Technology and television 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 who may spend more time at home.

About this research

To enjoy and talk about special interests and TV is a key element of social inclusion. Research shows that watching television and listening to radio are very high priorities for blind and partially sighted people. But less than 5 per cent of titles are available in accessible formats, and more than half of blind and partially sighted people cannot tune their own radio.

Smart glasses

Research report on RNIB Smart glasses, which help people with very low vision to identify shapes, determine distance, and detect objects up to three metres away.

Download the Smart glasses report and read a summary of the key findings.

Communications technology and people with sight loss: A summary of Ofcom research

Research briefing on blind and partially sighted people's experince of using communications technology.

Download the Communications technology briefing and read the key findings.

Floppy disk survey

Research into the availability and use of floppy disks, to inform RNIB decision making on whether to continue to offer this format. Published 2008.

Floppy disk survey (Word, 536 KB)

Converter tools evaluation

Evaluation of four products for translating information into accessible formats. Published 2008.

Converter tools evaluation (Word, 213 KB)

The digital transition - analogue to digital audio

Research into the effects of the transition from analogue to digital audio formats on the mainstream tape industry, transcribers producing accessible formats and blind or partially sighted end users. Published 2008.

The digital transition (Word, 179 KB)

Tackling digital exclusion

A study by BT and RNIB has investigated why many older blind and partially sighted people aren't using the internet. Many of those interviewed believed that their sight loss prevented them from using the internet, and many weren't aware of how assistive technologies could help them. To address the barriers people face the report includes a number of recommendations for stakeholders.

RNIB international audio description exchange study

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

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.

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.

Are you really listening?

Research by i2 media into the equipment needs of blind and partially sighted consumers for accessible and usable digital radio. Published 2009.

Bollywood for all

This project aimed to understand behaviours and attitudes of blind and partially sighted Asian people towards the viewing of Bollywood films with and without audio description. Published 2009.