Visibility Scotland

30/03/2026

As we move into spring, brighter light, glare, and changing weather can affect how people with vision impairments navigate. Small adjustments can make a big difference when it comes to safety and accessibility. Some examples include:

- Wearing tinted, anti-glare lenses outdoors
- Using consistent landmarks
- Allowing extra time in unfamiliar places

Let us know your top tips for coping with the brighter sunshine (rare though it may be) in the comments below!

ID: Visibility Scotland staff member Lydia stands outside smiling. She is wearing Cocoon anti-glare glasses, a blue Visibility Scotland top, and a yellow jacket.

26/03/2026

Our April programme is jam packed with activities and events for vision impaired and blind people of all ages. Check it out at the link below!

Accessible activities and events happening at Visibility Scotland in April 2026- Visibility Scotland April 2026 programme

24/03/2026

At Visibility Scotland, we value and centre lived experience in everything we do. Our Social Media Content Creator, Lara, shares her personal story navigating vision impairment:

"Recovering from a stroke-like episode is hard. Especially when you are in your early twenties and it leaves you with visual field loss. You have your whole life ahead of you, then everything changes - working, travelling, meeting new people, even simple things like walking the dog, going to the shops, suddenly struggling to recognise people's faces. It is almost like the world stops right in front of you.

It takes time, but with the right support, it gets better. You start believing in not only yourself, but also the people around you are there for you as a helping hand.

I was 22 years old when I had my stroke-like episode. I now only have roughly 25% vision. Yes, it has been hard to come back from with constant hospital checkups and appointments, which sometimes can feel never-ending.

For the most part, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel because I have my confidence and independence back from not only my parents but within myself, too. I am able to do those simple things that I wasn’t able to do before, such as walk my dog independently, take the train to meet a friend without mum there, go on holiday with friends or family, and I have a great job that I love! It is the small things that you take for granted, but as a person, I haven’t changed. I feel happy and content within my life. I have my friends and family – of course, my doggie Clyde too!

I might need that helping hand here and there; however, my personal growth is great to see too."

If you or someone you know would like support, please get in touch by calling 0800 987 1087 or emailing info@visibilityscotland.org.uk

Image descriptions:

One: Lara’s Miniature Goldendoodle, Clyde, sits with his tongue out. He is wearing a forest green jacket with his collar sitting. Lara took this picture whilst walking Clyde at Troon beach.

Two: Lara stands on a bridge with Glasgow University in the background. She has long brown hair and is wearing black trousers and a blue Visibility Scotland top.

24/03/2026

Thank you so much Sam Ralfe - BlindMum for the lovely post and shoutout for our sensory space!

To any parents / caregivers of blind and vision impaired young people - our sensory space in Glasgow is open every second Friday for children aged zero to six and is free of charge to visit.

For older children and young adults we also offer a range of fun, skills based activities and workshops. Just get in touch by calling 0800 987 1087 or emailing info@visibilityscotland.org.uk to learn more.

24/03/2026

Here’s me earlier today in Glasgow, en route to deliver a session with Visibility Scotland — thanks to my husband Kenny for the lift!

It was a real pleasure to share stories from the rich folklore of Dumfries and Galloway, using sound, atmosphere and a few simple tactile elements to bring them to life. The response was fantastic, and it was brilliant to see how well it resonated with people.

I particularly enjoyed watching those reactions as the stories went on and different elements came in.

Thanks to Visibility Scotland for the kind invitation, and to everyone who took part for their enthusiasm and warmth.

More to come…

16/03/2026

Lara was just 22 when she experienced her first stroke-like episode, which left her with visual field loss. Vision Rehabilitation helped her regain independence and confidence - today she has a successful career as Visibility Scotland's Social Media Content Creator.

Read her incredible story at the link below:

Visibility Scotland is championing the campaign as part of Vision Collaborative Scotland, in partnership with Sight Scotland, Sight Scotland Veterans, Guide Dogs UK, Guide Dogs Scotland, RNIB, RNIB Scotland, Thomas Pocklington Trust, and Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland, among others. Full campaign details can be found by visiting the link in the comments.

