💫 Passionate about supporting the blind & partially sighted community
💫 Home of RealSAM Pocket and Re Find out more at www.realsam.co.uk
RealSAM Pocket is the fully voice-controlled mobile phone, media player and assistant for people with sight loss. RealSAM Pocket launched in the UK in 2018, in partnership with the RNIB and O2, as an easy to use mobile phone with features to help Blind and Visually Impaired people. These features include unlimited access to audio books, newspapers, magazines, podcasts and radio stations plus an inbuilt magnifier, navigation support and video access to Be My Eyes. In 2022, RealSAM Pocket launched in the US wth new features including optical character recognition to read printed or handwritten text and object recognition. With a range of contract and pricing options available, there is a RealSAM Pocket product that's right for you.
08/11/2025
Accessibility tech keeps getting smarter — and we’ve explored five must-try apps that are making daily life easier for blind and low-vision users.
From reading menus to navigating new places, these tools help you live more independently — and show how technology can make inclusion effortless.
Discover all five apps and our accessibility tips in the full blog post via the link below 🔗
Representation matters — and these incredible UK voices are proving that accessibility isn’t a barrier, it’s a spark.
From adventurers to advocates, we’re spotlighting blind and low-vision changemakers across the UK who are reshaping how we travel, create, and connect.
Their stories remind us that inclusion is more than design — it’s leadership, courage, and creativity.
Read the full post on our blog via the link below and tell us: who inspires you most?
Side-by-side photos of Royal Navy veteran and baker Penny Melville-Brown. Photo on the right taken by Joshua Bratt: https://joshuabratt.co.uk/
03/11/2025
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, by Alexander McCall Smith
Warm, gentle, and full of wisdom, narrated by Adjoa Andoh.
What it’s about:
In Botswana, Precious Ramotswe uses observation and kindness to solve everyday mysteries. A beloved classic about community and character that celebrates patience and empathy— a perfect feel-good listen for the season.
Clever, funny, and very British — a comforting listen for dark evenings. Narrated by Lesley Manville.
What it’s about:
The Thursday Murder Club is back and tangled in a case of stolen diamonds and dangerous secrets. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron prove once again that age is no barrier to adventure (or mischief). Warm, witty, and full of heart.
Perfect for quiet November moments — uplifting and thought-provoking, narrated by Carey Mulligan.
What it’s about:
Between life and death lies a library where every book offers a different life. Nora Seed must choose which stories she’ll live — and discover what makes life worth living. Reflective, hopeful, and beautifully written.
🎧 How to Choose the Perfect Audiobook for Low Vision
Not all audiobooks are created equal — especially when it comes to accessibility. The right narration style, pacing, and voice tone can completely transform your listening experience.
In our latest blog post, we share what to look for when choosing an audiobook that fits your needs, including:
Accessible Autumn Activities for Blind and Low Vision People Across the UK
🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁
Want to enjoy autumn across the UK? Discover accessible activities for blind and low vision individuals, from tactile art exhibitions to sensory nature walks, community events, and inclusive festivals. Embrace the season fully!
Click here to read the full post:
Image description: The image is black and white, composed of nine square portraits, each depicting a person holding a large, oval-shaped, light-colored object. The subjects are of various ages and ethnicities. The positioning of the subjects is straightforward, each centered within their respective square. To the right of the grid of photos is a yellow block of colour explaining that the image is a promotional photograph for an exhibition titled Beyond the Visual, A free exhibition running 8 November 2025 — 8 March 2026 at the Henry Moore Institute in Leeds.
Autumn Cooking Tips for Blind and Low Vision People 🍁🍂
Autumn flavours, accessible cooking! From pumpkins and apples to hearty stews, our tips help blind and low vision cooks prepare seasonal meals safely and confidently. Make your kitchen a warm, sensory space this autumn.
Click the link in our bio to read the full post!
Image description: An overhead view of an autumn-style meal spread out on a round wooden table. Dishes containing mashed potatoes, gravy, sliced turkey, rolls, roasted vegetables (like broccoli), and sliced meats (possibly ham or roast beef) are arranged on numerous plates and bowls, arranged amongst fallen leaves. A hand can be seen reaching to grab a serving utensil, suggesting the food is being shared. The arrangement is somewhat informal but also organized, designed for family-style sharing. A cloth napkin is folded in the background. The lighting is diffused and warm, casting soft shadows.
08/10/2025
👁️ Happy World Sight Day 2025!
In honour of this World Sight Day’s theme; , and in celebration of the visually impaired community, we are shining a light on stories that matter— and we want to hear from you!
We want to know which book this year has…
- Made you laugh? 😂
- Changed your perspective? 📖
- Kept you hooked for hours? ⏳
Head over to our RealSAM BookClub Facebook forum and share your recommendation with a community of fellow readers. You never know which story could change someone’s life!
The RealSAM Phone now runs on the Samsung Galaxy A16, giving blind and low vision users a faster, more reliable, and fully accessible smartphone experience. Enjoy super-fast charging, a 50MP camera, a large 6.7″ screen, and all the features you need to stay independent and connected.
Experience modern technology designed with accessibility at its core!
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when RealSam UK posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
The voice controlled smart phone & media player for people with sight loss
RealSAM In Your Pocket is the UK’s first fully voice-activated smart phone, media player and personal assistant for its two million people living with sight loss*.
The result of a two-year collaboration between the RNIB, O2 and Australian Artificial Intelligence developers, RealThing AI, In Your Pocket features a simple accessible voice interface, where users can ask ‘SAM’ for help in everyday life. This includes turning on its inbuilt video magnifier when reading labels while shopping, or its custom-built navigation software that allows users to bookmark landmarks when travelling alone and be guided back with direction and distance. SAM also connects directly to Be My Eyes, an online community of over two million volunteers who help people with sight loss through a live video call.
Recently launched on the Galaxy xCover 4s and now IP68 rated, In Your Pocket is waterproof, with an extended battery life and faster processor. Prices start at £25.99 a month as part of a two-year contract, offering unlimited access to RealSAM In Your Pocket’s entertainment library, UK calls and texts and a choice of data plan with O2.
All customers are offered 121 telephone support with setting up their handset and have access to a UK based helpline staffed by both a sighted and visually impaired team. – Call 0333 772 7708 to reserve yours now or visit www.inyourpocket.net
*RNIB Eye health and sight loss stats and facts, April 2018
