@rnibni
We're the Royal National Institute of Blind People in Northern Ireland and we support people living with sight loss. Our Profile image shows the text RNIB Northern Ireland on a white background above a pink line with the words see differently beneath.
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.”
This is the energy everyone needs to take into 2026. Adding alt text always set to 'on'🥳
#HappyNewYear #2026 #NewYear #NewYearsEve
Join with over 1500 people with sight loss, friends and allies in our Northern Ireland Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/RNIBConnectNI
Find out about upcoming events, get help with any queries about new tech, and feel part of something bigger!
Image shows @communities_ni Minister @gordonlyonsmla1 pictured with Deena Nimick from the Centre for Independent Living Northern Ireland and Paula Beattie from RNIB at the launch of the consultation of the Executive Disability Strategy.
Minister Gordon Lyons has launched the consultation on the NI Executive’s Disability Strategy. RNIB NI said: “We want to ensure lived experience of sight loss is central to the shaping, implementation and review of this strategy.” A 14 week consultation is now open: bit.ly/490E15G
In episode 3 of the RNIB NI Podcast, Mike Farrar, NI Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health joins us for a fascinating discussion and as November is #DiabetesAwarenessMonth Suzy Hull from Diabetes UK NI talks about the importance of screening.
audioboom.com/posts/880132...
Our next Tech Support Hub will take place on Tuesday 4 November in our Victoria House, Belfast office. Drop in between 11am and 1pm with your device and any tech related queries and we can hopefully help. https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/assistive-aids-and-technology/
This image shows Joe and Laura in front of the TV camera being interviewed about Tech Fair 2025. Behind the camera sits the journalist and behind Joe and Laura is a wall in the RNIB NI Belfast conference room displaying the words 'Breaking down barriers for people with sight loss'
Tune into That's TV tonight to listen to Joe and Laura talk about the RNIB NI Technology Fair 2026!
Watch That's TV on Freeview channel 7 and Virgin Media channel 159.
Visitor registration is now open for the 2026 RNIB Northern Ireland Technology Fair! We hope to see you there! https://RNIBTechFair26.eventbrite.co.uk
More info on confirmed exhibitors and Tech Talk speakers to come soon! Please share the word!
Image shows Professor Mark Taylor, Regional Clinical Director for Elective Care standing at the lectern at the NICON conference holding a saw up
We loved listen to Professor Mark Taylor, Regional Clinical Director for Elective Care, speaking at #NICON25 today. He certainly had an interesting approach to chairing a panel on Waiting Lists lol!
Image shows Danny Donnelly sitting in stage as part of a panel discussion with two women on either side of him
@dannydonnelly1.bsky.social, MLA and member of the APGVI, at the #NICON25 waiting lists session. He mentioned that one of his top 3 priorities is 'waiting well', which is great to hear
Image shows RNIB NI’s Gillian Clifford and Mary Alice Clancy standing with Mr Philip McGuigan, MLA, Chairperson of the NI Health Committee. The trio stand between the RNIB table and the Committee for Health stand
Image is a zoomed in shot of Mr McGuigan’s wrist wearing an RNIB branded bracelet as he speaks on the panel
We were delighted get a chat with @philipmcguigan.bsky.social, MLA, Chair of the NI Health Committee at #NICON25 RNIB NI’s Gillian and Mary Alice spoke to Mr McGuigan about the heath issues facing blind and partially sighted people, including issues around waiting lists! Great to have his support
Sir Stephen Marmot, whose work on health inequalities underpins everything you'll hear from DoH, particularly on fuel poverty #NICON25
We're at stand 43.
You can still register to join live/virtually at: www.nhsconfed.org/events/nicon...
@hscni.bsky.social @health-ni.gov.uk @niconfederation.bsky.social
White text on pink and blue background: Standing with you through every challenge
We're looking forward to joining other health and social care professionals at #NICON25 to explore how we can work collectively to stabilise, reform and deliver Health and Social Care for the future. We'll be talking: waiting times, *accessible* information and early intervention #EyeCareWeCare
“It’s recommended to have an eye test at least every two years”. A yellow graphic with black text. Below is an image of a calendar with ‘Eye test!’ circled on 25 September.
It’s National Eye Health Week, time to book an eye test if you’re due one 🗓 Regular eye tests are an important health check for your eyes, even if you have no current problems with your vision. Over 50 per cent of sight loss is avoidable. Get checked out. Your eyes will love you, and so will we.
Have you heard of Camel Case? It's a hashtag convention referring to capitalising the first letter of each word in a hashtag, ensuring they are read out correctly by screen readers and easier to read visually. Find out more about making your social media accessible. https://bit.ly/4cw04zS
This image is a graphic with head and shoulders shot of Laura on the right surrounded by social media logos. On the left, text reads, 'Social Media Conference, Belfast. Laura Cummings, PR and Communications Manager, RNIB Northern Ireland. 11.09.25. Titanic, Belfast
We are excited to announce that our PR and Communications Manager Laura Cummings has been asked to speak about Social media accessibility at this year's #SocialMediaBelfast conference on Thursday, 11 Sept. Everyone should be able to join the online conversation!
