RNIB (formally, the Royal National Institute of Blind People and previously the Royal National Institute for the Blind) is a British charity, founded in 1868, that serves people living with visual impairments.[3] Its standardisation of tactile alphabet systems vastly improved its beneficiaries' educational outcomes during the Victorian and Edwardian eras leading to widespread adoption and a proliferation of material published in Braille.

It is regarded as a leader in the field in supporting people in the UK who have vision loss.[4] The organisation seeks to increase awareness of blind or partially sighted people's lived experiences. Additionally, it campaigns to make services such as healthcare, education and public transport safer and more accessible to people with visual impairments.

The Charity Commission for England and Wales investigated the charity from 2018 to 2020 following reports of child sexual abuse and multiple safeguarding failings at RNIB Pears Centre for Specialist Learning.[5][6] The commission's subsequent report described its findings as "one of the worst examples we have uncovered of poor governance and oversight having a direct impact on vulnerable people".[7][8] The RNIB began selling all its eighteen schools, homes and other institutions.[9]

History

Founding and standardisation of tactile writing systems in the United Kingdom

A partially sighted war surgeon and general practitioner named Dr. Thomas Rhodes Armitage founded the nascent institution on 16 October 1868. Eight years earlier, Armitage's sight had deteriorated to the point where he could not read standard print and he was advised to retire from medicine to preserve his remaining vision.[10][11]

Several types of tactile alphabet were in use in the mid nineteenth century. These included James Hatley Frere's embossed adaptation of his phonetic shorthand system for the seeing introduced in 1838; Thomas Lucas's stenographic shorthand system also introduced in 1838 and William Moon's Moon type. Moon type retained the roman alphabet's outlines and was becoming popular in the United Kingdom.

1914-present

In 1914 the organisation elected its first president, Sir Arthur Pearson, changed its name to the National Institute for the Blind (NIB) and King George opened a new larger headquarters in Great Portland Street.[38][21] Pearson appointed the trade-unionist and human rights campaigner Ben Purse as the institution's director of aftercare in 1916.[39] It claimed that it changed its name to reflect its remit as a national body involved in all aspects of the welfare of blind people.[21]

From 1917 to 1920 it campaigned alongside Purse' trade union group National League of the Blind for separate legislation ensuring the welfare and dignity of blind people, not a redrafting of Britain's Poor Law.[40]

During The Great War Pearson established a rehabilitation centre for soldiers who had lost their sight in combat. It was originally named St Dunstan's and located in Regents Park. It retrained the war-blinded in trades such as joinery or cobbling and 20th century professions such as typing and telephone operating.[41]

It partnered with the Chartered Society of Massage and Medical Gymnastics to open a massage school to retrain visually impaired ex-servicemen as masseuses upon their return from The Great War through the Government Training Grants Scheme.[41][42]

It claimed that it changed its name to reflect its remit as a national body involved in all aspects of the welfare of blind people.[21] The organisation was renamed the Royal National Institute for the Blind in 1953, having been granted a Royal Charter in 1949.[43]

From the late 1980s the organisation began to raise awareness of eye health in the wider population.[27] Previously, ophthalmologists and optometrists took on the responsibility for eye health awareness.[27]

From 2000 until 2023, RNIB operated from premises on Judd Street, in Bloomsbury, London, which it shared with Guide Dogs.[44] In 2023, The Duchess of Edinburgh opened the organisation's new headquarters in the Grimaldi Building on Pentonville Road, London, which has been adapted to cater for the needs of people who are blind, partially sighted or neurodivergent.[4][45][46]

In 2002, the organisation was renamed the Royal National Institute of the Blind ("of" rather than "for" blind people) when it became a membership organisation.[21] To coincide with the launch of the UK Vision Strategy in 2008, it was renamed the Royal National Institute of Blind People.[21] In October 2008, RNIB and Action for Blind People agreed in principle to combine some services across England. The new arrangement began in April 2009, resulting in Action for Blind People becoming an associate charity of RNIB.[47] It merged with RNIB on 1 April 2017.[48][49]

Anna Tylor, who is partially sighted,[50] has been RNIB's Chair since 2020.[2] Former Children in Need Chief Executive Simon Antrobus was appointed to the charity's chief executive role in 2026.[1]

Queen Elizabeth II was the charity's Patron throughout her reign (1952–2022).[51] King Charles III is now the charity's Patron,[52]

