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rnib.bsky.social
RNIB
@rnib.bsky.social
3.5K followers 150 following 1.2K posts
We’re the Royal National Institute of Blind People.

Profile pic: Our logo, bold black capital letters spelling RNIB, with a bold pink underline.
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rnib.bsky.social
Six Nations is kicking off, and ITV will be broadcasting the home games with live audio description (AD) 🥳

The first game of the year, England vs Wales, will feature live AD. You can watch the games as usual on ITV1 and access audio description by turning it on on your TV. Will you be watching?
“Watch the Six Nations home games with live audio description.” A rugby ball sits on its bottom and dominates most of the image.
February 7, 2026 at 8:38 AM
rnib.bsky.social
Steve Smith, who has retinitis pigmentosa, was told it could take up to a year to receive cane training after being assessed by his local authority for vision rehabilitation support. 1/3
“I've not even got a white cane yet. There's a year's waiting list to get a white cane, which I just found ludicrous.” Steve, who has been told by his Council it could take up to a year to receive cane training”. Pink graphic with yellow border.
February 5, 2026 at 3:41 PM
rnib.bsky.social
What does the fox image say? As screen reader users, we don’t know because alt text hasn’t been added to this image. If you’re sharing pictures like this, you should describe the image like we’ve done here. 👇
Two little foxes are curled up in a narrow grassy area beside a wooden fence. One is looking back with big, gentle eyes, while the other snoozes in the foreground.
February 3, 2026 at 10:47 AM
rnib.bsky.social
We’re bragging about RNIB Bookshare.

Because it’s brilliant and hardly anyone knows about it. Which we want to change rnib.in/RNIBBookshareFB
"Humble brag. We don’t usually brag. But RNIB Bookshare is doing something quietly brilliant, and we think you should know about it. Millions of curriculum books and papers, instantly available in audio, braille, large print and electronic text, so students with vision impairment, dyslexia or those who prefer alternative formats can actually follow along in lessons without missing out or being handed something ‘later’. If you know a teacher or a school, tell them about it. Or search “RNIB Bookshare” and see how much easier inclusive learning can be. Worth bragging about, no?"
January 30, 2026 at 11:35 AM
rnib.bsky.social
Paul Goddard says that when he arrives at London Bridge rail station there is no one there to assist him “99% of the time”, despite him having made a reservation having on the Passenger Assistance app.

Unfortunately, Paul’s experience is common ⬇️
Paul standing on a train platform with his yellow Labrador guide dog. He is wearing a hat and dark glasses and holding his phone. The photo is overlayed with the text “How reliable do you find passenger assistance at train stations?”.
January 27, 2026 at 5:35 PM
rnib.bsky.social
🚆 What are the biggest barriers to travelling by train for you?

Over half of blind and partially sighted people fear being stranded and stressed during journeys when they book passenger assistance, due to its unreliability. And that’s not the only barrier to rail travel shown by our new research:
Maqsood from RNIB’s Campaigns team being guided down a train platform by a passenger assistance staff member. The photo is overlayed with the text “What are the biggest barriers to travelling by train for you?”.
January 22, 2026 at 11:02 AM
rnib.bsky.social
Beckham trend 🤝 alt text.

If you’re sharing memes and updates about the Beckhams, remember to add alt text so that blind and partially sighted people can enjoy your posts too. Also known as image descriptions, they describe the image in written form for screen reader users. 1/2
A split meme from the Beckham documentary. The top row shows Victoria Beckham looking towards the camera, saying something with conviction. David Beckham pokes his head round a door. Copy reads, Victoria: ‘This is great for accessibility.’ David: ‘Be honest.’ In the second row, Victoria is looking over to the side with a cheeky glint in her eye. Her mouth is wide open that suggests she’s Making A Point. David still has his head poked round the door. Copy reads, Victoria: ‘I am being honest.’ David: ‘Who isn't this great for?’ In the third and final row, Victoria points towards someone just off camera and looks quite serious, and a little deflated. David still has his head poking round the doorway. Victoria: ‘Screen reader users.’ David: ‘Thank you.’
January 21, 2026 at 2:15 PM
rnib.bsky.social
We've spent the last three months FBI training to spot a great alt text writer 🧐
A screenshot of Rachel from the BBC TV show 'Traitors.' She sits at the round table with a serious and determined expression, as she's about to deliver a secret that she knows will shock: "I have been trained by a former FBI agent." She's wearing a 'killer red' off-the-shoulder jumper with a vest top underneath. Her brunette hair is slicked back into a ponytail.
January 15, 2026 at 11:44 AM
rnib.bsky.social
Us trying our best to remind everyone to add alt text.

