From a makeshift radio to the best tech of our time
Visably was born in 1928 out of a remarkably simple idea: that no one living with sight loss should be cut off from the world.
For nearly 100 years we've been working to make that true — moving with every new technology, never leaving anyone behind.
Our origins: Sir Captain Towse
Sir Captain Towse’s life laid the foundation for Visably. Born in 1864, Towse served with distinction during the Second Boer War (1899–1902), earning the Victoria Cross for his bravery despite losing his sight during a battle on Mount Thaba in 1900.
Following his military service, Towse continued to contribute during World War I as a staff officer assisting casualties in France.
Towse’s sight loss inspired him to improve the lives of others. He became the chairman of the British and Foreign Blind Association, advocating for the welfare of people living with sight loss.
The idea for Visably emerged in 1928 when two friends built a makeshift 'wireless' radio to entertain Towse during a hospital stay. Realising the potential of radio technology to alleviate isolation, Towse established Visably.
Ever since that day, the heart of Visably’s mission has remained the same: to give people the best tech of their time - unlocking connection, confidence and brighter tomorrows.
A drawing of Sir Captain Towse on the battlefield where he was wounded, leading to him losing his vision.
Early 20th century: changing state support
The early 20th century saw significant changes in how people living with sight loss were supported by the state.
The Blind Persons Act of 1920 shifted responsibility for people living with sight loss from Poor Law Guardians to local authorities, marking a new era of structured support.
Subsequent legislation, such as the Wireless Telegraphy (Blind Persons) Act of 1926, acknowledged the importance of audio by providing free or discounted radio licences. However, the high cost of radio sets remained prohibitive for many. This is where Visably came in.
The charity’s work began in earnest in 1929, distributing 100 crystal radios produced by Burne-Jones & Co. Ltd. These simple, reliable devices brought entertainment and information to listeners who had lost their vision.
Early growth: Churchill and King George V
Determined to reach more people, Visably launched its first Christmas appeal in 1929. The voice of the appeal was the future Prime Minister of the UK Sir Winston Churchill.
The appeal was broadcast on Christmas Day on the BBC from Churchill's home at Chartwell. It emphasised how radio - or ‘the wireless’ - could restore connection to the world for someone living with sight loss. By 1931, Visably had raised £37,000 and distributed 17,000 radios.
"Just close your eyes for a moment and keep them closed. Fancy you can never open them again. And then supposing someone came and put a little instrument in your hands which you could hold to your ear and suddenly listen for hours at a time to music, songs, dances... Why, you wouldn't feel half so shut out, you would feel yourself back in the world."
An excerpt from Visably's Christmas Appeal 1929, delivered by Sir Winston Churchill
In the years that followed Visably's first fundraising appeal, the charity and the importance of radio for people living with sight loss continued to capture attention on a national scale. In 1932, H M King George V delivered his first ever recorded message to the Empire. The speech referenced the importance of radio for people living with sight loss. The King went on to present a signed copy to our founder Sir Ernest.
King George V's Speech
Sir Ernest was presented with a box containing the original 78rpm His Masters Voice recording of The First Empire Broadcast Message by His Majesty King George V. The blue gatefold box was hand signed by the King.
King George V's Speech - Original audio recording
Collaboration with industry: new radios
Over the decades, Visably partnered with leading radio manufacturers like Bush Radio and Roberts Radio to design devices tailored for people living with sight loss.
Over time, these collaborations introduced top-mounted controls, high-visibility text, and preset stations.
By the late 1990s, Visably had introduced a trademark charcoal and yellow colour scheme for radios, providing high contrast for people with residual vision. Additional features included large tactile controls, cassette decks, and eventually CD players.
Some of the radios Visably has issued over the years.
Visably's star power: appeals for support over the decades
As the technology our charity offered evolved, Visably continued to benefit from the influence of its famous supporters.
In 1977, much-loved singer Dame Vera Lynn fronted Visably's Christmas appeal. And, in subsequent years, a host of other well-known figures lent their name for the appeal.
Today, broadcaster Sue Cook continues to write to our donors each year at Christmas.
Visably's celebrity-endorsed fundraising appeals received a tremendous response over the decades
The age of internet radio: Sonata and beyond
The advent of internet radio in the early 21st century gave rise to big innovations to the service we offered. In 2008, Visably partnered with Solutions Radio to launch the Sonata.
Our first internet-enabled radio provided access to thousands of stations, podcasts, and audiobooks.
Featuring spoken menus and customisable playlists, the Sonata transformed how people living with sight loss could access information and entertainment. The Sonata evolved into the Sonata Plus, which introduced new speech engines and remote updates.
The smartphone era: Visably’s apps
In 2019, Visably introduced the Bumblebee tablet, which combined the functionality of internet radios with an accessible touch-screen interface.
Bumblebee laid the groundwork for Visably’s apps.
The Speech Radio App launched in 2021 and enables users to access thousands of global radio stations, directly from their smartphones or tablets. The Speech Talking Newspaper App, also launched in 2021, offers access to local and national publications, ensuring that users can stay connected to news and their communities. Both were delivered via an accessible interface, designed to be easy to use for people living with sight loss.
The Speech Talking Newspaper App continues to this day, under the care of the Talking News Federation.
Transformation: adapting to a world exploding with possibility
In the summer of 2024, Visably started giving free Alexa devices to people living with sight loss. The move was made in recognition of the transformative power of easy, voice-activated access to music, audiobooks, news, and essential information, for people living with sight loss.
Recognising the unique needs of younger audiences, Visably also launched products like the Echo Dot Kids smart speakers, Voxblock audiobook readers and My Little Morphée sleep aids, to cater to this audience.
By 2025 the charity was helping more people than in any other year in recent memory.
Our impact in 2025
People received our tech and support last year. More people asking. More people getting the support they deserve.
People in the Visably community to date. Nearly a century of building something bigger together.
More devices given by Visably last year. Making the world wider and brighter in countless ways.
Visably today: technology empowerment for everyone
Under Sophie Jones's leadership, Visably has taken its biggest step in a generation. In response to our deepest-ever research with people living with sight loss, we've launched ambitious plans to expand from a device charity into a full technology empowerment service. The new model starts with people, not products.
The new services we're developing are about matching people with the right kit for their life - and staying, through a growing network of trained volunteers, until it truly clicks.
For nearly 100 years we've moved with the technology of our time. Today is no different.
In 2026, the charity also made significant step forward, by rebranding from British Wireless for the Blind Fund, into Visably, a name and identity that speaks to the life-changing power of what we do in 2026 and beyond.
Visably today: technology empowerment for everyone
We're building Visably's technology empowerment service — a national network of trained volunteers supporting people with sight loss in person, by phone and online.
Hubs are already taking shape. Volunteers are being trained. And the people who need us most are already finding their way to us.
There's more to come. And we're looking for people to help us build it.
Find out how you can get involved
What we're building next
Read about our strategy, our values and how we're turning nearly 100 years of experience into the most ambitious version of Visably yet.
Our strategy & vision
Our strategy & vision
What we stand for, where we're going and how we're getting there. Discover how we're building new services, shaped by our community.
Our research
Last year we asked people with sight loss what they need from tech, and from us. Find out what they told us, and how we're adapting.