Inclusive reading, television and technology research

Using ICT and mobile phones has become a key skill for everyday living, as well as education and employment.

These technologies have the potential to be very empowering for blind and partially sighted people. Not just for younger people, but for older people often confined to home.

To enjoy and talk about books, special interests and TV is a key element of social inclusion.

Research shows that watching television, listening to radio and reading are very high priorities for blind and partially sighted people. But less than 5% of titles are available in accessible formats, and more than half of blind and partially sighted people cannot tune their own radio.

Accessibility of top 1,000 titles of 2010

In 2010, RNIB commissioned LISU to undertake research to identify a baseline for how many of the 1,000 most popular books of 2009 were available in unabridged audio, braille and large print.

Availability of accessible publications

New research into the availability of accessible publications has now been completed for RNIB in two research reports

Do we need 3D audio description guidelines?

The success of 3D cinema and the launch of 3D televisions and 3D programming in the UK prompted RNIB to hold facilitated focus group discussions with blind and partially sighted people to find out whether they felt 3D visual effects should be incorporated into the AD of a film or television programme.

RNIB international audio description exchange study

A study on the exchange of audio description between countries, media platforms and content producers.

Exploring synthetic speech

This review considers potential uses of synthetic speech by blind and partially sighted people. Published 2008.

Partially sighted people's experiences of 3D TV

RNIB is concerned about the impact of all new TV developments on accessibility. 2010 marked the arrival of 3D televisions and programming in the UK, and this led RNIB to ask questions about its impact on partially sighted people.

Synthetic speech for Talking Books

RNIB has started to consider whether synthetic speech could be used for some Talking Books. This paper reports findings from a study with 48 Talking Book customers, looking at their initial thoughts and feelings on this idea. Published 2009.

Evaluating synthetic speech

This paper highlights the different approaches to synthetic voice evaluation, exploring the different purposes of evaluation, advantages and disadvantages of particular methods and the complexities involved. Published 2010.

eBooks review

A review of eBook players, formats and service providers, considering how accessible this new way of reading will be for blind and partially sighted users. Published 2008.

Braille in the 21st Century

RNIB commissioned the University of Birmingham to conduct research into the teaching of braille to people who have lost their sight in adulthood. The report details findings from interviews with visually impaired people and service providers. Published 2009.

Last updated: 30 March 2012

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