30 March 2026

Working Together for Accessibility: A2i and RNIB

At A2i, accessibility has always been at the heart of what we do. So, when the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) approached us about supporting with their personal transcription service, it felt like a wonderful natural step in a relationship that has been growing quietly in the background for many years.

A2i and RNIB have crossed paths countless times since A2i was founded in 1999. Over the years, RNIB has been both a respected competitor and the most recognisable name in our field – a leading advocate for accessible information. We’ve been listed in their directory of transcription companies for many years, and our shared purpose has kept us connected.

That connection deepened in 2025 when RNIB made changes to how its personal transcription service is run. This service enables individuals to request braille, large print, audio and other accessible formats free of charge. While specialist braille music transcription requests are still carried out in-house by RNIB, all other personal transcription is delivered through the partnership with A2i. RNIB selected A2i for our reputation for quality, accuracy, and fast turnaround times.

How RNIB and A2i Transcription Service Works

Under the new arrangement, customers still contact RNIB directly with their transcription requests and once they’ve been issued a reference number, the details are passed to us at A2i. The customer then provides us with their documents. We prepare a quote for RNIB to approve, then begin the work. When the transcription is complete, we send the accessible documents straight to the customer along with any original materials they have provided us, and RNIB funds the order.

The first few months working together involved some fine-tuning of the process to ensure communication flowed smoothly and that customers continued to receive the fast, personal service they were used to. Now, the system runs seamlessly, and we’ve completed over 260 orders so far, ranging from family recipes and knitting patterns to personalised birthday cards and choral scores. These everyday items might seem quite ordinary, but for the people who receive them, they represent equal access to the everyday things that bring joy, connection, and opportunity.

We know how important this continuity is for people who rely on accessible formats every day. Many individuals have told RNIB that keeping a centralised, trusted, and consistent service – supported by RNIB and delivered by an expert provider – gives them confidence that quality and accessibility standards are maintained.

Delivering Accessible Formats Across the UK

Working closely with RNIB has reminded us that accessibility is about more than transcription – it’s about connection, empowerment and equality. Each document we produce, whether it’s a recipe, a novel, a piece of sheet music or a knitting pattern, helps someone participate more fully in life.

Collaborating with RNIB also ensures that accessibility is consistent and inclusive across the UK, avoiding the differences in quality that can occur when local services aren’t aligned. With a simple, centralised process, people know exactly where to turn for high-quality accessible formats, wherever they live. We’re proud to be working alongside RNIB, keeping this essential service running and to play our part in making accessible information available to individuals across the UK.

The positive feedback we’ve received from customers has been so wonderful to hear – a real reflection of the teamwork and care behind every order. Every thank-you message reminds us why accessibility matters…

“Please accept our sincere appreciation for such an excellent job, we shall never hesitate to use your reputable service again.”

“The book arrived this morning and it’s just what I was after. Thank you ever so much for doing this for me, I very much appreciate it.”

“Thank you for ‘Best-Ever Chicken Recipes’ – received yesterday. Very good Braille as usual.”

“Thank you all for the time and efforts you’ve gone to with transcribing this book into large print, it’s excellent and really beautifully produced.”

The Future of Accessible Transcription Services

As we continue to build on this work alongside RNIB, we’re excited to see where it leads. Demand for high-quality accessible transcription is growing, and there’s plenty of room for innovation, especially in areas like braille music and tactile diagrams.

Feedback from the community has shown us that people value a service that’s fast, reliable, and backed by RNIB’s standards. Together, we’re working to keep that trust strong while exploring new ways to innovate.

Accessibility isn’t a service, it’s a shared responsibility, and connections like ours with RNIB show what can be achieved when organisations come together with the same purpose: to make information accessible to everyone.

We’re proud to support RNIB in shaping the future of accessibility – and we’re excited for what comes next.

If you’d like to find out more about our accessible transcription services, or how we can convert your documents into braille, large print, audio or e-text, get in touch with our team. We’d love to help you.

Telephone: 01179 44 00 44
Email: info@a2i.co.uk
Website: www.a2i.co.uk