Are you aware that only one in four registered blind and partially sighted people of working age are in employment? 

It’s a shocking statistic that highlights the barriers that still exist for people with visual impairment, despite legislation being in place to ensure that they’re treated equally by prospective employers, such as the Equality Act 2010. 

The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Eye Health and Visual Impairment 

This cross-parliamentary group recently carried out an online survey of 2,000 businesses, and the findings showed that: 

  • 48% of businesses surveyed didn’t have accessible recruitment processes – despite this being a legal requirement. 
  • 47% didn’t know where to find funding to help cover the extra costs of practical support for employees who are blind or partially sighted, such as the government’s Access to Work Scheme. 
  • 25% of respondents said they would not be willing to make workplace adaptations and adjustments in order to employ a blind or partially sighted person. 
  • 1 in 5 employers believe that making adaptations required by law would be too costly. 

Marsha de Cordova, MP for Battersea, is the Chair of the APPG and called the findings “deeply worrying.” She added that they show “outdated perceptions of blind and partially sighted people are putting them at a significant disadvantage when it comes to accessing the job market.”  

Now, the APPG is conducting an inquiry into employer attitudes and the employment of blind and partially sighted people. It aims to gather insight into how attitudes and barriers impact the likelihood of a blind or partially sighted person being employed and explore the policies and practices employers currently have in place to support blind and partially sighted people in work. In addition, it will research employer attitudes regarding the perceived benefits and challenges of employing blind and partially sighted people, seek to better understand what blind and partially sighted people would like from an employer, and work to provide solutions at a policy and operational level. 

The APPG on Eye Health and Visual Impairment inquiry will last for six weeks, after which it will publish a report highlighting recommendations that government, employers and other stakeholders can implement to create a more inclusive workforce. 

What you can do 

The inquiry welcomes the views of blind and partially sighted people, as well as employers, and the APPG would like to know what they are to include them in its evidence. You can complete a written submission and find more information by clicking here. 

Whatever your experience has been – from ensuring that your workplace is inclusive and accessible, to getting the right support to move into employment – the inquiry wants to hear from you by 15 March. Your views could help to shape legislation, prevent discrimination, and promote equality in the future. 

What RSBC is doing 

On Monday 26th February 2024, RSBC’s Services Director, Carla Rose-Hardman, attended the APPG Employer Attitudes – Evidence Session in Parliament with employers and Trade Unions. She said, “Many companies are unaware of the range of support that’s available to them, and so blind and partially sighted people are excluded from the recruitment process from the start. There are a lot of ‘unknowns’ around schemes like Access to Work and the Disability Confident employer scheme and so employers and potential employees need more information about them. 

“Through RSBC’s Futures employment service, we aim to challenge attitudes surrounding employment for young people with vision impairment. We supporting them as they transition into the work of work and provide advice and practical solutions to potential employers, as well as the young people themselves.  

“Clearly, though, there is a long way to still go to ensure that the workplace is fully inclusive and that the unbelievable potential of blind and partially sighted people is unlocked so that they can fully contribute to society. 

“RSBC will be attending future APPG inquiry sessions, including the upcoming AGM on 19 March, when we will be interested to hear from more employers as they share their experiences and provide evidence.” 

The APPG report 

After the conclusion of the inquiry on 15 March, the APPG will then publish a report setting out recommendations that government, employers and other stakeholders can implement to create an inclusive workforce of the future. 

How young people can access support from RSBC 

RSBC’s Futures service supports blind or partially sighted young people aged 13-25. Whether you already know what you want to do – get a paid job, become a volunteer, run your own business, take up an apprenticeship, or go into further or higher education – or whether you’re not quite sure what you’d like to do as yet, we can help. 

Our Futures service can be by your side to guide and advise you as you start to make your plans. And we also offer practical support around things like Access to Work and accessible technology. 

Get more information on Futures, or fill out the form to join one of our sessions, here

On Sunday, April 21st, 50,000 runners will start the race, one of the six major marathons in the world. Among them will be 70 RSBC team runners – the largest team of runners we’ve ever had.

