Vision and Print Impaired People's Promise

There are almost two million blind and partially sighted people in the UK who, like everyone else, need library and information services to support their daily life. Public libraries are a vital link for people and we must make them as accessible as we can. We developed the Vision and Print Impaired People's Promise with RNIB and Share the Vision to ensure libraries can support people with reduced vision.

Goal: That the almost two million blind and partially sighted people in the UK can visit a fully accessible library service, that has a local collection of accessible reading materials and information in physical or digital forms.

The promise

All public library services should:

  1. Ensure that all blind and partially sighted customers are connected to the most appropriate service for their reading needs and that they are able to make full use of an accessible public library service

  2. Use Reading Sight, the free website supporting blind and partially sighted people to access reading and reading services

  3. Provide local collections of accessible reading materials and information in physical or digital formats, and be able to signpost customers to a wider range of resources

  4. Plan your digital and physical access strategies in consultation with blind and partially sighted people

  5. Designate a champion for the reading needs of blind and partially sighted people, who has familiarised themselves with the specialist resources and services available

  6. Support and promote Hi Vis fortnight run by Share the Vision, which is an annual celebration to encourage accessibility and inclusivity for all blind and partially sighted people in local libraries.


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Vision and Print Impaired People's Promise

These actions, outlined in detail will cost little, but will make a significant impact on the service you offer to blind or partially sighted people in your libraries.