About the Articles for the Blind Scheme
Royal Mail have, for a number of years, operated a scheme, Articles for the Blind (AFB), that allows blind and partially sighted people to send certain items of post free of charge. The latest legislation covering the provision of this service is the Postal Services Act 2000. Royal Mail have extended the scope of the scheme to include carriage of large print materials.
Who can use AFB
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Blind and partially sighted people, individual customers who are blind or partially sighted and have close-up vision with spectacles of N12 or less.
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Organisations working with blind and partially sighted people mailing items specifically prepared for use by blind/visually impaired individuals.
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This will include national and local societies for blind and partially sighted people and organisations producing Talking Newspapers/Tape Magazines etc.
What can be sent under AFB
Only items that have been specially produced or adapted for blind and partially sighted people may be sent using the service. The scope of the AFB scheme has been extended to include large print (minimum 16 point). Details below of all items covered by scheme:
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books, papers and letters - either embossed or in large print (minimum font size 16pt)
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computer disks and CDs which have been prepared for blind or partially sighted people
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relief maps
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spoken audio, video (with added commentary - audio description) and electronic media
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Talking Books and talking newspapers which are recordings of readings from printed books, journals, newspapers, periodicals or similar publications, but not entertainment programmes which are available on radio or recordings
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equipment used to play or record audio, video and electronic media ie Talking Books and Talking Newspapers
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electronic and optical magnifiers
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games, mathematical devices watches, clocks and measuring equipment
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embossed or blank plates and devices for producing tactile information
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stationery for tactile information for mail
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mobility aids including sticks and guide dog equipment.
Items not accepted under AFB
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Music audio (more than two minutes or more than 10 per cent of the total duration)
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Printed material in a font smaller than 16 point, unless it is a faithful copy of information that has been transcribed into braille, tape, CD, disk or large print, and where it accompanies the transcribed version.
Weight and size of items
The maximum weight limit of any package is 7kg. The size limits are:
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Rectangular packages maximum dimensions - 610mm x 460mm x 460mm.
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Cylindrical packages - the length must not exceed 900mm and the length added to twice the diameter of the packet must not be more than 1040mm in total.
How the scheme works
Items sent by AFB will be treated as first class mail.
All mail posted using AFB must have 'Articles for the Blind' on the front cover, either on a label or in writing. It must also show an external return address.
All mail sent by AFB is subject to inspection, so it must be left open, be easy to open and re-seal or the contents must be visible through the wrapper (enough that the contents can easily be confirmed as complying with the specification). The only exception is heavy or fragile items, which can be sealed provided prior notification is given via Customer Services. To arrange for sealed items to be accepted for carriage contact 0845 607 6140.
It is recommended that personal, sensitive or confidential correspondence ie health or financial information, in any format should not be sent using AFB as there is a risk that it could fall out of an unsealed envelope and be disclosed at any point in its journey. This type of correspondence should be sealed and sent as normal, paid-for mail.
Collection of items
Blind and partially sighted customers can arrange a free collection from their home by calling Customer Services on 08457 740 740. For a same day collection customers must call before 12.00pm. This is subject to local availability.
Organisations requiring a collection of AFB must comply with the Business Collections Specifications.
Undelivered items
In the event that an item of post is undeliverable your Postman will leave a P739 'While You Were Out' card.
Surcharges
Royal Mail will levy surcharges if :
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the scheme is used by someone not allowed to use AFB
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an item not covered by the scheme is sent via AFB
Royal Mail will endeavour to avoid levying a surcharge against the recipient, however, in some cases this will be unavoidable, particularly where return addresses are not provided on the label. If return addresses are provided, then Royal Mail will return items to sender (without surcharge but requesting that full postage be paid before re-posting).
Queries
If you have any queries about how the Articles for the Blind scheme operates please contact your local sorting office or the Royal Mail Customers Service Dept on 0845 774 0740. Businesses should contact 0845 795 0950.
See also changes to Articles for the Blind scheme