“I can do it now” RNIB Transform with Copilot for Accessibility

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.

Greater Autonomy

Employees who once struggled with digital tasks now complete them independently and often with a single prompt.

Time Savings

Blind and partially sighted colleagues have saved up to 4 hours per week, translating to an 11% increase in workweek efficiency.

Increased Productivity

More time is now spent on meaningful work rather than overcoming accessibility challenges.

You’re constantly coming across moments where it’s like, ‘I can’t do that,’ or ‘This is not working for me, which means I can’t complete that task’. Whereas now, with Microsoft Copilot, I don’t have to worry about it because I know that I can do it – and most of the time, I do it with one prompt, and it’s there like magic!

Adrienne Bradshaw
Integrated Comms Coordinator, RNIB

The challenge

The need for real change

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.

Outdated tools creating unnecessary obstacles

RNIB is committed to improving accessibility for its employees, but outdated tools were creating unnecessary inefficiencies.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:

Improve workplace accessibility for blind and partially sighted employees
Increase efficiency without adding complexity
Utilise a solution that can integrate seamlessly with their existing Microsoft ecosystem

The Solution

The right partnership

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

Why Microsoft Copilot for accessibility? The right tool for the job

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.

The Outcome

No More Barriers

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:

Greater autonomy – Employees who once struggled with digital tasks now complete them independently and often with a single prompt.
Time savings – Blind and partially sighted colleagues have saved up to 4 hours per week, translating to an 11% increase in workweek efficiency.
Increased productivity – More time is now spent on meaningful work rather than overcoming accessibility challenges.“You’re constantly coming across moments where it’s like, ‘I can’t do that,’ or ‘This is not working for me, which means I can’t complete that task’. Whereas now, with Microsoft Copilot, I don’t have to worry about it because I know that I can do it – and most of the time, I do it with one prompt, and it’s there like magic!”– Adrienne Bradshaw, Integrated Comms Coordinator at RNIB

Clear ROI

The numbers highlight the impact of Microsoft Copilot on accessibility and productivity:

3,400 prompts in Microsoft Copilot Chat per month
532 documents drafted with Microsoft Copilot per month
669 email drafts created per month
10,990 Microsoft Copilot actions per month
150 meetings summarised per month
622 hours of Microsoft Copilot-assisted work per month

With a 1,900% return on investment, the case for accessible technology has never been clearer.

Empowering employees, empowering the future

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.

About RNIB

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.