There may not be many people who are aware of the excellent scheme that is run by the Royal Mail to help people who are registered blind or partially sighted. This system allows some items to be sent through the post free of charge.
Articles for the Blind is a scheme for blind and visually impaired customers of Royal Mail who are registered as blind under the provisions of the National Assistance Act 1948 or people who have a standard of close-up vision, with spectacles of N12 or less as certified by an ophthalmologist, doctor or ophthalmic optician. This service entitles the sender free, 1st Class or International Standard postage and is designed to support blind and visually impaired people as well as the charities that work hard to support them. It works by waiving postage (first class only) for sending such items as books, printed materials, letters and relief maps and also audio and electronic media equipment such as magnifiers and mobility aids.
Is you wish to use this service the sender simply writes ‘ARTICLES FOR THE BLIND’ on the front of the envelope and the sender’s name and address clearly on the reverse of the envelope. You will need to take your item to your local Post Office where it can be checked and sealed by the counter staff. Mail must be addressed to the blind or visually impaired person at that address not to the “The Occupier” or “Dear Customer” etc for this service to be used.