Lara's story of regaining independence after sight loss. - Lara’s Journey: Supported by Vision Rehabilitation

12/03/2026

Our hand-knitted spring chickens and bunnies have arrived! Each one is stuffed with a delicious Cadbury Creme Egg and made with care by our wonderful staff and service users.

They’re just £2 each, with every purchase helping us continue supporting people living with vision impairments and blindness across across Scotland.

Cute, chocolatey, and for a great cause - what’s not to love?

Pop in to grab yours before they hop away, or contact us by emailing info@visibilityscotland.org.uk or calling 0800 987 1087 to reserve!

Image description: A hand knitted cream coloured bunny rabbit next to a hand knitted yellow spring chick on green grass. Both stuffies are wearing blue bows around their necks.

11/03/2026

Free companion rail travel is officially here to stay!

Back in April 2025, a year long pilot scheme trialing free rail travel for companions of vision impaired people was launched. This pilot happened as a result of the brilliant Fair Rail Campaign launched by Sight Scotland Veterans and Sight Scotland, and just today the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP, announced that free companion rail travel will become permanent!

This is a momentous step forward as a society, and huge for the freedom of vision impaired and blind people across Scotland. You can read the full news story at the link below:

Free companion rail travel is here to stay. On 11 March 2026, Fiona Hyslop MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, announced at the Cross-Party Group on Visual Impairment that free companion rail travel for blind and partially sighted people in Scotland will become permanent.

09/03/2026

Did you know there's more than one type of cane used by vision impaired and blind people?

Long guide canes are used to detect obstacles and give tactile feedback on the surface an individual is on. When not in use, the guide cane can be folded up. If you see someone with a long cane, respect their space. Do not assume that because they are using a cane, they are lost. Most people with guide canes are very independent and just going about their day.

The second type of cane is called a symbol cane. This is a thin cane often used for those who still have some remaining vision. It does not sweep along the floor like a guide cane, but is instead carried as a symbol for others that you have a vision impairment. This cane is a huge help in busy or stressful environments and is typically handheld at chest level or folded. When you see someone with a symbol cane, make sure to give them that extra space or offer support in a way that is respectful.

ID: Visibility Scotland's Information Specialist, Audrey, stands smiling whilst holding her guide cane.

06/03/2026

Easy accessibility tip: say when you’re leaving.

If you walk away from a conversation without saying anything, a person with a vision impairment may continue talking, not realising the conversation has ended.

A simple “I’m heading off now, great to speak with you” prevents awkward moments and keeps communication clear.

Accessibility is often about thoughtful social awareness, and small considerations like this can make a big difference!

Image description: A Visibility Scotland service user smiles while holding a newly potted plant. In the background, a group of people garden.

02/03/2026

When Kathy’s sight deteriorated, she felt isolated and unsure of the future. A diagnosis of Charles Bonnet syndrome knocked her confidence - until she found our community café.

Three years on, Kathy says that support from Visibility Scotland has been life-changing. She's found connection, community, and the practical tools to help her regain independence.

When asked what she'd like to say to anyone in a similar situation, Kathy responded "Come to the café on a Tuesday, you meet so many people who are in the same position as you. Even if you don’t want to take part in chatting, everyone is there for each other. It is like one big community. The staff are so friendly too!”

Visibility Scotland's free café runs between 10 AM and 1:30 PM every Tuesday and 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM every Friday at our head office: 2 Queen’s Crescent, Glasgow G4 9BW. Please note that we have now implemented a booking system due to high demand. To book a spot, please call us on 0800 987 1087 or email us at info@visibilityscotland.org.uk

ID: Kathy stands in Visibility Scotland's community room smiling. She is wearing a black top and a red cap. On the wall behind her is artwork created by Visibility Scotland service users.

01/03/2026

We are well and truly swinging into spring, and our activities and events are ramping up along with the changing weather. Check out our March programme at the link below - we have things on for vision impaired and blind people of all ages!

As always, all of our activities are completely free to our service users.

Accessible activities and events happening at Visibility Scotland in March 2026- Visibility Scotland March 2026 programme