Annual review - RNIB

Challenging service providers to consider the needs
of people with sight problems
Often a little thought or a minor adjustment can turn an inaccessible service into
one someone with a sight problem can use independently. With our network of
campaign supporters we have made challenges to 103 shopping, banking and
payment systems and 151 transport services and pedestrian environments. Our
“Talking ATMs” campaign has led to Barclays promising to roll them out across
the UK in the next 12-18 months, and Lloyds Banking Group have committed
to make their ATMs talk and will be targeting 1,500 machines in 2013. This is
an absolutely amazing success which will have a huge impact on the lives of
people with sight problems. On the shopping front, as a result of working with
us, Debenhams launched their UK-wide personal shopping service for blind and
partially sighted people.
Making online services easier for blind and partially
sighted people to use
The internet is becoming a necessary tool by which to access the information,
products and services that we need in day to day life. However much of the
content remains inaccessible to blind and partially sighted people, creating barriers
to gaining employment, managing money and even travelling independently.
Through providing information and advocacy on accessibility and engaging
industry, we have influenced ten sites to make changes so that blind and partially
sighted people can access them independently, including The Guardian, Barclays,
BMI and Audible, and we are in discussions with fifteen others including National
Rail Enquiries and the Home Office.
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Creating an inclusive society