New film depicts future travel for people with sight loss

The film aims to influence accessible transport thinking by sharing lived experience insights and learning from Future Journeys to encourage meaningful action by decision makers. 

Last night (April 29), a drama film Nyla’s Story, made by Bowman and Poole, premiered at the British Library in London, which follows Nyla, a teenager with sight loss, on a journey in the future where transport is safe and accessible for her. The film depicted the potential for seamless independent travel for blind and partially sighted people.  

It showed how innovative technology, use of data and thoughtful street design can revolutionise how blind and partially sighted people travel by foot and public transport. The film is part of Future Journeys, a bold new project delivered in partnership by RNIB and the Motability Foundation, which explores how journeys could be better for people with sight loss.​   

RNIB research shows that one-in-three blind and partially sighted people rarely or never use public transport. New cycling infrastructure, changes to bus stop design, the greater use of e-scooters and hire bikes, increased street clutter and, inaccessible train services - all make it more dangerous for the two million people in the UK with sight loss to travel.  

Key figures from transport and built environment sectors and designers with policy experts were joined by RNIB, the Motability Foundation, and people from the sight loss community at the premiere. A panel, led by Alan Russell, a Connect Radio presenter, debated future solutions and innovations in design and technology that could improve transport for all.   

Simon Antrobus, RNIB CEO, said:

“Working with the Motability Foundation, RNIB formed a unique Future Journeys partnership with a united purpose to create innovative solutions that will make future journey’s more accessible for blind and partially sighted people. The project brought together the lived experience - the real stories, the challenges, the everyday realities - and combined them with the expertise of the transport sector. It identified the barriers and co-design solutions through a series of workshops. The power of co-creation was vital in the making of the film. 

“We need a shift in mindset as research shows one in five of us will experience sight loss. The film shows what the future could look like and where we are now, right now people with sight loss face problems navigating the streets, are worried to board buses and fearful of being stranded at train stations. "

He added: “Nyla’s Story shows what a better transport system could look like. One that's designed with accessibility in mind, utilising technology and streets designed that makes it easier for people with sight loss to travel independently and safely. Today’s transport system risks leaving blind and partially people behind.  

“We need transport operators to train their staff and fix their infrastructure while prioritising accessibility. Decision makers need to make streets work for everyone, because when we design for the most vulnerable, we design better for us all.”  

Nigel Fletcher, CEO of the Motability Foundation, said: “Nyla’s Journey brings to life what truly inclusive travel could look like for blind and partially sighted people. As someone who is partially sighted myself, I know just how important it is to be able to travel safely, independently and confidently. This film shows that with the right design, technology and support, those things are entirely achievable.

“At the Motability Foundation, we’re proud to be working alongside RNIB on Future Journeys to inspire real change. Accessible transport isn’t just a ‘nice to have’ - it’s essential for people to live full, independent lives. We want this project to encourage decision-makers across the transport sector to think differently and act boldly to make confident and safe travel a reality for everyone.”

To watch Nyla’s story and join us on the journey, please visit future-journeys.com/nylas-journey

The event was held at The British Library in London on Thursday, 29 April between 6pm and 8.30pm.  

Nyla’s Story was made by Bowman & Poole. The film is part of an innovative Future Journeys project delivered in partnership by RNIB and the Motability Foundation. RNIB funded 50% of the Future Journeys project.

Images from the showing are available upon request.

We are the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).       

Every six minutes, someone in the UK begins to lose their sight. RNIB is taking a stand against exclusion, inequality and isolation to create a world without barriers where people with sight loss can lead full lives.       

We fund, support, research and innovate so that all disabled people can make the journeys they choose. We oversee the Mobility Scheme and provide grants to help people use it, providing access to transport to hundreds of thousands of people a year. We award grants to other charities and organisations who provide different types of transport, or work towards making transport accessible. We also carry out ongoing research, in partnership with disabled people and key stakeholders in the industry, to inspire innovations that continue to champion accessible transport for all. Motability is operating as Motability Foundation.  

Motability is a Registered Charity in England and Wales (number 299745) and in Scotland (number: SC050642) and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Reference number 736309) as a credit broker.