Established in 1848, Birmingham Royal Institution for the Blind (BRIB) has provided education, technology, guidance and support for Birmingham’s visually impaired community for over 150 years. We have continually strived to support people who are blind and vision impaired and have built a strong foundation as part of the City’s community whilst ensuring appropriate links are maintained with national charities such as Guide Dogs and RNIB.
In our early years, BRIB offered opportunities to learn industrial skills and trades. More recently provision has centred around the vocational and life skills which today’s beneficiaries need, and we continue to offer opportunities for people with disabilities to develop new skills, unlock potential and make new friends along the way.
In 1997 BRIB became ‘parent’ to three independent charities, Focus Birmingham, Queen Alexandra College and New Outlook Housing. To this day these charities continue the work started by BRIB. QAC and Focus both remained on the BRIB site and by providing first class support, education and services these charities, supported by BRIB, have helped thousands of people with visual impairments and other disabilities overcome the challenges life presents.