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The popular image of a blind person is of someone who is young, totally blind, reads Braille, musical, happy, loves animals and has bionic hearing. However reality is somewhat different - the visually impaired population is far from homogeneous and has very varied needs and aspirations. This report describes some of the scientific and technological research which has been done to alleviate their problems, with special emphasis on projects in which the RNIB Scientific Research Unit has been involved. Technological developments have helped visually impaired people, but they have also resulted in extra problems. For instance the increasing use of terminals with visual displays, such as cash dispensers and mobile phones, mean that access to services may be restricted for those who cannot read the visual display. The general approach has been to encourage designers to incorporate features in the standard product which will help people with disabilities. If this is insufficient, then to incorporate a standard method of connecting the user's own device which has an appropriate user interface. But if neither of these approaches provides a satisfactory solution, then special equipment will be needed. Inclusive design is not just adding an extra feature to a product to meet the perceived needs of a disabled user. It is a process, like quality, which has to be considered at every stage in developing a new product or service. This requires companies to promote a culture of inclusion within their organisation. It also requires detailed technical guidelines on the design features required by the various groups of disabled users.
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