We’re proud to have published a report in partnership with RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) that explores how technology can help more blind and partially sighted people to travel with confidence.
The new report marks the end of the first phase of our Travel Well with Tech project, a three-year initiative with RNIB that brings together lived experience, research, and expertise to explore how digital tools can support more independent and enjoyable journeys.
Understanding the barriers to travel
For many, using a smartphone, GPS or travel app is second nature. But for people living with sight loss, the experience can be very different. Across the UK, two-thirds of blind and partially sighted people feel unable to make all the journeys they want to on foot or by public transport.
The first phase of this project set out to understand why these challenges exist, and how we might address them.
Through national surveys, in-depth workshops, and real-world journey observations, the research explored the emotional and physical barriers to technology and travel across a broad spectrum of people with sight loss, from hesitant travellers and tech novices to confident and digitally skilled people.
Key insights
The Phase One report highlights how new tech solutions are not necessarily the answer for many people with sight loss.
Instead, the research shows the greatest roadblocks are emotional barriers, often made worse when people feel they lack the ability, skills, or motivation to try existing tech solutions.
When observing people with sight loss on a journey that introduced new factors, such as a different route, it became clear how important adaptability and problem-solving skills are when travelling. This further reinforced how mindset and attitude are key considerations when introducing technology to travel.
The key learning was that technology only becomes empowering when people are supported to discover, learn and choose what works for them.
What’s next: Designing solutions together
Building on these findings, the next phase of Travel Well with Tech will focus on developing solutions to overcome these barriers.
Alongside people with sight loss and other key stakeholders, we will be designing and testing practical learning resources to help raise awareness, encourage curiosity, build confidence and develop skills in using technology to make journeys.
These resources will address the highest priority gaps and aim to deliver the highest impact for blind and partially sighted people and their families.
A partnership for inclusive innovation
The Travel Well with Tech project is part of a wider partnership between RNIB and the Motability Foundation. Together, we’re working to tackle some of the biggest barriers to accessible travel through innovation, collaboration and lived experience.
This partnership brings together expertise, networks and resources to shape future transport systems and enable disabled people to make the journeys they choose.
Nicola Gampell, Transport Solutions Manager:
“We want to ensure that accessibility and inclusivity are at the heart of travel. Together, we’re committed to transforming how, when and where disabled people choose to travel. This report indicates how vital it is to consider the emotional complexities of making a journey. Assistive technology has a vital role to play in accessible journeys – though effective training, advice and guidance must also be provided to help users build the confidence and capabilities to apply it.”