Since the 1950s, the charity's collection boxes have featured a yellow children's puppet character name Sooty.[53][54]

Programmes and services

RNIB's helpline gives access to sight loss experts for questions and guidance.[55]

RNIB's extensive range of reading services includes RNIB Bookshare – a free library of over one million items, which supports students and others in education with a vast collection of accessible textbooks and materials[56] – and Talking Books, a service first established in 1935,[57] which provides thousands of audiobooks, both fiction and non-fiction.[58]

RNIB's ECLO (Eye Care Liaison Officers) service aims to help patients understand the impact of a sight loss diagnosis and to direct them to appropriate sources of support.[59]

Campaigning

RNIB campaigns to change behaviours and perceptions around sight loss.[50] It has been involved with several large-scale campaigns including calls for action to create a safer and more inclusive public transport system. In 2023, the charity played a key role[60][61][62] in a national campaign to scrap plans to close ticket offices in train stations.[63] In 2022, the charity launched its largest-ever advertising campaign, See the person, not the sight loss, to raise awareness of sight loss and the support that people who have visual impairments might need.[64][65][66] Along with other leading health charities, RNIB lobbied throughout 2023 for better disability support across the National Health Service (NHS).[67]

The RNIB's "Out of Sight" campaign argues for greater priority to be attached to vision rehabilitation services.[68] An RNIB report published in 2025, Life on Pause, used Freedom of Information Act requests for local authority data covering 2023/24 and found that over 80% of English local authorities had delays in starting assessments for visual rehabilitation and in one fifth of local authorities, people waited for more than one year before service provision began.[69]

The charity has campaigned for mandatory secret ballots for people with visual impairments.[70] After the 2024 general election RNIB delivered an open letter to 10 Downing Street highlighting that according to its research roughly 87% of the UK's citizens with visual impairments were denied their right to vote in secret.[71] The campaign follows a 2019 court judgement that declared the UK's current voting arrangements for people with blindness or visual impairments to be unlawful. RNIB pointed out that in spite of the judgement, the majority of the UK's visually impaired voters do so using technology that requires them to be accompanied into the voting booth and have their choices read aloud by an assistant.[70] As of 2024 only one person living with blindness in the UK has voted in secret, using a device known as the McGonagle Reader. This comprises an audio player with headphones and a plastic template to locate the boxes on the paper.[72]

Controversies

Alleged sexual abuse

Also in 2018, the Charity Commission for England and Wales launched its own inquiry into RNIB following serious allegations of systemic failings within the organisation and reports of abusive and sexually abusive practices at the Pears Centre for Specialist Learning.[5][6] In 2020, the Commission ruled that there had been significant management, oversight, and staffing shortcomings which had led to repeated incidents where young people in the charity's care were put at risk or harmed.[9][7] The Charity Commission's chief executive described this investigation as "one of the worst examples we have uncovered of poor governance and oversight having a direct impact on vulnerable people."[8] The Commission stated that RNIB's corporate stewardship of services for children with complex needs fell far short of expectations[9] and that the charity's board had been focused on narrow regulatory compliance and dismissive of criticism from the regulatory organisations it was accountable to – the Care Quality Commission and Ofsted.[73][74] It found failures in training, safeguarding, record-keeping, reporting, responding to complaints, and the administration of medication, as well as instances of harm.[75]

It was then reported that RNIB was selling all eighteen of its care homes and schools.[9] The Charity Commission gave RNIB an official warning and required it to overhaul its governance, management and culture.[6] In light of RNIB's progress in fulfilling the action plan, the Charity Commission withdrew its adverse decision in June 2022.[7]

Ofsted inquiry

A 2017 Ofsted report on the Pears Centre for Specialist Learning described its safeguarding procedures as ineffective.[5] Ofsted described it as inadequate in three categories and requiring improvement in the other two. It highlighted failures in safeguarding the vulnerable children and in training staff to support them. Later that year, RNIB announced that it had been unable to make sufficient improvements and was closing the centre; RNIB's chief executive resigned.[76]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ William Wilthew Fenn (1827–1906), from London, was a landscape painter and author.[17]
  2. ↑ James Gale (1833–1907) was an inventor from Devon.[18]

