The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has highlighted small changes that could significantly improve the lives of blind and partially sighted individuals, based on feedback from those directly affected. Among the suggestions are clearly labelled make-up products and better lighting in restaurants.
Make-Up Accessibility
Claire Sisk, a content creator, disability advocate, and RNIB Ambassador, emphasised the need for make-up brands to improve product accessibility. She said: 'My one small, big change would be for make-up brands to make their products more accessible. I’m blind, I don’t use a mirror, but I’ve managed to learn where to place products on my face so that’s not my biggest barrier. When putting on eyeshadow, my issue is knowing what the colours are. If something is called “legend” or “whisper”, I have no idea what that means.' She added that a simple solution like placing the colour next to the shade name or using a QR code to provide that information would make a huge difference.
Restaurant Lighting
Dan Pembroke, two-time Paralympic javelin champion, highlighted the impact of restaurant lighting. He said: 'The one small, big change that would help me in my life is booking a restaurant and knowing there is somewhere bright enough for me to enjoy my dinner.'
Other Desired Changes
The wish list from blind and partially sighted people also includes accessible menus, more audio description for films and TV programmes, the use of Alt Text alongside images, consistent passenger assistance when using trains, planes or buses, and stairs with clear contrast. Almost everyone expressed a desire for more opportunities to meet with friends and family for activities like BBQs, picnics, watching sport together, or days out.
Direct Communication
Holly Tuke, social media manager at RNIB, stressed the importance of direct interaction. She said: 'Often, the smallest changes have the biggest impact. My one small, big change would be for people to interact with me, rather than the person I’m with. If I’m ordering a meal or paying for something in a shop, I want people to speak to me directly, rather than the friend or family member I happen to be with.'
Celebrity Voices for Audio Description
When asked about preferred voices for audio descriptions, top female celebrities included Ariana Grande, Emma Watson, Rihanna, Dame Judi Dench, Viola Davis, Olivia Colman, and Taylor Swift. Top male celebrities included David Attenborough, Morgan Freeman, and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson.
For support, the RNIB Helpline can be reached at 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk.
