The Royal Mail Articles for the Blind scheme is a free, first class or Airmail service for people sending items specifically designed for blind and visually impaired people. This enables them to send certain items within the UK and overseas free of charge.

• Available to customers who are blind or visually impaired
• Available to organisations representing the blind and visually impaired
• Free of charge
• Servicing both the UK and overseas
• Free collection

From 1st August 2008 items sent using the Articles for the Blind service will be eligible for compensation if they are lost, damaged or delayed.

For Articles for the Blind items posted with Royal Mail which have no intrinsic value, or where a customer cannot provide evidence of posting, there will be compensation for loss, damage and delay of a minimum of 6 x 1st class stamps at the first weight step. In the event of a compensation claim for loss we will refund the postage paid or 6 x 1st class stamps at the first weight step, whichever is the greater.

For lost or damaged items that have an intrinsic value, with evidence of posting with Royal Mail (such as a certificate of posting) and evidence of value (such as an invoice or receipt) customers will be entitled to compensation for actual loss up to the value of the item, or 100 x 1st class stamps at the first weight step, whichever is the lowest.  Read more about compensation for this service.

Compensation for lost or damaged items sent abroad

Items sent by ordinary Surface Mail or Airmail are not eligible for compensation, but if Airsure, and International Signed For are used, compensation is available to the value of 100 times the cost of First Class stamp. The £250 or £500 (depending on country) extra compensation facility for these services does not apply when using the Articles for the Blind discount. If a higher level of compensation is needed customers will have to pay the full standard tariff for these services.