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Henshaws’ Tips for Mobility and Daily Living with Sight Loss
Posted Jun 2025
You might not realise it, but there’s a very strong possibility you’ve come across accessibility features for visually impaired people on certain products. You may not have noticed them at all, or you may have noticed them but not realised their purpose.
Below, we’ll talk through some examples of accessibility features on products you use everyday. This blog is to educate you, so you can understand how people with sight loss navigate aspects of daily living. It also may help you if you have sight loss yourself and are still adapting.
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Tactile marker on number 5 on numeric keypads
When using a non-touchscreen numeric keypad, have you noticed that the number 5 button is slightly different to the others? You’ll come across this keypad on many devices, including TV remote controls and landline phones.
The number 5 button features a tactile marker, usually a raised dot. This helps blind people orientate themselves around the keypad. A blind person may use that tactile marker to work out where the other numbers are in relation to the number 5 so they can independently and quickly input the number(s) they intend to.
Next time you’re watching TV, why not take a closer look at your remote control’s numeric keypad? You’ll almost certainly notice this tactile marker.
Tactile markers on QWERTY keyboards
When typing on a standard QWERTY keyboard, have you noticed tactile lines on the F and J keys?
Many blind people learn to touch type. The tactile lines on F and J enable blind people to more easily place their fingers on the correct keys for touch typing. The F and J are the keys on which you place your index fingers. Then you can place your other fingers on the keys next to those on either side.
On top of that, if your keyboard has a number pad, just like all other number pads, the number 5 features a tactile indicator. This is usually a raised line rather than a dot. There are no tactile markers on the numbers row of a keyboard, just on the number pad.
Next time you’re using a keyboard, have a feel and see if you can notice these tactile lines.
Tactile features on UK banknotes
With the introduction of polymer banknotes in the UK, blind people can identify them independently. This is thanks to clusters of tactile dots. The £5 note doesn’t feature any dots, the £10 note features two clusters of dots, the £20 note features three clusters of dots, and the £50 note features four clusters of dots.
This means that blind people can identify banknotes efficiently. They no longer have to rely on assistive aids or a system to organise them in advance of needing to use them.
This is a rather recent change to banknotes. Prior to 2016, all banknotes were made from paper and none featured tactile identifiers. While it was possible to distinguish them by their size, this was often a challenge.
It’s also important to add: while UK banknotes feature tactile identifiers, the same can’t be said for other popular currencies such as the euro.
If you’re in the UK and need to pay using banknotes, why not have a feel and see if you notice the clusters of dots.
Headphone jack on ATM cash machine
When using an ATM cash machine, have you noticed that many feature a 3.5mm headphone jack? If you plug headphones or earphones into a cash machine, it becomes a talking cash machine. This is so a blind person can use it independently and privately.
Debit and credit card features
Some banks and building societies provide debit and credit cards with accessibility features as standard. Cards may feature a cut-out notch so a blind person knows which way round to insert it into a card reader or cash machine. A card may also feature tactile lines or dots, so a blind person can distinguish it from other cards they have. These tactile indicators also help a blind person know which type of card it is. Some banks offer different tactile features for different card types, for example debit, credit, business and savings. Other accessible features may include information in a larger font, and use of strong colour contrast.
If you’re visually impaired yourself and want to explore your options if you don’t have an accessible card already, check with your bank or building society to find out exactly what they offer.
Next time you need to use any of your cards, why not take a look to see if any of these accessibility features are present.
Braille on medication packages
Not all blind people read braille, but for those who do, many medication packages, both over-the-counter and prescription, feature braille on the packaging. This is so braille readers can access the name of the medication, and the quantity per unit, easily.
A lot of medication packaging is similar in shape and/or size. Braille labels mean that braille readers can find the medication they need to take quickly and easily.
Unfortunately, the information leaflets inside medication packaging are just in standard print. Braille gives a braille reader the option of researching to find the Patient Information Leaflet online, as they can access the medication’s specific name.
When you next need to take medication, see if you can notice any braille on the packaging.
Tactile paving
If you’re navigating a public space, you will most likely have noticed textured paving under foot. This is known as tactile paving. It helps blind people identify features like pedestrian crossings, steps/stairs, and train station platforms. It allows blind people to identify these features in the environment. On top of that, it enables them to navigate safely and avoid potential hazards.
We have a whole blog on tactile paving. You can find out more about the different types and what each type indicates, and where you’re likely to find it.
Rotating cone at pedestrian crossings
When you cross a road and need to press the button and wait for a green man, have you ever felt the underside of the control box? Most control boxes feature a cone. This cone rotates when the man is green, communicating this information to blind pedestrians. Because of the lay-out of some crossings, not all crossings can indicate this audibly.
This is an effective way to communicate this at specific crossings. Nest time you cross a road and need to press the button, have a feel underneath and see if you can find this cone.
Raising awareness
We hope that this has given you an insight into accessibility features on everyday items. While there are many products and solutions out there that make life more accessible for blind people, both mainstream and specialist, this blog is to highlight examples of accessibility straight out of the box, on items you most likely use or come across everyday.
Next time you’re typing or inputting numbers into a keypad, using banknotes or your debit or credit card, taking medication, or travelling, see if you can spot these accessibility features. If you already knew about them, recognise how they help blind people.
The features mentioned in this blog you may not have even noticed before, but they can make a huge difference to a blind person’s independence. They highlight accessibility straight out of the box, which make daily life that bit easier.