References

  1. 1 2 White, Peter (12 May 2026). The RNIB's new CEO, Simon Antrobus. BBC (In Touch broadcast on Radio 4). Retrieved 5 June 2026.
  2. 1 2 White, Peter (15 December 2020). The RNIB's New Chair Of Trustees Anna Tylor. BBC (In Touch broadcast on Radio 4). Retrieved 8 July 2024.
  3. ↑ "RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People)". Information Now. Newcastle City Council Adult Social Care and Prevention. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
  4. 1 2 Watchman, Joanna (31 July 2023). "RNIB office: first UK building to fully adopt BSI neurodiversity standard". Work in Mind. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  5. 1 2 3 Watt, Holly (5 April 2018). "RNIB and subsidiary under investigation over abuse allegation". The Guardian. Retrieved 27 June 2026.
  6. 1 2 3 Brown, David (25 June 2020). "Faith in charities is eroding, watchdog warns". The Times. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  7. 1 2 3 "Charity Inquiry: The Royal National Institute of Blind People (226227) and RNIB Charity (1156629)". Charity Commission for England and Wales. 25 June 2020. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
  8. 1 2 Layton, Josh (26 June 2020). "Damning report lists 'serious failings' at RNIB children's centre in Coventry". Coventry Telegraph. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  9. 1 2 3 4 Butler, Patrick (25 June 2020). "Children at RNIB schools and homes put at risk, charity regulator finds". The Guardian. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  10. ↑ Thomas, p.12
  11. ↑ Milnes-Smith, Philip (21 July 2023). "Accessibility and Archives: "better than anyone else"". Archives and Records Association. Retrieved 6 June 2026.
  12. 1 2 3 4 pp 2-5
  13. ↑ Thomas, p.11
  14. ↑ Thomas, p.13
  15. ↑ RNIB,p.11
  16. ↑ RNIB,p.12
  17. ↑ Bassett, Troy J. "Author: William Wilthew Fenn". At the Circulating Library: A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  18. ↑ Plummer, John (1868). The Story of a Blind Inventor: Being Some Account of the Life and Labours of Dr. James Gale. William Tweedie. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  19. ↑ RNIB,p.11
  20. ↑ Cleall, Esme; Pan-Montojo, Juan (21 February 2023). The European Experience - A Multi-Perspective History of Modern Europe, 1500–2000. Open Book Publishers. p. 243. doi:10.11647/OBP.0323.23. ISBN 978-1-80064-876-0.
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Royal National Institute of Blind People 1868". Science Museum Group. London. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
  22. ↑ Thomas, p.113
  23. ↑ Thomas, p.15
  24. ↑ RNIB, p.22
  25. ↑ Thomas, pp.16-17
  26. ↑ Thomas, p.14
  27. 1 2 3 Rose
  28. ↑ Thomas, p.14
  29. ↑ Thomas, pp.17-18
  30. ↑ "Donate Royal National College for the Blind front entrance The Royal National College for the Blind: 140 years of leading the way in specialist education for people who are blind or partially sighted". Royal National College for the Blind. Archived from the original on 5 October 2013.
  31. ↑ Thomas, p.16
  32. ↑ Thomas, p.20
  33. ↑ Thomas, p.21
  34. ↑ Thomas, p.24
  35. ↑ RNIB, pp.1
  36. ↑ RNIB, pp.41-72
  37. ↑ RNIB, p.71
  38. ↑ RNIB,P.22
  39. ↑ "Purse, Benjamin Ormond". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/35633. (Subscription, Wikipedia Library access or UK public library membership required.)
  40. ↑ Thomas, p.41
  41. 1 2 Nias, Kayleigh (1 September 2017). Negotiating Intimacies: Gender, Rehabilitation and the Professionalisation of Massage in Britain, c.1880-1920 (Doctor of Philosophy in Medical History thesis). University of Exeter. pp. 334–390. Retrieved 27 June 2026. During the war, however, blind masseurs became a significant group due to the efforts of Arthur Pearson who headed the National Institute of the Blind (NIB) and established St Dunstan's in Regents Park, a rehabilitation centre for war-blinded soldiers. At St Dunstan's, men were given re-education and training for civilian life and given an option to learn trades such as cobbling, mat- and basket- making, joinery and farming, as well as other occupations such as shorthand, type-writing, telephone operating, and massage.84
  42. ↑ RNIB,P.23
  43. ↑ Thomas, pp.142-43.
  44. ↑ Wait, Sam (23 January 2023). "Guide Dogs moves out of RNIB office share after five years". Civil Society. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
  45. ↑ "HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh opens the RNIB's new London office". Greater London Lieutenancy. 15 June 2023. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  46. ↑ Pearson, Andrew (6 November 2023). "RNIB's new HQ becomes exemplar in designing for blind and neurodiverse people". Royal Institute of British Architects. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  47. ↑ Little, Matthew (24 October 2009). "RNIB and Action for Blind People announce 'associate' deal". Third Sector. Archived from the original on 30 September 2011. Retrieved 31 August 2024.
