighted children can.

That’s why we’ve got more than 5,000 children’s books in braille and audio formats that children can read in RNIB’s completely free online Library.

Our fantastic collection of awe-inspiring audio books can be downloaded directly from the RNIB Library on smart devices like tablets and phones, or via voice commands on Alexa-enabled devices.

Specialised Daisy CDs designed for easy, structured navigation, can be delivered to your door as can USB memory sticks with up to three books on each. Printed braille books can be ordered on-demand and electronic braille can be downloaded to read on braille displays.

Children can use all these brilliant books to take part in the annual Summer Reading Challenge – a summer readathon run by The Reading Agency which encourages children aged 4-11 to read six books and provides incentives for completion.

To get started with RNIB’s Talking Books go online to  https://readingservices.rnib.org.uk 

For braille visit https://www.rniblibrary.com

To help your children join the Summer Reading Challenge, visit: https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

Enjoy your summer reading, wherever it may take you!

Lara Marshall,

Library Engagement Manager, RNIB

Letter: Support reading for blind people at your local library

Dear Editor, 

Here at The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), we’re gearing up for our biggest volunteering opportunities of the year so far.

This June, we’re asking people to take just an hour of their time to help make a vital difference for blind and partially sighted people in their local areas.

Reading and books are absolutely crucial to children with vision impairment and blind and partially sighted adults. Books in accessible formats like audio and large print help to open up a world of information and learning and open doors to the imagination which would otherwise remain hidden.

As RNIB’s Library Services Manager, I am writing to encourage you to take part by visiting your local library between 1-14 June to check what books are available for blind and partially sighted readers.

It only takes a few minutes to ask the library staff and find out whether their library shelves include large print, braille or audiobooks.

We’d then love you to share what you find with us using our quick online form, or by calling our Library Team.

This simple action will help RNIB build a far clearer picture of accessible library services across the UK and support our work to ensure everyone can enjoy reading in a format that works for them.

I would be grateful if readers who would like to take part could complete our quick form online at https://tinyurl.com/7xh99ppz, or if you are unable to do so online, contact our Library Team byy calling 0303 123 9999.

For this opportunity RNIB is working alongside The Big Help Out – a UK-wide event which runs from 5-8 June and sees millions of volunteers turn out to help community causes.

The first two weeks of June also marks Hi-Vis Fortnight – an event organised by charities Share The Vision and RNIB; this celebrates library services for blind and partially sighted people and highlights the importance of books in accessible formats.

By taking just a little time to support us, you will be helping improve access to vital reading resources for blind and partially sighted people in communities right across the country. Thank you!

Yours faithfully,

Lara Marshall
Library Services Manager, RNIB

Letter: Accessible Voting

Dear Editor,  

Scottish voters will be going to the poll to elect a new parliament on 7 May – but, as someone with sight loss, I know from experience that doing so independently and in secret is far from guaranteed.   

Voting is still an overwhelmingly visual process of reviewing a list and marking a cross in a box. Without the right equipment, many blind and partially sighted people are forced to rely on others to mark our ballot in the way we wish, compromising our privacy and dignity. That simply isn’t good enough in a modern democracy.   

After a number of years of RNIB Scotland working with election authorities, voters across Scotland who are blind or partially sighted will have the option to use a new card ballot paper overlay at this year’s Scottish Parliament election.   

The new overlays are designed to fit the ballot paper for each constituency and region and have embossed and braille numbers with cut-out boxes that align with each box on the ballot paper. The accompanying audio allows voters to listen to an audio recording of the candidate list as many times as is necessary to make their mark confidently in the right box.  

We welcome the introduction of this after so many years, with the ballot card and audio having been tried and tested by people with sight loss. This is a unique offering to voters in Scotland and will enable people with sight loss to cast their vote more independently and in secret.  

The overlays will be available at every polling station in Scotland. We strongly urge anyone wanting to use the overlay to listen to their audio ballot paper before going to vote on 7 May. These can be accessed by visiting your local council website, ringing their election office, or via the RNIB Scotland elections webpage. 

