RNIB collaborates with Bassetlaw Community and Voluntary Service
RNIB worked with Bassetlaw Community and Voluntary Service (BCVS) to make vital, cost-of-living information, accessible in braille for the blind and partially sighted community.
- Who: Bassetlaw Community and Voluntary Service
- What: Created an accessible booklet with vital information
- How: RNIB worked with BCVS making their booklet available in braille
- Result: BCVS received positive feedback and further plans have been made to collaborate with RNIB
BCVS is a registered charity that works to challenge deprivation, health inequalities and social exclusion, through supporting voluntary and community groups and local people. Working in partnership with Bassetlaw District Council and Bassetlaw Place Based Partnership, they kickstarted a large cost-of-living campaign to highlight the additional services to reduce the financial burden people face.
Creating an accessible booklet with vital information
The campaign included an information booklet on all the services available to help local people with the cost‑of‑living. The booklet aimed to ensure that everyone living in Bassetlaw knew where, and how, to access local support.
The booklet was popular with local people, and BCVS soon received a request from a member of the public for an accessible braille version. Braille is a tactile code that helps people with sight loss read, write and access information.
Producing the booklet in Braille
BCVS contacted RNIB to request braille copies of the booklet. RNIB’s expert Business Services team offers transcription services to businesses and organisations, including braille, large print, easy read and audio transcription.
RNIB created braille copies of the booklet, which are now available on request for people with sight loss.
The woman who requested the booklet in braille received the first copy and was delighted.
Creating more resources with RNIB in an accessible format
BCVS received such positive feedback on the accessible booklet that further plans have been made to collaborate with RNIB. BCVS is also developing a shorter booklet designed for people with sight loss, signposting to specific support and advice for those living with sight loss and their families.
Further resources are also in development, including accessible information in a digital booklet for blind and partially sighted people who cannot read Braille. BCVS hopes to lead by example and show that going the extra mile for citizens with accessibility needs is better for everyone.