Be a guaranteed alt text hundy. It’s very easy to start adding. After you’ve uploaded your image, click "Alt", write a short description and post.
A screenshot of Ross from The Traitors. He’s sat at the roundtable looking like he’s feeling a lot of emotions: worried, perplexed, like he isn’t being heard. He’s got one hand up as if to get attention and the subs read, ‘Can I…? Can I ju…? Oh, um….'
January 8, 2026 at 6:53 PM
rnib.bsky.social
Skulking around a Scottish castle as the Secret Traitor 🤝 forgetting to add alt text to your posts.

No one knows who you are or what you’re trying to say.

Don’t hide your pictures in plain sight. Simply click "Alt" after you've uploaded your image, write a short description and post.
A screenshot of Claudia Winkleman on The Traitors. She’s standing in the Scottish Highlands and everything from here is Very Claudia. Her trademark glossy, straight black hair sits on her shoulders and her long fringe only just stops above her eyes. She wears thick, black eye shadow and pale lipstick. She's looking at someone, or a group, and her arm is outstretched as if to gesture towards something off camera. She looks serious but encouraging - perhaps even a little cheeky. She’s wearing a buttoned up, fitted tweed jacket a ruffled, white shirt pokes out the top and on her wrist she wears knitted, patterned mittens. Lush green hills and fields are blurred behind her.
January 7, 2026 at 6:55 PM
rnib.bsky.social
🧵A new NHS online hospital service is being launched in England next year, the Government has announced.

It will focus on nine health conditions, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
'New NHS online hospital to focus on conditions including glaucoma, AMD and cataracts. What are your thoughts?' A doctor, wearing scrubs, sits at a desk with her back to the camera. She's wearing headphones and is talking to someone on a laptop.]
January 6, 2026 at 12:14 PM
rnib.bsky.social
This is the energy everyone needs to take into 2026.

Two iPhone style sliders, like the ones where you turn reminders on and off. The slider at the bottom is black and set to an ‘Off’ position. It says “2025: No alt text.” The slider at the top is green and set to the ‘On’ position. It says: “2026: Adding alt text.”
December 31, 2025 at 3:45 PM
rnib.bsky.social
Our pals over at @rspb.bsky.social sent us some festive, accessible bird pics so we thought - why not share them with all of you?

What's more, they wrote some gorgeous alt text to accompany them. Thanks, birb friends!

Image credit: Ben Andrew
A Robin sits puffed up on a snow-covered post, its orange breast glowing against the pale grey sky and white snow beneath its feet. The alt text is pasted onto the picture, to show how it's done. A Starling perches on green conifer branches, its dark plumage speckled with white. Soft, out-of-focus golden and red lights glow behind it, creating a festive winter backdrop. The alt text is pasted onto the picture, to demonstrate how it's done. A Waxwing balances on a slender branch with its beak open, it looks pleased to be holding a bright red berry, while clusters of berries hang below against a muted green background. The alt text is pasted onto the photo, to show how it's done. A Waxwing perches on a branch heavy with frost-dusted berries, its smooth buff-brown plumage, black eye mask and crest sharply defined against the pale winter sky. The alt text is pasted onto the photo, to show how it's done.
December 30, 2025 at 3:50 PM
rnib.bsky.social
Have you ever wondered what your favourite Christmas film says about your approach to accessibility? No?? Well, we’re here to change that.