A truly fair election is one where everyone can vote independently and with confidence. On 7 May, blind and partially sighted voters deserve nothing less.  

Sincerely,  

Anna Tylor  

Chair of Trustees at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) 

Children with vision impairment will share the joy of World Book Day

THURSDAY 5th MARCH 2026

Children with vision impairment will be able to take part in this year’s World Book Day with books provided in audio and braille editions by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

Lara Marshall, RNIB’s Library Services Manager, said: “For children with vision impairment reading opens up a world of imagination and information that’s vital in enriching their lives and developing their education.

“RNIB’s Library ensures children with vision impairment always have access to books in accessible formats such as braille and audio so they can delve into the stories they love and hear and feel them come to life.

“What better way to celebrate World Book Day than to recognise literature in all its forms – and the life-changing impact accessible formats can have for children – enabling them to access stories on a par with their sighted peers.”

The 2026 World Book Day books are available in braille and audio with help from RNIB. Call 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk.

Children with vision impairment have also been invited to a very special event in partnership with the British Library, World Book Day, Penguin Random House, The Roald Dahl Foundation and VICTA – a charity which supports children with vision impairments –  set to take place at the British Library on March 15.

Author Sibéal Pounder, one of this year’s World Book Day writers will be leading three sessions for children with vision impairment based on her Willy Wonka book, Chaos at the Chocolate Factory. Other events will follow later in the year.

To access books throughout the year, readers of every age with a vision impairment or sight loss will find more than 52,000 books in accessible formats including audio and braille from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

Visit the RNIB Library for audio or braille books at www.rniblibrary.com and RNIB Reading Services for digital downloads at readingservices.rnib.org.uk

Students and Education Professionals can also access education resources in accessible formats through RNIB Bookshare: www.rnibbookshare.org

For more information on reading with vision impairment, take a look at www.rnib.org.uk/reading and Children’s Reading | RNIB Education and Learning | RNIB

FINAL WEEK: Touch Woods exhibition at Edinburgh’s Central Library

HILLSIDE ART GROUP’s EXHIBTION RUNS UNTIL 31st OCTOBER

Hello friends,

I’m letting you know that our art group’s new exhibition, TOUCH WOODS, is in the last week

📅 Thursday 2nd – Friday 31st October 2025

📍 Art & Design Department, Central Library, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh.

This time we’ve been exploring the theme of the forest. The works include paintings, clay footprints, sculptures, and imaginative tactile pieces. Visitors are welcome to touch and experience the art — something that is especially important to us as visually impaired artists.

It would mean a lot if you could come along, spread the word, or even bring a friend.

We have a selection of fridge magnets that are availible for donation and all proceeds will go to our materials fund.

Hope to see you there!

💚Hillside Art Group facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/hillsideartgroup

Youtube Alan McIntyre Studio Art channel – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRXJKjXf67BktrsTmhwd-sA

My Music Youtube – neonmyth channel – https://www.youtube.com/@neonmyth

INSTAGRAM – @alanmcintyrestudio

Alan McIntyre

Hillside Visual Impaired Art Group is a weekly meeting point for those who wish to practise their creative skills though visually impaired.

The group is based at the RNIB Scotland’s headquarters in Edinburgh.

Blind comedian highlights accessibility barriers at Fringe

Performing at the world’s largest arts festival is no small feat. But for blind comedian Jamie MacDonald, just getting to his venue each day reveals a challenge that blind and partially sighted people face every day: getting to work.

Jamie, who is blind due to a degenerative eye condition, is returning to the Edinburgh Fringe with a brand-new show. Navigating busy streets, temporary venues, and the unpredictable festival layout can be difficult without the support that many sighted performers might never need to consider. 

“Getting about Edinburgh is already a total nightmare for blind people and folk with mobility issues,” Jamie says. “Medieval folk seem to have been four-feet tall with a love for steep, stone stairs.

“When you add in the road closures, crowds and performers that the biggest art festival in the world brings, moving about becomes lethal!”   