This iconic sporting event is one of the biggest events held in London generally, and the largest charity challenge event globally. Made up of people from the UK and others who are flying in from all over the world to support us, Team RSBC will take on the challenge and raise funds that will help us to, we provide essential support, guidance, advice and opportunities to visually impaired children and young people and their families.   

These runners have dedicated an incredible amount of time and effort over the last 6 months as they’ve prepared for the marathon, and they’ve been fundraising at the same time. RSBC has been there to provide encouragement and support at every stage, to help make sure that our participants have everything they need to succeed. 

The London Marathon makes a huge impact on charities

All the funds raised by the RSBC runners will make a real difference to the services we’re able to deliver. Our participants directly contribute to empowering the young people we support through programmes and initiatives that enhance their lives and give them the essential resources they need to thrive.  

Running the London Marathon is an experience like no other, and it’s a unique platform that raises awareness and funds for RSBC. As participants conquer 26.2 miles through the iconic streets of the city, they are surrounded by landmarks and the electrifying energy of the crowds. It’s the cheers of the thousands of spectators that help to keep them going forward.  

You don’t need to be a competitor to support RSBC on April 21st! Every year our runners tell us “the crowd carries you over the line”.

On Marathon day, the streets of London will transform into a carnival-like atmosphere. We’d like to invite you be a part of it by joining our RSBC supporters at Mile 23 – just outside our Life Without Limits Centre, near London Bridge. Together, we’ll cheer on the RSBC runners as they tackle the final three miles – after all, their dedication and fundraising efforts deserve all the support we can give them! 

For our London Marathon runners, it isn’t just about crossing the finish line; it’s about making a lasting impact on the lives of vision-impaired children. Help us say a heartfelt “Thank you” to our #TeamRSBC runners, and who are helping blind and partially sighted children to live life without limits. 

To sign up to cheer on our runners on April 21st, or for more information about RSBC, please contact the volunteer team at volunteers@rsbc.org.uk.

We hope you’ll join us to help create a more inclusive and supportive society for everyone. 

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Thinking of volunteering? There are even more reasons to take that step, thanks to a recent study of nearly 29,000 people who volunteer! 

That’s because it found that four out of five believed their wellbeing has improved as a result. 

Shaping the Future with Volunteering’s research* is backed up by our volunteers at RSBC, who find that giving back in such a practical way enriches their lives and is key to their mental and physical health. 

RSBC honoured the people who volunteer for the charity on January 25th with a party in the atrium at its Life Without Limits Centre (LWLC), a vibrant and lively space which was the perfect venue to celebrate the accomplishments of our volunteers over the past year and pave the way for more activity in 2024.  

Certificates were presented and goody bags given out to our dedicated volunteers to thank them for their exceptional commitment and contributions. It was an occasion filled with fun and appreciation, and also a time for our volunteers to reflect on the reasons why they do what they do. 

Volunteer Mark, who has been helping RSBC since 2013, couldn’t agree more with the study’s findings regarding volunteering’s positive effects on his life.

He says,

“I’ll help out wherever I’m needed, but I often take part in the activities and sports, which I love – I’ve done things like football, cycling, swimming and rock climbing with the young people RSBC supports. 

I get so much out of it. I enjoy meeting the young people and providing just enough support to give them a bit of confidence. I’d say to anyone thinking about volunteering at RSBC to definitely go for it – it’s a really friendly charity and really supportive towards volunteers. There’s lots of training, lots of feedback, and lots of communication.” 

Silvia Vergara, Volunteer Coordinator for RSBC, said,

“At RSBC, we’ve seen that volunteering doesn’t just enrich our charity, but also the lives of our volunteers. Each person brings us something unique, because they have such diverse life experiences and that fosters collaboration and shared learning. But at the same time, those who volunteer for us learn new skills – anything from improved communication to problem-solving – and they tell us that this enhances their personal and their professional lives.” 

Volunteering’s impact extends beyond immediate support, allowing efficient resource allocation to amplify our services. In the end, volunteers not only give back but also gain fulfilment, purpose, and a deeper connection to others. We’re immensely grateful for their invaluable contributions to RSBC.” 

If you’d like to find out more about volunteering opportunities, check out our website at: www.rsbc.org.uk/support-us/volunteer-for-us/ or contact volunteer@rsbc.org.uk. 

