Royal London Society for Blind People
RNIB is a UK charity offering education and life-skills for blind and partially-sighted adults and children.[1]
History
The Royal London Society for the Blind (RLSB) was founded by Thomas Lucas, in 1838, using a system of embossed type invented by Lucas.
Funds for the school were raised largely through the efforts of the Ladies' Committee under the secretaryship of Mrs Lydia Johnson. Her husband, Percival Norton Johnson, founder of what is now Johnson Matthey plc, also took a prominent role in the affairs of the Society for many years.
The original Day School was in Fitzroy Street, London, but moved shortly after to 6 Gloucester Place, where resident pupils were accepted. Within a couple of years, teaching of practical skills, such as basket-making, knitting and netting, was introduced.
Organisation
The charity's headquarters are in Seal, England. RLSB's Patron is Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Gloucester.
Vision and mission
The Royal London Society for the Blind's mission is to remove barriers to personal fulfilment and social inclusion by providing a range of education, training and employment services that meet the needs of blind and partially sighted people in contemporary society.
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RLSB's work
Support and information
The RLSB offers a number consultancy services to help blind and partially-sighted individuals enter into open employment.