With no official assistance service available, Jamie reached out to RNIB, the national charity supporting people with sight loss. Two of the charity’s volunteers, Bill and Iain, stepped forward to support Jamie with getting to and from his venue throughout his run. Although providing one-to-one travel support isn’t within the charity’s usual role, RNIB Scotland was happy to help connect Jamie with volunteers ready to help, coordinated by Community Social Action Manager Jane Coates.  

Although Jamie is known for tackling blindness with humour, he’s serious about challenging the way society views disability. As he puts it, being blind seems to automatically make him a “role model,” whether he wants to be or not. He’s using comedy to question why disabled people are expected to be heroes rather than simply being complex, contradictory, or even a bit difficult – just like anyone else.  

That same questioning extends beyond attitudes to the practical barriers disabled performers face. 

“There must be a tonne of disabled performers who face the same or similar struggles to me,” Jamie says. “It would be sad, but not surprising if it put some people off coming to perform. I’m not pointing the finger at anyone here, I just think there could be more of a focus put on accessibility.” 

The Fringe has introduced several accessibility initiatives in recent years such as audio-described and BSL-interpreted performances. However, support and accessibility can vary depending on the venue. The historic layout of Edinburgh, coupled with the festival’s pop-up nature, adds to the challenge. 

Jane Coates, Community Social Action Manager for RNIB Scotland, says Jamie’s situation reflects a wider issue: “Accessibility shouldn’t come down to individual goodwill,” she says. “We need systemic solutions that make it easier for blind and partially sighted people to access cultural life, as audience members, and as creators and performers too.” 

For Jamie, the support from volunteers hasn’t solved the wider challenges, but it’s made all the difference in making the Fringe possible this year. 

“Bill and Iain are legends,” he says. “I’m lucky. I’ve got my volunteers in shining armour, Iain and Bill, guiding me through the mayhem.

“Legends without whose help and support would probably see me seriously injured or worse, late for a show. So a heart-felt thanks to them.” 

** Jamie MacDonald is performing ‘Toxic Bastard’ at Venue 24: Dram at Gilded Balloon Patter House from 15 – 24 August.

Tickets available at:

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/jamie-macdonald-toxic-bastard

Blind community hub reopens in Edinburgh

The Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland (RNIB Scotland) has officially reopened its centre on Hillside Crescent in Edinburgh. The newly refurbished office offers a modern and accessible space for the blind and partially sighted community, volunteers, supporters and staff to use.  

The Hillside office had temporarily closed for renovation in November 2023, although many of the charity’s services continued to operate throughout this period. The refurbishment has been part of the charity’s continued work to ensure its support and services are robust, future-facing and consistently meeting the needs of people with sight loss. 

The facilities in Abbeyhill now include Café VI – a welcoming café serving the local community, a Product and Advice store offering accessible aids and equipment, and a multi-use community space which hosts various social, leisure and peer-support groups. 

Thursday’s launch event welcomed members of the blind and partially sighted community, volunteers, supporters, and staff.

The ribbon was officially cut by Kirin Saeed, Chair of the RNIB Scotland Advisory Group, following speeches from James Adams, Director of RNIB Scotland; Matt Stringer, RNIB Chief Executive; and Sarah Boyack MSP.

Kirin Saeed says: ““Having an accessible space like this in the heart of Edinburgh makes a real difference.

“Whether it’s grabbing a coffee, getting advice on equipment, or meeting with others who share similar experiences, this hub brings people together and supports us in living independently. I can’t wait to meet new and old friends.” 

Later in the day, a smaller, private gathering marked the naming of the new Sandra Wilson Boardroom, in memory of Sandra Wilson, former Chair of RNIB Scotland (2015–2021), who passed away in August 2024. 

RNIB Scotland Director, James Adams, says: ““Thanks to Sandra’s leadership Scotland is a more accessible place for blind and partially sighted people than it otherwise would have been.

“Dedicating this space in her name is a small way of honouring her legacy.” 