  48. ↑ "A potted history of Windermere Manor". Windermere Manor. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
  49. ↑ "Action for Blind People merged with RNIB". RNIB. 7 August 2022. Archived from the original on 7 August 2022. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  50. 1 2 Oliver, Toby (1 July 2024). "RNIB campaign to get better voting access for blind people". Hampshire Chronicle. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  51. ↑ Young, Kimberley; Powell, Selina (9 September 2022). "Tributes paid to Queen Elizabeth II". Optometry Today. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  52. ↑ McCormick, Emily (29 May 2024). "RNIB appoints King Charles as royal patron". Optometry Today. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  53. ↑ Dickenson, Andy (28 February 2022). "Volunteers needed to collect 'Sooty boxes' as blind charity's takings fall". ITV News. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
  54. ↑ "Sooty's RNIB Make-Over to Help Raise Funds". Living with Disabiltiy. August 2016. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  55. ↑ Hemmings, Beth (27 June 2023). "In Touch: The Support Hub; The RNIB's Helpline Services". BBC Radio 4. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
  56. ↑ "Accessibility: RNIB Bookshare". University of Exeter Library. 23 August 2024. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
  57. ↑ "How the Talking Book was born". The History Press. 16 March 2016. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  58. ↑ "Talking books and audio publications". Blind Veterans UK. 27 October 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  59. ↑ "CarePlace directory – Eye Care Liaison Officers (ECLO) – support for blind and partially sighted people". London Borough of Hounslow. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
  60. ↑ "Train firms plan mass closures of ticket offices". BBC News. 5 July 2023. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
  61. ↑ Topham, Gwyn (5 July 2023). "Plans for mass closure of railway ticket offices in England confirmed". The Guardian. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
  62. ↑ Simone, Carlo (5 July 2024). "Why could train station ticket offices be shut in England?". The Standard. Chester. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
  63. ↑ Munro, Craig (5 July 2023). "Almost every rail ticket office in England to be closed in next three years". Metro. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
  64. ↑ Louis, Yasmeen (30 October 2023). "RNIB dispels myths to 'see the person, not the sight loss'". Marketing/ Beat. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  65. ↑ "RNIB launches new campaign to dispel myths and encourage people to 'See the person, not the sight loss'". Eye News. 3 October 2022. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
  66. ↑ Mahtani, Nisna (8 November 2022). "Why the RNIB Wants You to 'See the Person, Not the Sight Loss'". Little Black Book. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
  67. ↑ Pickover, Ella (6 February 2023). "Concern over lack of progress supporting people with communication needs in NHS". The Independent. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
  68. ↑ Visionary - Linking Local Sight Loss Charities, RNIB Out Of Sight Campaign, updated on 21 March 2023, accessed on 24 April 2026
  69. ↑ Visionary - Linking Local Sight Loss Charities, Life on Pause report released, published on 31 October 2025, accessed on 22 June 2026
  70. 1 2 Weaver, Matthew (26 June 2024). "Make this the last inaccessible election for blind people in UK, campaigners demand". The Guardian. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
  71. ↑ McIvor, Liane (3 July 2024). "RNIB campaigns to improve voting access for blind and partially sighted people". Thiis. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
  72. ↑ Waple, Katie (3 July 2024). "Blind woman to vote in secret for first time". BBC News. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
  73. ↑ Rosa Royle, Orianna (25 June 2020). "Serious mismanagement at RNIB exposed vulnerable people to risk, regulator finds". Third Sector. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  74. ↑ Weakley, Kirsty (25 June 2020). "RNIB's governance failures led to young people being harmed, inquiry finds". Civil Society. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
  75. ↑ Butler, Patrick (24 June 2020). "Children at RNIB schools and homes put at risk, charity regulator finds". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  76. ↑ Mullen, Enda (7 September 2018). "Children's home and school for blind children to close". Coventry Live. Retrieved 29 September 2024.

Bibliography

source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RNIB