Person-centred support research

Blind and partially sighted people require a range of person-centred support to help get on with everyday life. Changes in sight loss or personal circumstances can mean a need for fresh advice and support. Ending the isolation of sight loss can mean tackling barriers to communication, information, daily living or mobility. This may require equipment, services or an opportunity to learn new skills.

Research in this area includes the accessibility of general health information, the take-up of benefits and the use of statutory services.

Braille users views on UEB

This piece of research was commissioned by The UK Association of Accessible Formats (UKAAF), the independent standards organisation in the UK. They were considering the possibility of adopting the Unified English Braille code (UEB) in the UK and wanted to know more about the views of the 'silent majority' of braille users.

User research into Unified English Braille (UEB) in the UK

The Unified English Braille (UEB) code has been adopted by various English-speaking countries. The UK is yet to decide whether or not to adopt the code. This project aimed to involve braille readers and other stakeholders (transcribers and braille teachers), to give them opportunity to try out UEB coding and share their views on how implementation might affect them.

Feasibility of developing a diagnostic touch test to determine braille reading potential

This paper considers existing research evidence looking at the relationship between age, disease and tactile sensitivity. The purpose of this work was to investigate the feasibility of developing a touch test which could determine whether someone has sufficient sensitivity in their fingers to pursue braille reading.

Implementation of UEB (Unified English braille code) in Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand adopted the Unified English Braille code in 2005 with a five year implementation period. The UK is currently considering adopting the code. This piece of research aims to inform that decision by collating the views of a number of Australian and New Zealand braille users.

Braille profiling project

RNIB recognises that the world is changing quickly and the way in which we access information continues to rapidly evolve. RNIB therefore, wanted to explore the context of braille reading today and identify the characteristics and needs of different market segments. This report outlines the findings of both the quantitative and qualitative research.