Campaigning news
On this page you will find the latest RNIB campaigning news by topic or region. Keep up to date with the latest issues by subscribing to our campaign update enewsletter.
Employment campaigns
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RNIB launches Disability Confident Thematic Programme on vision impairment
Employment rates increase for the UK population as a whole but remain the same for blind and partially sighted people. What can we do to address this problem?
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RNIB responds to Work and Pensions Committee report on assistive technology
We respond to the new Work and Pensions Committee inquiry report in to assistive technology
Education campaigning
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Ofqual quizzed on accessibility of exams
The Education Select Committee has quizzed Ofqual – the exam regulator – on how they are making sure that exams are accessible for children and young people with vision impairment.
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Parents force Hackney Council to reverse plans
Parents successfully challenge Hackney Council's proposed cuts to support for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Eye health campaigning
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Patients are being denied vital cataract surgery
We're getting behind a new campaign that exposes examples of patients being denied life-enhancing treatments, such as cataract surgery.
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RNIB welcome NICE Quality Standards for Serious Eye Conditions
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellent (NICE) publish Quality Standards for Serious Eye Disorders. It is the latest in the suite of NICE guidance for eye care.
Accessible information
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Fight for accessible voting goes to the High Court
The campaign to improve the accessibility of voting for blind and partially sighted people at elections has gone to the High Court.
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RNIB urges Select Committee Inquiry to take action on improving the accessibility of financial services.
RNIB’s Chair, Eleanor Southwood, has told MPs about the importance of making ATMs accessible, so that they can be used by blind and partially sighted people.
Inclusive journeys
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Accessible street saved!
Plan for a shared use pathway for pedestrians and cyclists is successfully challenged by local residents.
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RNIB's response to proposed shared use pathways in the London borough of Ealing
RNIB is increasingly concerned about new cycling schemes that are planned and implemented. Many local authorities adopt designs that encroach into walking areas, create shared use spaces and potentially place people with sight loss at risk. We raised our concerns with the Ealing Council.
Transport campaigning
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Getting train travel back on track
A big thank everyone who participated in our survey and focus groups to tell us what would make rail travel more accessible!
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Have your say on the future of accessible train travel
Help shape our response to the Office of Road and Rail consultation and improve assisted travel for blind and partially sighted people. Join one of our local focus groups and have your say.
Protecting welfare support
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Success in a legal battle over Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Victory in a legal challenge to an incorrect assessment for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
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Government responds to the Work and Pensions Committee PIP and ESA assessments report
Read our comments on the Government's response to the Work and Pension's Committee reports on PIP and ESA.
Other campaigning
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Toolkit launched to help guide dog owners challenge access refusals
In the last year more than 700 guide dogs with their owners were refused entry to taxis, shops and restaurants. These companies are breaking the law.
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Our campaign priorities in 2019
In 2019, we will continue to break down barriers, change minds and open opportunities for people with sight loss. Read our overview of our campaigning priorities in 2019.
London
Campaigning news from London
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Wandsworth councillors face street obstacles
Richard Holmes, Regional Campaigns Officer for London, took two Wandsworth councillors on a blindfold walk on Thursday 27 October to help them understand the frustrations caused by inaccessible streets.
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Metroline London bus drivers meet blind and partially sighted passengers
Blind and partially sighted campaigners met drivers from Metroline bus services, for a 'swap with me' event in North London.
North east
Campaigning news from the North East
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Newcastle North MP Catherine Mckinnell pledges to lobby the Minister for Transport on risks of shared space
Volunteer campaigners meet Catherine McKinnell MP and take her on a blindfold walk to highlight accessibility issues in Newcastle.
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Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah pledges to lobby Minister for Transport
RNIB volunteer campaigners take MP Chi Onwurah on a blindfold work to highlight accessibility issues at Newcastle Central train station
North west
Campaigning news from the North west
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Liverpool Council adopts street charter
After two years of campaigning, Liverpool council have agreed to adopt a street charter to make the city more accessible for blind and partially sighted people!
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Oldham council to adopt street charter
We're delighted that Oldham Council will be adopting a street charter for blind and partially sighted people.
South east
Campaigning news from the South east
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MP discovers dangers of street clutter
MP Tim Loughton has walked blindfolded through Worthing town centre as part of a campaign to make the area safer for blind and partially sighted people.
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Trading places
“Is there any particular stop that you’d like to get off at?" Blind and partially sighted passengers trade places with drivers from the Oxford Bus Company to celebrate them signing up to our Bus Charter.
South west
Campaigning news from the South west
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Promoting RNIB Campaigns in Dorset
Steve Hyde, Regional Assistant Campaigns Officer for the South West, and Connect Community Facilitator Sophie Fox payed a visit to the Dorset Blind Association on 2 March, where would-be campaigners were given the chance to find out more about RNIBs work.
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Volunteer Steve takes the reins in South West
We’re thrilled that Volunteer Campaign Coordinator Steve Hyde has now joined the campaigns team as Regional Assistant Campaigns Officer for the South West.
West midlands
Campaigning news from the West midlands
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Gain new skills and meet some great people!
We’re offering a course of ten free training sessions. Book your place now!
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Making a difference in your local community
One day campaigning training session on March 15. Book your place!
Yorkshire and humber
Campaigning news from Yorkshire and Humber
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Bradford Council votes to roll out A-Board ban across the district
Campaigners in Bradford are celebrating a district-wide ban on A-Boards.
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Barnsley keen to be streets ahead
Maqsood Sheikh, our Regional Campaigns Officer for Yorkshire and Humber, has met with Councillor Roy Miller at Barnsley Council to ask for his support to develop a street charter for Barnsley.