Matt Stringer, Chief Executive Officer of RNIB says: ““We’re delighted to open this fantastic new community facility in Edinburgh. It demonstrates RNIB’s ongoing commitment to delivering first-class services for blind and partially sighted people. 

“As a charity, we believe the world should be accessible to everyone. This investment reflects our values and our continued determination to help build a more inclusive society.” 

Charity Radio Manager steps out with family for Edinburgh Kiltwalk

The manager of an award-winning charity radio station is keeping it in the family and taking part in Scotland’s largest mass participation walking event. 

Kris Wallace, Operations Manager at RNIB Connect Radio, will take on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk on Sunday, September 14, joined by his wife Fiona and seven-year-old daughter JessicaJane, who inspired the family’s fundraising effort for RNIB. They will also be joined by other family members on the tartan-clad journey. 

The Kiltwalk is a popular, multi-city fundraising event where people across Scotland walk for the causes closest to their hearts. For the Wallace family, supporting RNIB was an easy choice. 

“It was actually my daughter, JessicaJane who is only 7, who came up with the idea,” Kris explains. “She hears me talk about the impact of RNIB when I get home from work every day and listens to the stories from the blind & partially sighted community broadcast on RNIB Connect Radio when I’m at home. 

“Inspired by these stories, she wanted to find a way to raise money for the work RNIB does and decided that the Edinburgh Kiltwalk was a great opportunity. She gathered multiple members of the family to join us, we got our JustGiving pages set up, our tartan kilts and skirts bought… and she now can’t wait to see how much money we can raise!” 

Kris has worked for RNIB Connect Radio in various roles since 2011 and says his experience at the station made it an easy decision to get involved. 

“I’ve worked for RNIB in different roles for almost 15 years, and in that time I’ve seen how people affected by sight loss have fought for their community with every tool at their disposal, from campaigns to services to fundraising and legacies.

“RNIB has not only given me a career, it has given me lifelong friends who have shown me that sight loss need not be the thing that stops you living a full and independent life. 

“RNIB Connect Radio is broadcast 24/7 365 days of the year, and all of our shows are presented by blind or partially sighted hosts who are absolute professionals, who refuse to let sight loss get in the way of following their passion.

I never back away from a chance to raise money for such an incredible charity who put the needs of blind and partially sighted people at the heart of everything they do

As for what they hope to achieve, Kris says: “Jess wants to make a real difference for people affected by sight loss and hopes to smash her fundraising goals.

“Personally I want to raise some serious funds for the amazing work that RNIB does every single day. It’s my way of saying a massive ‘thank you’ and helping RNIB continue their crucial mission.

“Working for the charity I understand that every single donation, small or large, helps RNIB continue their incredible work supporting people with sight loss.

“The generosity of those who take part in Kiltwalks, or any fundraising activity, or provide a gift in their will, or even those who donate a couple of quid in a Sooty Box can fund vital services, provide essential equipment, and offer a lifeline to those who need it most.” 

You can support Kris, Fiona and JessicaJane’s Edinburgh Kiltwalk for RNIB here: 
Kris Wallace is fundraising for RNIB – Royal National Institute of Blind People 

Jess’s Jolly Walkers (for RNIB) is fundraising for RNIB – Royal National Institute of Blind People 

For more information on fundraising with RNIB, visit www.rnib.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise or listen to RNIB Connect Radio on Freeview 730 and online at www.rnib.org.uk/connect-radio. 

RNIB’s Cafe VI officially open

Café VI, Edinburgh’s newest community café, is officially open!

Whether you want a quiet place to relax or a catch-up with others, we’ve got something for everyone, plus we have fresh sandwiches, homemade cakes and all sorts of other tasty treats.

Our space has been designed with accessibility and community at its heart, and everyone is welcome. Plus, you’ll be supporting people with sight loss!

If you’d like to visit, the address is 12–14 Hillside Crescent, Edinburgh, EH7 5EA, and we’re open from Monday-Friday, 10am-3pm.

We’d love you to join us – pop by and say hello!