Discover how peer groups, book clubs, and other community activities help reduce isolation and build connections for blind and low vision people.
Living with sight loss can sometimes feel isolating. Everyday activities — from travelling to work to joining social events — often require extra effort. But connection and community are vital for wellbeing, and for blind and low vision people, finding those spaces of belonging can be transformative.
This is where book clubs, peer networks, and online groups play a vital role.
The Power of Shared Reading for Blind and Low Vision Communities
Books aren’t just entertainment — they’re conversation starters. When blind and partially sighted readers come together to discuss a novel or share audiobook recommendations, they build connection through shared imagination.
Research by the National Literacy Trust has shown that book clubs can increase confidence, reduce loneliness, and spark friendships across age groups. For blind and low vision readers, accessible reading communities open the door to those same benefits.
How to Connect: Tackling Isolation
According to the RNIB, one in four blind and partially sighted people leave home less than once a week. Community spaces — both online and offline — are crucial for countering this sense of isolation. Book clubs provide low-pressure, enjoyable opportunities to connect with others who share similar experiences and interests.
RealSAM Book Club: A Community with Purpose
The RealSAM Book Club was designed with this exact mission in mind. It combines access to the RNIB Talking Books Library with an online space where members can:
- Join monthly discussions on curated book picks
- Share their own recommendations
- Connect with people who ‘get it’
This mix of technology and community helps bring reading back into the centre of social life, making it easy to engage even if travel or print access is a challenge.
Why Community Connection Matters More Than Ever
In 2025, many people are turning to digital spaces for connection — but for blind and low vision communities, accessibility is often an afterthought. RealSAM is working to change that by putting accessibility first and creating intentional spaces where vision impaired readers can thrive, together.
