When the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) sought to overcome digital barriers hindering their blind and partially sighted employees, we partnered with them to implement Microsoft 365 Copilot for accessibility—delivering not just technology, but empowering change. By providing tailored training and ongoing support, we enabled RNIB’s workforce to harness Copilot’s accessibility features, resulting in employees completing tasks independently, saving up to 4 hours a week, and enjoying a notable 11% boost in workweek efficiency. This collaboration has transformed the RNIB employee experience, turning accessibility challenges into opportunities for autonomy, productivity, and lasting impact.
At Transparity, we believe that technology should be a force for inclusion. When the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) approached us, they were looking for more than just a technology provider. They needed a partner who understood the unique challenges faced by blind and partially sighted employees and who could deploy Microsoft technology to break down barriers in the workplace. This was a meaningful opportunity, and we were eager to collaborate in driving real change.
RNIB is committed to improving accessibility for its employees, but outdated tools were creating unnecessary inefficiencies. Seemingly simple tasks like drafting emails, summarising meetings, or searching for documents took far longer than many would have liked.
For a workforce that relies on seamless accessibility, these limitations weren’t just frustrating, they were barriers to productivity and independence.
RNIB needed a solution that would remove these obstacles and empower all employees to work more efficiently. Their goals were clear:
RNIB needed a partner with deep expertise in both accessibility and Microsoft solutions. As a pure-play Microsoft partner with 16 advanced specialisations and over 200 Microsoft-certified experts, Transparity was a natural choice. But it wasn’t just our technical capabilities, it was our commitment to non-profits and inclusive technology.
We partnered with RNIB and had a clear mission: to find the right solution for them. One that wasn’t just about technology, but about creating real, meaningful change within the organisation that would remove barriers and empower RNIB’s employees.
“We needed a partner that understood these challenges and could deliver a solution that would empower our employees. Transparity was that partner.”
Tricia Smikle Director, Office of the CEO, RNIB
Microsoft Copilot’s AI-powered features provided a game-changing opportunity to enhance workplace accessibility, offering employees greater independence and efficiency. Its potential to transform daily tasks, allowing blind and partially sighted employees to work with more confidence, ease and autonomy was quickly recognised.
Working closely with RNIB, we ensured a seamless Microsoft Copilot implementation, providing tailored training and ongoing support. Our goal wasn’t just to introduce new technology but to empower employees with the knowledge and confidence to make the most of Microsoft Copilot’s capabilities and truly transform employee experience with Copilot for accessibility.
We started by deploying just 30 Microsoft Copilot licenses to test its impact. The results were immediate. Employees who once spent significant time navigating digital tasks were quickly working with newfound efficiency and confidence.
From this initial rollout, the need for further licenses soon became clear. Today, RNIB have 300 licenses and adoption continues to grow.
Microsoft Copilot has changed the way RNIB’s team works, delivering tangible benefits that go beyond accessibility. The benefits have been both measurable and deeply personal:
The numbers highlight the impact of Microsoft Copilot on accessibility and productivity:
With a 1,900% return on investment, the case for accessible technology has never been clearer.
Clint Pearson, Senior Agile Developer, believes AI tools like Microsoft Copilot should be a standard offering for employees with disabilities. “In the future, I see a world where every employee gets the right tools from day one - whether it’s a laptop, a Microsoft Copilot license, or training materials. That’s how we create a truly inclusive workforce.”
At Transparity, we couldn’t agree more. Technology should be a bridge, not a barrier. But true change doesn’t happen with technology alone. It requires the right approach, the right support, and the right partners.
“From day one, the Transparity team did more than provide technology. They became part of our journey. They helped us embed a culture of accessibility and empowerment within RNIB.”
Tricia Smikle Director, Office of the CEO, RNIB
That’s what made this partnership so impactful. It wasn’t just about implementing a tool, it was about transforming the way people work. By working closely with RNIB, we helped ensure Microsoft Copilot wasn’t just another piece of software but a meaningful, lasting solution that gave employees the confidence and independence to thrive.
And this is just the beginning. As AI and accessibility solutions continue to evolve, so does the potential to break down barriers and create workplaces that work for everyone.
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is one of the UK’s leading charities supporting blind and partially sighted people. RNIB works to break down barriers, create opportunities, and empower individuals with sight loss to live independently.