*Source: Third Sector, 24 January 2024, Andy Ricketts 

 

Four in five volunteers believe it improves their wellbeing, major study finds | Third Sector 

RSBC Volunteers Celebration 2024:

We’re used to hearing about how rapid advances in technology are going to level the playing field for those with disabilities. But the fact is that Braille is still the key that unlocks independence for those who are blind or partially sighted – an amazing achievement for a system that was first presented in 1824 by Louis Braille. 

Using a grid of six raised dots arranged in two columns of three dots each, with each combination of dots representing a letter, number, or punctuation mark, it’s a simple and efficient system with an array of benefits.  

Juliette, Engagement Officer at the Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) and a Braille user, was born with a visual impairment and knew that her vision was deteriorating. She decided to learn Braille to prepare for the future. She admits that it was a bit daunting at first, but having now mastered it herself, she says she’d encourage others to try it. “Anybody who’s thinking about learning Braille, you’ll hear that it’s really difficult. It can be, but I think it’s worth giving it a go anyway, because it’s such a useful skill to have. You might find that you really enjoy it!” Read more about Juliette’s story: Juliette’s Braille journey. 

As a Braille advocate, RSBC is dedicated to ensuring that children with visual impairments have access to the opportunities as sighted children.

How Braille can transform lives

 

1. Opening up a world of communication

Braille helps develop the essential skills of spelling, punctuation, and grammar. While some people may prefer to get their information via audio, reading Braille can help with comprehending, engaging with, and retaining text information, especially if it’s long or complicated. You can join the ClearVision library to receive free children’s books in print and braille, and tactile books. 

2. Helping with learning maths and science

Because they’re visual in nature, science and maths can be challenging for blind and partially sighted people. However, Braille can help with their learning because of its equivalents for symbols, meaning that they have the opportunity to excel in these subjects. 

3. Helping promote equality and accessibility

Braille literacy provides blind and partially sighted people with vital access to the written word, and that fosters greater equality in society. The ability to read and write Braille opens doors to independence, offering the same use, power, fluidity, and enjoyment of written language that sighted individuals experience. And Braille labels on everyday items, medicines, and signage in public spaces help to contribute to a more accessible environment overall. 

4. Providing empowerment and boosting self-esteem 

Being literate in Braille is crucial for self-confidence – it means that blind and visually impaired people can express themselves through the written word. Because they’re able to understand and engage fully with written texts, they can manage their day-to-day life independently.  

5. Bringing employment opportunities 

Top view of a Braille note taker

It’s been shown through various studies that those with sight loss who have skills in Braille are more likely to be employed. Through using electronic Braille notetakers, users can take notes in meetings, training sessions and presentations. And when a workplace accommodates Braille and other assistive technologies to help their blind and partially sighted employees use the tools that best suit their needs, a more inclusive environment is the result. Wecapable, an online Braille typewriter,  is one of the easy-to-use tools that can help you type in Braille and copy the Braille code. You can also learn more about the current trends, software, and apps with the RSBC Accessible Technology sessions, by Alex, our Assistive Technology Officer. 

While Braille may be viewed more generally as just reading and writing, it’s much more than that. It continues to play a crucial role in the lives of people with visual impairment, giving them independence, confidence, equality, and employment opportunities.  

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This year, the International Day of Persons With Disabilities’ theme is “United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for, with and by persons with disabilities”. On this occasion, the Royal Society for Blind Children would like to highlight the great achievements of Dorton College students throughout the academic year 2022-2023 on their eco-friendly project. Indeed, Dorton College students worked on ASDAN PSD (Personal and Social Development) qualification, made up of several units. One of these units is “Environmental Awareness”.

Students dived into environmental consciousness, sustainability, and community action

Throughout the academic year 2022-2023, Dorton College students explored the impact of human behaviours on the planet, different environmental groups, global and local issues, and even ULEZ. Their visit to Bromley Environmental Education Centre at High Elms (BEECHE) provided insights into sustainability prompting them to make individual environmental pledges. The students gained knowledge about recycling and learned how a specific coffee chain (Costa) engages with environmental consciousness, actively encouraging customers to bring their own recyclable coffee cups to their shops.