“92% of blind and partially sighted people have had to walk into the road to avoid street obstacles”. Graphic with a car outline and a line to represent a road.
🚧Pavement parking, uneven streets, obstacles like bin bags, overhanging branches, and electric bikes and e-scooters.
There are an increasing number of obstacles which can stop blind and partially sighted people from walking around safely and confidently. https://t.co/pSCfEdgJ2z
Smiley face on yellow background with white pink on pink background below reading: How to make blind and partially sighted people happy on social media - A quick and easy guide
Here's some tips to make social media content accessible for your blind and partially sighted followers:
1. Add alt text to images
2. Use only 1-2 emojis per post
3. Ensure videos are audio-led or have audio descriptions
4. Write hashtags in Camel Case
For more, visit rnib.in/AccessibleSocialMedia
Image shows a photo of podcast hosts Joe and Micheal sitting in the recording studio smiling at the camera. there’s a pink banner at the top and bottom with wite writing at the top reads ‘It’s the new ‘RNIB NI Podcast’!’ Wording at the bottom reads ‘Listen up, speak up, break down barriers.’
It’s here!
Episode 1 of the new RNIB NI Podcast
Listen up, speak up, break down barriers.
We’ve called this first episode ‘Disability is a team sport’, hosts Joe Kenny and Micheal Smith discuss RNIB NI’s key campaigns and we hear from Country Director for NI Robert Shilliday.
bit.ly/4lY8apw
Got a question about sight loss or want to know more about RNIB support services? Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999.
Open Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm.
Email helpline@rnib.org.uk or say: "Alexa, call RNIB Helpline"
Our specialist Helpline team are waiting for your call.
www.rnib.org.uk/helpline
Over shoulder image of someone being shown how to use a tablet computer
Coming to Ballymena Central Library on Thursday 18 September - Would you like to get more confident with using a smartphone or tablet? Find out about free one to one sessions through 'Go ON NI'. To register interest contact: daniel.mccurdy@librariesni.org.uk or Ballymena library on 028 2563 3950
Discover RNIB’s Belfast Products and Advice Centre. We're here to help you live independently and confidently.
Try accessible products
Get free expert advice
Book a demo or consultation
Invite us to your local event
#RNIBNI #SeeDifferently #RNIBProductsAndAdviceCentre
shop.rnib.org.uk/stores
#RNIBBookshare enables learners who cannot read standard print, including those with dyslexia or who are blind or partially sighted, to read the same books, at the same time as their peers. Find out how to get access for the school year ahead today #InclusiveEducation https://www.rnibbookshare.org/
Photo of two young children sitting at table holding their glasses of juice up to 'cheers' and smiling. White Text on bright pink background below reads 'Happy Saturday!', with confetti popper graphics bursting in each bottom corner towards the centre
Did you know that you can set up a reminder to add Alt Text on BlueSky? Just go to Settings, then Accessibility and make sure "Require alt text before posting" is toggled on - it’s a handy way to make sure you never forget, and it helps blind and partially sighted people to enjoy your posts!
Group of approx 6 people of various ages round table at previous Apple store session with phones and tablets out listening to Apple store genius
Curious about making your iPhone or iPad more user-friendly? Join us on 9 or 16 September at the Belfast Apple Store for hands-on workshops to discover tools like Voiceover (9 Sept), Zoom, Spoken Content, Magnifier, and more! To reserve your spot contact fiona.joyce@rnib.org.uk or 07514 623182
#Ballyclare
Did you catch our Head of Advice Brenda Kearns on UTV Northern Ireland last night ➡️ www.itv.com/news/utv/202...
If you or a loved one has questions about top up fees for nursing or residential care, call our advice line 0808 808 7575 or visit our website www.ageni.org/advice
Photo shows 13 smiling group members sitting on the grass and picnic blankets at Hillsborough gardens with sun shining and shades on
We love helping people find the joy in being together. Our 18-35s group had another fab day at Hillsborough Castle Gardens last week. We've karaoke coming up next month on 27th September. If you fancy joining the craic, contact fiona.joyce@rnib.org.uk. The more the merrier!
Old black and white drawing of the 'Grand Opera House and Cirque' as it was then known, circa 1895 on its opening. Image shows horse and carraiges passing in front, entrance is on the corner of Glengall street with entrances showing 'Dress Circle', 'stalls and boxes', upper circle.
The #GrandOperaHouse in #Belfast is running an audio described heritage talk on Wednesday 13 August,12.30pm - cost £5. Learn about what happens backstage during a performance and explore the symbolism of the elephants, stars and other decorative features in the auditorium. To book, call 02890271919
Another month, another chance to share our programme of activities happening across NI. From walking and talking, to paddle boards and picnics, it’s all going on.
Visit our website and if something takes your fancy, just get in touch. #OutAndAbout #WhatsOnInNI #RNIB
www.rnib.org.uk/nations/nort...