Salford Talking News

07/05/2025

02/05/2025

We love emojis. You love emojis. Honestly, who doesn't love them?

But here's the tea: using too many can make your posts sound like a dramatic audiobook for screen reader users. Yep! Every single emoji gets read out loud by some screen readers. Imagine hearing “smiling face with heart shaped eyes” ten times in a row... now that’s a lot of love.

All we ask is to keep it to one or two emojis per post, and before you drop that seemingly innocent fruit or symbol, give it a quick emoji-check on Emojipedia because not every emoji means what you think it does. (We’re talking about you, eggplant 🍆.)

[Image Description: [Image description: There are two lists of dos and don’ts that are in a white box overlaid on a pink background. To the left is a list of the Do’s. The list of text reads ‘Limit emojis to no more than one per post, check the meaning of your emoji on Emojipedia as the meanings don't always translate, and use emojis that work well on both light and dark backgrounds.
To the right, there is a list of the Don’ts. The list of text reads ‘Don’t put emojis in the middle of a sentence or to replace any words, don’t put emojis before an important message or call to action and don’t use repeated or too many emojis.’]

30/04/2025

20/04/2025

This World Art Day, we’re celebrating Kimberley, a blind artist whose creativity has carried her through some of life’s toughest chapters.

Born partially sighted, Kimberley turned to art as her vision declined, using it as a way to process trauma and reconnect with herself.

“I was trying to find myself through making art. I now realise this was art therapy. Even now, I use it to heal.”

With support from us, Kimberley accessed counselling, found clarity, and kept moving forward. Today, her creativity is thriving. She’s studying for a Master’s at the Royal College of Art, and collaborating with fashion brand Warehouse to bring her designs to life.

Kimberley’s story is a powerful reminder: when words fall short, creativity can speak for us.

Has a creative outlet helped you through something difficult? We’d love to hear your story 👇

[ Kimberley in her studio, applying paint from an artist’s palette onto a large canvas with varying shades of bright and dark red. There’s a light and dark blue, abstract painting on the wall behind her. She’s wearing a black apron, a green, long-sleeved top and thin gold hoop earrings. She has long, wavy blonde hair and is wearing red lipstick. Her eyes, with warm brown eyeshadow and winged eyeliner, are closed.]

29/03/2025

We’re very worried about the impact the planned changes to the benefits system could have on blind and partially sighted people if they go ahead. They risk making many blind and partially sighted people worse off by hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds each year.

Life simply costs more if you’re blind or partially sighted, and benefits like PIP provide vital support for the extra costs that come with having a disability.

If you’re also concerned, write to your MP: https://rnib.in/PIP25Fb

We know that the announcements are worrying for many. Support is available. Contact our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk

[Image description: "Write to your MP about planned changes to benefits. This is your chance to tell the Government the impact that cutting benefits could have on you or your loved ones."]

28/03/2025

28/03/2025

“This woman is dispelling myths that blind and partially sighted people cannot have careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). She is making data and the world more accessible for all.”

That's what the judges said about the incomparable Jane Manley, RNIB’s Social Media Analyst, who has won a Women in Data award. 🎉

The award honours women who are tech leaders, innovative, different, and pushing boundaries – which is Jane in a nutshell.

Jane, who is deafblind, was the only nominee from the charity sector and the only nominee who has dual sensory loss. She taught herself basic code and is now looking to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used in this area too. Jane’s research has been used by European Blind Union to adopt ways of organising social listening data to understand and effect change on the lived experience of their visually impaired community.

Reflecting on the win, Jane said: “It’s been amazing to be part of the Women in Data experience and to be recognised for the data abilities RNIB has, which I happen to be part of, which is even better. So many people are unaware that charities understand, investigate and share with others and the difference our abilities make.

“I love being where you don’t expect to see deafblind women to help change opinions of dual sensory loss one day at a time.

“I’m accepting this award not just for me and the things I’m passionate about, but for everything RNIB enables me to do.”

Jane is an inspiration to us all and we’re so proud of her! 🥰

[Image description: Jane stands in front of a pale grey backdrop, exuding strength and confidence. She has super straight, chest-length light brown hair with a fringe. She’s wearing a black long-sleeve turtleneck tucked into a high-waisted maxi flowy skirt in a red-orange tomato hue. Jane’s wearing matching red lippy, a chunky pearl necklace, and black leather loafers with a buckle. She’s standing with her left hand on her pink-handled cane, her head slightly leaning to her right. Her right arm is stretched out above Rosie, her yellow Labrador guide dog, who is sat on her hind legs looking intently at the underside of Jane’s hand. Photo credit: Sane Seven.]

27/03/2025

We know that the Government’s plans to cut disability support is worrying lots of people. You are not alone; support is available.

[Image description: "If you'd like to talk to someone about the proposed changes to benefits, help is at hand:
RNIB Helpline, 0303 123 9999.
Mind Support Line, 0303 123 3393
Samartians, 116 123."]

05/12/2024

After a far too long absence, we're looking to get our FB Page up and running again. So here's ab interesting otem from the RNIB.

If you're affected by sight loss, we're here for you