Talking Newsletter for the Visually Impaired

This project has a large amount of interaction with members of the public. While the usual visual aids in the form of signage and barriers along with printed newsletters and information boards are suitable for the majority of people, they are of little benefit to those who are visually impaired. Through pre-start site visits it was apparent that there were a number of visually impaired people who regularly use the area, and so the project team were keen to ensure they were also made aware of the project and what work was taking place.

As part of their community engagement, the site’s public liaison officer made contact with the RNIB who put her in touch with a local organisation who produce a weekly talking newspaper. The Northallerton and District Talking Newspaper is produced by a team of 25 volunteers who record a news programme each month with the aim to alleviate loneliness and isolation amongst the local blind and visually impaired communities.

The contractor approached the charity to see if they could add a section about the work they are carrying out, and now use the charity to let local residents with visual impairments know about major changes to the project area, for example where the works are currently taking place in relation to shops and landmarks which they use to navigate by, and the positioning of temporary pedestrian crossing points.