Articles for the Blind

Who uses Articles for the Blind?

Articles for the Blind is a scheme for Blind and visually impaired customers who are registered as blind under the provisions of the National Assistance Act 1948. We also include people whose standard of close-up vision, with spectacles is N12 or less and certified by an ophthalmologist, doctor or ophthalmic optician.

How it helps

Articles for the Blind send 1st Class and Air Mail letters, large letters and packets for free. Blind or visually impaired customers and registered charities who want to send specially prepared items to registered blind or recognised visually impaired individuals.

How mail should be addressed

Under the scheme, mail must be addressed to the blind or visually impaired person at that address. Items that are addressed to The Occupier, Dear Customer and not a named recipient should be sent as normal, paid-for mail.

Sizes and weights for items in the UK

Size limits:

• rectangular packages: maximum dimensions : 610mm x 460mm x 460mm
• cylindrical packages: the length must not exceed 900mm and the length added to twice the diameter of the packet must not be more than 1040mm in total.

Weight limits:

• The maximum weight limit of any package is 7kg.

Sizes and weights for items overseas

Size limits:

• rectangular packages: the combined length, depth and width can be up to 900mm, and each single dimension can be up to 600mm. The dimension of each surface needs to be at least 90mm by 140mm.
• cylindrical package: its length needs to be between 100mm and 900mm, and its length plus twice the diameter needs to be between 170mm and 1040mm.

Weight limits:

• Packages can weigh up to 7kg.

What you can send

The contents of your mail must include items prepared for or by a blind or visually impaired person. Personal and private correspondence should be sealed and sent as normal mail. There’s a wide range of useful and important items you can send, including:

• books, papers and letters – either embossed or in large print (minimum font size 16pt)
• relief maps.

You can also send visual and electronic media like:

• computer disks and CDs
• spoken audio, video (with added commentary) and electronic media.

We also encourage you to send equipment used by blind people. We’ll ask you to let us know ahead of time. The list covers:

• talking books and newspapers that are recordings from printed books, journals, newspapers, periodicals or similar publications.
• equipment used to play or record audio, video and electronic media i.e. talking books and talking newspapers
• electronic and optical magnifiers
• games, mathematical devices, watches, clocks, timers and measuring equipment
• embossed or blank plates and devices for producing tactile information
• stationery for tactile information or for mail
• mobility aids including sticks and guide dog equipment.

What you can’t send

There are some limits to what we can accept. You can’t send:

• music audio (more than 2 minutes or more than 10% of the total duration)
• entertainment programmes which are available on radio or recordings.
• printed material in a font smaller than 16 point (unless it is a faithful copy of information that has been transcribed into Braille, tape, CD, Disk or large print, and where it accompanies the transcribed version)
• any flyer or documentation being used as advertising
• personal, sensitive or confidential correspondence, in any format.