#MakeAppsAccessible

Modern transport is becoming ever more reliant on smartphone-based applications to provide passengers with the information they need. Our work focusses on making sure that new technology works for blind and partially sighted (BPS) people by removing accessibility issues, not imposing new ones.

Smartphone-based technology offers new opportunities to make independent travel easier for BPS people. These must work alongside wider packages of support and accessible transport infrastructure to be effective.

Our Sight Loss Councils regularly test new apps with transport authorities and demonstrate how to harness their value for BPS passengers. We also regularly run national campaigns to highlight the opportunities apps offer to national bodies.

Network Rail staff and Bristol Sight Loss Council members, joined by Thomas Pocklington Trust staff, stood in a line near a platform at Bristol Temple Meads railway station. They are facing the camera and smiling.First station in the country to launch audio guide for blind and partially sighted peopleNetwork Rail has teamed up with Bristol Sight Loss Council (BSLC) to launch a first-of-its-kind audio guide to Bristol Temple Meads station, to assist blind and partially sighted people with wayfinding. Read more
GAAD bannerSight Loss Councils testing tech to boost independence – Global Accessibility Awareness DayThis Global Accessibility Awareness Day we would like to highlight some of the ways Sight Loss Councils have been using accessible tech in innovative ways to improve experiences for blind and partially sighted people! Read more
Members of Bedfordshire SLC are stood with Samantha Leftwich, Engagement Manager for East England. They are stood on a platform at Stevenage train station as part of the Aira trial. They are all holding their smartphones in one hand, their long cane in the other.SLCs trial smartphone app to improve assistance at stationsSight Loss Councils are working with Govia Thameslink Railway to trial an app that connects blind and partially sighted people to a remote advisor to improve assistance in railway stations. Read more
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