RNIB works with geo and Energy UK to help make smart meters more accessible
We’ve worked with geo and Energy UK to develop the accessible in-home display (AIHD) to make it easier for blind and partially sighted people to manage their energy usage.
An AIHD works together with a smart meter and allows anyone with sight loss to understand how much energy they are using and manage their energy bills. They have large tactile buttons, a high-contrast display and a text-to-speech function.
Smart meters and AIHDs are available from energy suppliers at no extra cost. To find out more get in touch with the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or contact your energy supplier. More Details
We’ve teamed up with Amazon to bring sight loss awareness to thousands
Our See the person, not the sight loss campaign is now available to view on the screen and speaker device, Amazon Echo Show.
As the device features Alexa, Amazon’s virtual assistant, users simply need to say: “Alexa, launch RNIB’s TV campaign” or “Alexa, launch RNIB’s film about sight loss” to watch the new video.
If you don’t own an Amazon Echo Show device, you can still find out about the campaign and watch the film. More details
How we are using experiences of living with sight loss to get better services and support
RNIB has teamed up with two other leading charities to produce an in-depth report into the experiences of people with sight loss in the UK. The report, VI Lives, is based on hundreds of conversations with blind and partially sighted people and gives one of the richest and most in-depth pictures of the factors that can help – or in some cases hinder – people with sight loss from leading independent and fulfilled lives.
Published jointly by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), Guide Dogs and Thomas Pocklington Trust, we want the information to be shared by organisations in the sight loss sector, and beyond, to improve services and support for people. More Info
Write to your MP as Ray explains the impact of the cost of living crisis
Ray Bradley and his partner Hannah, who use RNIB services, have been sharing their story on how the cost of living crisis is impacting them. With everyday costs rising rapidly, the couple have found their income is not stretching far enough; they are already having to borrow money to pay their rent and bills.
Even before current price rises, 28 per cent of blind and partially sighted people reported disability benefits were rarely, or never, enough to meet the extra costs incurred due to sight loss for support at home, travel costs and additional lighting.
Join the hundreds of people who have written to their MP urging them to back our campaign to convince the Chancellor to increase benefits in line with inflation. Take action now
Help Our Research
We’re conducting research to better understand the experiences of people living with a sight loss in the UK today, and how those experiences affect their day-to-day lives. We want to understand what’s most important to people – what’s difficult, easy, what’s missing from everyday life and what brings people joy.
Could you spare 30 minutes to take part in a telephone survey? Your feedback will help us understand your experiences and needs, and influence the work we do.
You can register your interest by filling out the online form or by calling 0800 009 6066.
We’re there for you
If you need someone who understands sight loss, call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999, say “Alexa, call RNIB Helpline” to an Alexa-enabled device, or email helpline@rnib.org.uk. Our opening hours are weekdays from 8am-8pm and Saturdays from 9am-1pm. We also have useful information available online including sight loss advice, reading services, expert advice on using accessible technology, and products to help you live the life you want to lead in our Online Shop.
