Vision: Impossible

  October is Blindness Awareness Month. It is a chance to shed light, open eyes and minds, to show people what it really means to live with vision loss. It’s not just a chance to talk about statistics or eye conditions. It’s an opportunity to learn about the people that it affects — their independence, resilience. It is also a chance to learn about the impact that it has on their friends and families. It is also a great opportunity to talk about the creativity that goes into the daily navigation of a world that was built for those who are sighted. it’s a reminder of how far the world has come, how much room there still is for improvement, and how powerful it is when people start to truly understand blindness. More than just what meets the eye When people hear the word “blind,” many imagine living in total darkness, but that is not the case for most, only 10 to 15% of people with vision loss see nothing at all. Blindness is a spectrum. Some people see light and shapes; others ha...

When people talk about accessibility, they often jump to the features that were designed only for those with disabilities. But universal design is something bigger. It's about creating spaces, products, and technology that work for everyone, no matter their ability, age, or circumstance.  The concept was developed in the 1970s–80s by architect Ronald Mace, who used a wheelchair himself. He believed that good design should serve everyone, not just those who fit a “standard” mould.  There are seven internationally recognised principles that contribute to universal design. These are... Equitable Use. This ensures that the design is useful and marketable to people with varying degrees of ability. Flexibility in Use. This ensures that the design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. Simple and Intuitive Use. This ensures that the design is easy to understand, regardless of a user’s experience, knowledge, or language skills. Perceptible Information. This...

On the afternoon of 21st September 2025, Retina UK organised for their young adult peer support group to climb the O2.   There was a group of young adults plus others who were supporting the group as we climbed.  Meeting outside the venue at 13:15, we gathered for a safety briefing and got kitted up, with shoes, a harness and a jacket if we needed it.  The climb At the start, there were a few short flights of stairs to climb. Once the group made it to the start, a picture was taken then the climb began.  (Image shows a group of people standing in front of the to O2. A few of the people are wearing Retina UK branded caps while others are wearing Retina UK branded T-shirts. Some people are holding long white canes and some are also warring sunglasses.)  The bridge was suspended just above the O2 dome. The bridge is blue and depending where you are in relation to the top, it was either ridged to provide extra grip or smooth as the extra grip was not require...