To complete the “Environmental Awareness” unit, students had to implement a college wide initiative that could help improve environmental awareness within the Dorton Community.

Investigating the introduction of branded recyclable water bottles to replace single-use plastics at Dorton College

They extensively researched various bottle options, giving careful thought to sustainability, capacity, design, and quality. Later, they ordered samples, rigorously testing durability and assessing ease of use, particularly for blind and partially sighted people. Additionally, the students conducted market research within their peer group to gather valuable insights.

After selecting a suitable product, the students collaborated with the RSBC marketing department to determine the suitable branding for the college. Once the branding was finalised, the students calculated the costs associated with the bottles and evaluated the potential financial savings for the college in preparation for the upcoming academic year.

What Lee, Dorton College student, said about the process of choosing the bottle design :

“I feel it was important to look at the accessibility of it: How easy is it to use? How flexible is it? Is it easy to carry around for people with other needs as well? So it was all thought about and it was very inclusive to all.”

A young person holding an orange water bottle and looking at it closely.

Pitching and producing the bottles

With all the information in place and a prototype ready, the students submitted a proposal to the college principal to gauge the feasibility of implementing their initiative.

The response was positive, leading to an order for Dorton College recyclable water bottles. At the beginning of the Academic year 2023-24, every student received one of these bottles. The students collectively agree that they have made a positive contribution to the environment.

Hayley, Accreditation Coordinator at RSBC Dorton College, said:

“I was really proud of how the students brought this initiative to fruition,  VI (Visiual Impairment) needs and sustainability two birds with one stone.”

More feedback from Lee:

The RSBC Creative Competition, in celebration of the Christmas created a Christmas Creative Challenge that was open to blind and partially sighted children and young people in Wales.

Children and young people with sight loss of all ages submitted different artistic creations.

Carla-Rose-Hardman, Service Director of RSBC based at the in London at the Life Without Limits Centre said:

“The level of detail in both pieces of art were outstanding but with very different festive vibes. Congratulations to Sophie and Lauren for your amazing efforts and a very merry Christmas to you.”

“We hope that Sophie and Lauren enjoy spending their winning vouchers.”

Vivek Joshi, the Community Service Delivery Manager said:

“We were taken aback by the quality of art that was submitted, the winners showed great creativity as well as skill and ingenuity. They have great potential, and we hope they carry on making art and keep improving.”

The winners are:

  • Sophie Williams, age 23, for her RSBC Christmas artistic cardboard design
  • Lauren Williams, age 17, for her artistic painting of home in the forest

On Tuesday 5th December 2023, the Royal Society for Blind Children held its annual Christmas Celebration at the Life Without Limits Centre (LWLC) in London. Blind and partially sighted children and young people, accompanied by their families and friends, as well as our dedicated volunteers and trustees, and staff members came together to celebrate this very festive time of year. We also welcomed fantastic partners, supporters, and some of RSBC’s 2024 London Marathon team to our celebration.

Celebrating young people’s talent and creativity

It is always wonderful to come together and hear from the musical and creative talents of young people. The ambiance of the festive LWLC with Christmas lights twinkling, added an extra layer of enchantment.

We were privileged to have Jon Culshaw, a dedicated and longstanding ambassador for RSBC, as the host for the celebration event. Jon brought comedy, song and so many laughs to the young attendees and our audience.

We also heard from RSBC’s new CEO, Julie Davis, who was welcomed by Chair of Trustees, Patrick Plant. Julie was absolutely delighted to be there and meet the young people and hear their amazing performances.

The highlight of the evening was the stunning performances by our talented young people. Rona, Lilly and Zaynab delighted us with their beautifully sung festive songs. Jude, Francis and Chapman wowed us with their musical talent on their choice of instruments and brought the spirit of Christmas alive. Jacob reminded us of some classic Christmas cheer with a superb reading. Malachi moved us with an original poem, offering insight into the challenges and emotions of sight loss—earning a standing ovation, along with our host, Jon Culshaw.

Raising much needed funds for RSBC

We were lucky to receive many kind donations in the form of raffle and auction prizes, all aimed at raising funds for RSBC’s range of services dedicated to blind and partially sighted children, young people and their families. There were many winners on the night receiving a fantastic array of prizes including a Christmas Hamper and tickets for “Disney on Ice”. Our wonderful audience kindly made donations for the festive drinks and mince pies as they celebrated Christmas with us. These funds will play a crucial role in supporting our range of activities for children and young people in 2024.

