Blindcare

15/10/2026

On International White Cane Safety Day we are asking what if emerging technology could transform life with vision impairment?

We are launching an Emerging Technology Pilot to explore how new wearable and smart mobility devices, including smart glasses and WeWALK smart canes, could support our students with mobility, access to information, and day‑to‑day independence.

Our 2026 Christmas Appeal will enable us to begin work on this exciting project and we can’t wait to get started!

The Christmas Appeal will be called What if? and will launch on the 1 December.

What if RNC students help shape how emerging technology is used for vision impairment?

Stay tuned for more news on this exciting project and to learn how you can get involved.

Sign up to our supporter newsletter here: https://app.donorfy.com/form/YF9ACP4Q08/UR6DU

15/10/2026

Today is International White Cane Safety Day! A white cane is a fundamental tool that provides independence, safety, and mobility for people who are blind or vision impaired.

The white cane translates physical surroundings into tactile and auditory feedback, detecting obstacles, surface textures, and audible cues. Beyond clearing a physical path, it also serves as an essential signal to drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians that the user has a vision impairment.

Today is an important reminder for all of us to be mindful of everyday obstacles. Whether it's street furniture, an overgrown hedge, or a vehicle parked on the pavement, keeping paths clear makes a world of difference to those with a vision impairment.

We're sharing this informative piece again - recorded last year by our Head of Mobility and Independence, Gareth, and student, Oscar - to mark White Cane Safety Day.

[Media description: A slide show of students in various locations using white canes (indoors, on city streets, hiking outdoors). A staff member and student talk over the slide show - the staff member explains the different types of cane available and the student describes how he uses his cane.]

14/10/2026

Are you organised, enthusiastic, and passionate about helping people? If so, we are currently hiring and would love to hear from you.

RNC is looking for a part-time Marketing Enquiries Officer to join the team. In this varied role, you will be at the heart of our student recruitment by handling enquiries, co-ordinating open days and campus tours, supporting marketing campaigns, and helping prospective students and their families take life-changing steps towards independence.

If this sounds like a job for you, read more and apply here: https://rnc.ac.uk/work-for-us/jobs/

14/09/2026

What does true inclusion look like in post-16 education?

Natspec has launched a landmark report exploring inclusion from the perspective of specialist college students and leaders. We are proud that students and leadership team members from The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) contributed directly to this important research.

Key takeaways from the report emphasise that inclusion is not simply about location or placing every student in a mainstream setting. True inclusion means:

- providing tailored support, specialist equipment, and high aspirations where learners feel safe and understood.

- empowering young people to have real control over their choices, learning pathways, and independence.

- providing a genuine sense of belonging where disabled young people are celebrated for who they are.

Specialist colleges like RNC provide the foundation for disabled young people to build skills, confidence, and independence for an included future in wider society.

Read Natspec’s full report here: https://natspec.org.uk/policy/inclusion-report/

10/09/2026

This week is Remember a Charity Week, and you could support young people with visual impairment by leaving a gift in your Will!

Once you have taken care of family and friends, a gift to The Royal National College for the Blind can help future generations of young people with blindness and visual impairment shape their own futures.

A gift in your Will helps RNC provide the specialist resources and opportunities that enable students to grow in confidence and prepare for adult life.

Your legacy. Their future.

For more information visit: https://www.rnc.ac.uk/giftinwill

Every gift, no matter its size, can help open doors for future students.

Please consider leaving a gift for RNC in your Will, after looking after your loved ones. You'll be supporting young people who are blind or partially sighted well into the future.

09/09/2026

We’re Hiring! Join the Team at RNC!

Are you passionate about making a real difference to the lives of visually impaired young people? RNC is looking to fill the following positions:

Wellbeing Support Officer
Teacher of Assistive & Digital Technologies (ADT)

We'd love to hear from you. Find out more and apply today at www.rnc.ac.uk/jobs

06/07/2026

In case you missed it on ITV's This Morning, former Strictly professional Janette Manrara visited RNC to check out the final ballroom class of the year.

From building confidence to bringing pure joy, these students are proving that everyone has a place on the dance floor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTcoSsSaPMU&t=47s

Thanks to Step Change Studios and Translucent Dance Studio

When ex Strictly Professional, Janette Manrara, visits RNC's final ...

29/06/2026

RNC's Blind Football team took to the pitch at St George's Park for the EE Disability FA Cup Final at the weekend. West Bromwich Albion Blind proved to be a formidable opponent and while the scoreline didn't go our way (full time 5-2), the grit, determination, and spirit of the RNC team shone through until the final whistle. A huge shoutout to Mikey Poulli for fighting back with two incredible late goals!

You can read the full match report here: https://www.rnc.ac.uk/news-item.aspx?id=350

You can watch the full match here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmIjFftJPBA&t=506s

Match footage of the Blind Final of the 2026 EE Disability FA Cup b...

05/06/2026

Huge weekend ahead for Owen and Gareth! While most of us are planning a relaxing weekend, these two are gearing up for a massive challenge. They are taking on the Hereford Sprint Triathlon on Sunday 7 June!

It’s all for an incredible cause supporting RNC. Every single pound donated helps provide greater opportunities for our students, funding activities, equipment, and experiences that make College life richer, more accessible, and more ambitious.

Let's show Owen and Gareth some major support! Please donate if you can, cheer them on in the comments, and share this post!

Support their journey here:
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/herefordtriathlon2026

27/04/2026

Can A Level Biology work for blind and vision‑impaired students? Absolutely.

A Cambridge OCR blog written by Andri Achilleos following a recent visit to the College, shows how a traditionally visual subject can be made genuinely accessible, and how closely this work aligns with the Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with Vision Impairment (CFVI).

Through tactile diagrams, 3D models and well‑embedded assistive technology, students are able to take part fully in practical science, without lowering expectations. Just as importantly, they’re building the skills and confidence needed to access learning more independently.

Congratulations to RNC's Teacher in Charge of Biology, Annie Cook, and her students, who helped inform this piece. It’s wonderful to see the College's expertise, experience, and commitment to inclusive practice reflected so clearly.

It’s a great reminder that inclusive curriculum design isn’t about simplifying or narrowing choices but about thoughtful adaptation and giving students fair access to meaningful qualifications.

You can read Andri's blog here:
https://www.ocr.org.uk/blog/can-a-level-biology-work-for-vision-impaired-and-blind-students/

If you’d like to find out more about our A Level Biology course visit: https://www.rnc.ac.uk/biology.aspx

Read more about the CFVI here: https://www.rnib.org.uk/professionals/education-professionals/cfvi/