It began publishing literature in braille, selling braille writing frames and teaching individuals how to read and write in braille. More than a century later the technology which makes braille production possible has become increasingly sophisticated enabling greater amounts of material to be transcribed. Today RNIB is Europe's largest braille publisher providing an enormous range of literature from our Production Centre in Peterborough. Publications include books, leaflets, magazines, exam papers, knitting patterns and even bills and bank statements. Since its first issue in 1927, over five and a half million copies of the Braille Radio Times have been produced.
Braille music is also in demand from blind singers and musicians.
While the adoption of braille was a very important landmark in allowing access to information, Armitage realised it was worth very little without education. The Society therefore began providing educational facilities for children and young adults. The first schools to be opened were the Sunshine House Schools from 1918 onwards. They were founded as homes for young blind children and the first one, at Chorleywood in Hertfordshire, had an intake of 25 blind infants. Since then it has been recognised that the needs of blind and partially sighted children are more complex.