And don't forget to turn on that handy alt text reminder in your settings 🎄
Text reads: “What your favourite Christmas film says about you. (Accessibility edition). There’s a green, furry Grinch hand in a festive red and white sleeve holding a bauble. Text reads: “How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). People think you’re grumpy, but when you spot a descriptive transcript under a video, your heart grows three sizes. Also, you’re green and hairy.” There’s a photo of the hairy Grinch hands in red and white festive sleeves, making a heart hand gesture. Text reads: “Home Alone (1990). Forgetting to add alt text makes you do the iconic scream, so you always make sure you have the reminders switched on (available on Bluesky and X).” There’s a photo of Kevin McCallister doing a big scream, with hands on either side of his face, his mouth and eyes wide with horror. He’s a young, blonde boy with blue eyes, wearing a red sweater. Text reads: “The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993). You always remind people to be aware of colour contrast. Black and white is a great example of high colour contrast... Also, you’re a goth.” There’s an image of some bats flying around.
December 26, 2025 at 3:51 PM
rnib.bsky.social
Good tidings we bring – especially if you add alt text to your festive snaps. 🎄

Doing it is easier than scoffing a mince pie.

Simply click "Alt" after you've uploaded your image, write a short description and po-ho-ho-st it!

Learn more at rnib.in/AccessibleSocialMedia
Text reads: “Merry Christmas everyone! Love, RNIB.” with an asterisk after “everyone.” There is smaller text underneath with another asterisk, reading: “(Especially if you use alt text.)” The design has illustrations of festive items, like a bauble, a hat, a tree and a gift, hanging down on strings.
December 25, 2025 at 8:13 AM
rnib.bsky.social
Well, that's that! 24 days of festive imagery and magical alt text, to help you make your Christmas-posting more accessible. 🎅

Remember, adding alt text is so easy. Create your post, add your image, press the 'alt' button, write your description and you're done.

Merry alt text advent!
A screenshot of a social media meme from Andrew Turnbull. The text reads: “My mam on Christmas morning when I’m opening the present she said I wasn’t going to get.” Attached to the post is a picture of Baby Yoda looking cosy and contented, holding a large, brown ceramic cup while dressed in a long, pale brown robe. Baby Yoda is very small and cute, with blue fur. He has bright, curious black eyes and long, pointed blue ears which rest to the sides, implying he’s relaxed. He looks, for all the world, like a proud mum on Christmas morning, in her dressing gown, cradling a brew while watching the festive magic unfold. The alt text from the previous image, written out in full for all to read and learn from. Both images feature a festive green background with snowflakes. There's also a Christmas tree shaped logo which says: "Alt text advent" on it.
December 24, 2025 at 10:52 AM
rnib.bsky.social
Are you on our nice list? 🎁
A screenshot of the notes app. “Nice List - people who keep pavements clear so everyone can pass safely - people who add alt text to make content accessible - people who celebrate the diversity of blind and partially sighted people - people who send documents in accessible formats without you having to ask. - image descriptions for every image shared in the group chat - people who see you, not just your disability ❤️ ”
December 23, 2025 at 8:49 PM
rnib.bsky.social
We are Team Colin all the way 👏

Especially because M&S work with us every year to create accessible formats for their Christmas catalogue, like braille, audio and large print.

(Alt text advent, day 23!)
A very festive looking Colin the Caterpillar cake, ceremoniously served on a black platter on a shiny black countertop. As ever, Colin is a long chocolate log type cake split into sections with white chocolate feet at the bottom. At the front is his white chocolate face, with chocolate button eyes and a pink crown. His small pink tongue sticks out of his chocolate mouth mischievously. There are white chocolate shapes along the top of his body, including one which says “Pop!” in pink comic book style lettering. Next to Colin, but luckily out of view of the poor lad, is a section of his own body, sliced and laid on a plate, ready to devour. The alt text from the previous image, written out in full for all to read and drool over. Both images feature a festive green background with snowflakes. There's also a Christmas tree shaped logo which says: "Alt text advent" on it.
December 23, 2025 at 4:12 PM
rnib.bsky.social
Feeling very lucky to have pals like @rspb.bsky.social who oblige when we say:

"Send accessible birb pics."

Love this photo and alt text from them for Alt Text Advent, day 22!

Image credit: Ben Andrew.
A Waxwing perches on a branch heavy with frost-dusted berries, its smooth buff-brown plumage, black eye mask and crest sharply defined against the pale winter sky. Very noble. The alt text from the previous image, written out in full for everyone to read about the cute festive bird. Both images feature a festive green background with snowflakes. There's also a Christmas tree shaped logo which says: "Alt text advent" on it.
December 22, 2025 at 9:12 PM
rnib.bsky.social
Make. Your. Festive. Memes. Accessible. 👏

Here's an example, using one of the best of all time.

