Tag: RNIB

RNIB appoints actor Victoria Smurfit as new President as Dame Gail Ronson DBE steps down

Stuart Mitchell

RNIB has announced that actor, and star of Disney+ UK’s ‘Rivals,’ Victoria Smurfit has been appointed as the charity’s new President. Victoria takes on the role as Dame Gail Ronson DBE steps down after 14 years of dedicated service. As President, Victoria will help strengthen relationships with supporters and senior volunteers, thank and engage key partners, and champion RNIB’s campaigns and services. RNIB has recognised Dame Gail Ronson DBE’s contribution to the organisation by awarding her the title of Honorary President meaning she will continue to have a close connection…

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New film depicts future travel for people with sight loss

Stuart Mitchell

RNIB and the Motability Foundation commissioned and have now premiered a new short film Nyla’s Story which aims to reimagine transport systems that truly work for blind and partially sighted people. The film aims to influence accessible transport thinking by sharing lived experience insights and learning from Future Journeys to encourage meaningful action by decision makers.  Last night (April 29), a drama film Nyla’s Story, made by Bowman and Poole, premiered at the British Library in London, which follows Nyla, a teenager with sight loss, on a journey in the future where transport is…

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UK Government launches SEND reform consultation: What it means for children with vision impairment

Stuart Mitchell

The Department for Education has published proposals for wide-ranging reforms to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision in England, alongside the launch of a national consultation. The plans, which have been subject to much speculation over the last year, aim to create a more inclusive system, improve consistency across the country, and ensure earlier access to support. RNIB is still analysing the proposals in full. However, below we consider what several key elements of the reforms could mean for an estimated 35,000 children and young people with vision impairment…

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All-star cast brings Pride and Prejudice to life for milestone Talking Books anniversary

Stuart Mitchell

Leading sight loss charity, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is celebrating 90 years of its renowned Talking Books Service with a retelling of Jane Austen’s classic love story, Pride and Prejudice. Twelve of the UK’s best-loved actors and seven of RNIB’s best loved narrators have come together to record this special edition, which will be available to all Talking Books users through RNIB’s Library, as well as the wider public, to mark the occasion. RNIB’s pioneering Talking Books Service has brought the joy of reading to blind…

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Platform for Change: New RNIB report reveals barriers to accessible train travel for blind and partially sighted people

Stuart Mitchell

Accessible train travel is essential for blind and partially sighted people to live independently, get to work, visit friends and family, and access healthcare. Yet, RNIB’s new report, Platform for Change: Making rail journeys more accessible for people with sight loss, shows that too many journeys are still impacted or prevented by unnecessary barriers such as inconsistent passenger assistance, difficult ticket buying methods and the inaccessible design of trains and stations. What you told us The Platform for Change report is based on a survey of nearly 1,200 blind and…

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