A group of people standing around a table and wearing orange RSBC volunteer t-shirts.

RSBC’s volunteers helping with the raffle and auction.

A wonderful festive night

Everyone at the Life Without Limits Centre enjoyed a delightful Christmas evening, truly setting the stage for the approaching festive season. As we rounded off the night with everyone participating in “We wish you a Merry Christmas”, we can conclude that it has been a fantastic year for RSBC.

A young man wearing a christmas hat singing in front of an audience.

Jude, one of the talented young people, singing in front a captivated audience in the atrium.

Carla Rose-Hardman, Services Director said:

 “Today’s Christmas Celebration really has been a highlight of the RSBC calendar. We were privileged to hear from so many talented young people this evening, and think everyone here will testify to how moved and impressed we have been by them. I’d like to thank everyone who joined us or performed for this wonderful celebration as we round off an amazing year at RSBC. I’d also like to thank our amazing volunteers, trustees, and supporters of RSBC for their dedication in 2023.”

Watch the video

The Royal Society for Blind Children is thrilled to announce the success of its fundraising initiative in observance of World Sight Day, which took place on Thursday, October 12th.

This campaign not only raised funds for blind and partially sighted children and their families, but it also underscored the crucial importance of maintaining good eye health at work.

In the United Kingdom alone, 2 million people are living with sight loss, with someone’s world being altered by the revelation of sight loss every six minutes. Furthermore, 37,000 children and their families are living with sight loss in England and Wales. The Royal Society for Blind Children recognises that behind every statistic lies the emotional impact on individuals, families, and communities.

Statistics reveal that one in five individuals will experience significant sight loss during their lifetime, highlighting the importance of proactive eye health care and support. RSBC’s innovative fundraising initiative for World Sight Day took the form of a digital mosaic art piece, comprised of thousands of images of eyes, symbolising the diversity and uniqueness of each person’s vision.

The #loveyoureyes campaign extended its call to action to schools, businesses, communities, and individuals, urging them to prioritize their eye health and to support those living with sight loss.

The charity, which has its headquarters in the Richard Desmond Life Without Limits Centre in London, is delighted to have received support from various corporate partners, including Kroll, Tata Consultancy Services, Team ITG,  Macphie,  Triodos Bank, AEG, and Gresham House, Intrepid UK amongst others.

The campaign not only encouraged inclusivity and diversity within workplaces but also emphasised the significance of eye health awareness, especially in the context of work. The staggering statistic that ‘1 million people are living with avoidable sight loss, and eye conditions are costing the UK economy a staggering £25.2 billion a year’ serves as a wake-up call for change.

Dame Judi Dench, Jon Culshaw, Doug Allan, Anna Campbell Jones, Chris Brookmyre, Nicola Stephenson, and Chris McCausland were among the notable voices that lent their support to RSBC’s vision. Dame Judi Dench, who has been living with age-related macular degeneration for the past decade, emphasised the importance of investing in eye health, while Chris McCausland, a comedian and TV presenter who is registered blind himself, highlighted the importance of providing support to those receiving a diagnosis of vision impairment.

Participation in the campaign was as simple as donating £5, £10, £20, or an amount of one’s choosing, followed by sharing an image of one’s own eyes with RSBC at worldsightday@rsbc.org.uk.

Donations are still being accepted via JustGiving, making it easy for organisations and individuals to make a real difference in the lives of blind and partially sighted children.

RSBC invites everyone to embrace their shared responsibility and join in illuminating lives while keeping a vigilant eye on ocular health for today and tomorrow.

RSBC CEO, Julie Davis, commented:

“I am thrilled that World Sight Day had such a tremendous impact on raising people’s awareness of good eye-care. With these valuable donations we can continue to illuminate the lives of families who are affected by sight loss.  Prevention, where possible, is critical but if not RSBC mobilises to ensure we have a team-around the child and family at the traumatic point of diagnosis. Stay with us to light the way along the journey for the 37,000 children. Thank you for all of your support.”