Happy Alt Text Advent, day 21!
A screenshot of a social media post which reads: “When you’re cutting wrapping paper and the scissors go ccssssssssss and not jkfxzkzjkxjkkxxjxkxjkc [OK Hand emoji] [Tired Face emoji].” Combined together, the emojis give the impression of an immense sense of satisfaction. The alt text from the previous image, written out in full for all to read and learn from. Both images feature a festive green background with snowflakes. There's also a Christmas tree shaped logo which says: "Alt text advent" on it.
December 21, 2025 at 12:51 PM
rnib.bsky.social
Remember, the shortest day means that lighter days are on their way. Share this with somebody who might need it right now 🌞 We certainly did!

🧵
A screenshot of a WhatsApp message, which reads: "I know the dark nights can be hard, but here's your reminder that in six weeks it'll still be light at 5:30pm and seven weeks after that it'll still be light at 8pm." The message has been highlighted and the heart emoji selected. Above it is written a caption: "Thought some of you might need to read this message from my bestie as much as I did."
December 21, 2025 at 10:19 AM
rnib.bsky.social
This is us peering out to check whether you've added alt text.

Huge thank you to @rspb.bsky.social for providing the accessible birb pic - and lovely alt text - for Alt Text Advent day 20.

Image credit: Ben Andrew
A Goldcrest clings to fine pine needles, its small body nestled deep among the branches, with soft green tones filling the background. It looks like it’s peeking out to check whether its festive delivery is here yet. The alt text from the previous image, written out in full for everyone to read about the cute festive bird. Both images feature a festive green background with snowflakes. There's also a Christmas tree shaped logo which says: "Alt text advent" on it.
December 20, 2025 at 1:35 PM
rnib.bsky.social
Our Helpline hours are changing temporarily over the holidays while our team takes a well-earned break.

If you need support when we’re closed, help is still available at Samaritans, call 116 123 or email [email protected]

🕘 Our usual 9am–6pm hours return Monday, 5 January.
“RNIB Helpline opening hours. Festive period. Monday 22nd December – 9am to 6pm Tuesday 23rd December – 9am to 6pm Wednesday 24th December – 9am to 12pm Thursday 25th December – closed Friday 26th December – closed Monday 29th December – 9am to 5pm Tuesday 30th December – 9am to 5pm Wednesday 31st December – 9am to 5pm Thursday 1st January – closed Friday 2nd January – 9am – 6pm Monday 5th January – back to usual.”
December 19, 2025 at 3:20 PM
rnib.bsky.social
We asked our pals over at @nationaltrust.org.uk to send some festive pictures and alt text, and they absolutely delivered 👏

A great example of how brands should do it, to mark Alt Text Advent, day 19!

Image credit: National Trust Images/Robert Morris
The house and garden in winter at Sudbury Hall. An impressive redbrick mansion house with a façade covered in windows and multiple rectangular chimneys protruding from a snow-dusted roof sits regally in front of a picturesque garden. There is a large dark green tree on the left side of the house, and four round topiary hedges at the front, circling a gravel pathway with a small metallic statue of a cherub at its centre. The alt text from the previous image, written out in full for all to read and admire the beautiful photo. Both images feature a festive green background with snowflakes. There's also a Christmas tree shaped logo which says: "Alt text advent" on it.
December 19, 2025 at 12:05 PM
rnib.bsky.social
Alt text advent, day 18.

Two accessible cat pics in a row? We really are treating you.

Grumpy cat, you will always be famous. 😻
A grumpy cat meme with text reading: “Dashing through the no.” The famous cat, emerging from underneath festive wrapping paper and foliage, is cream and light brown, with dark ears and blue eyes. Its brow and mouth are prominently downturned, giving it a very grumpy expression indeed. It looks completely done with the festivities. The alt text from the previous image, written out in full for all to read and admire the grumpy cuteness. Both images feature a festive green background with snowflakes. There's also a Christmas tree shaped logo which says: "Alt text advent" on it.
December 18, 2025 at 4:13 PM