Hallmark Cards Australia and Guide Dogs Australia have partnered to create a range of accessible greeting cards for people with low vision or blindness.
The practice of giving and receiving gift cards has been out of reach for the more than half a million Australians with blindness and low vision.
The new 12-card collection features Braille messages, tactile surfaces, bold modern designs, high-contrast colours and clear, easy-to-read text developed in consultation with people with low vision and blindness.
Cards mean sharing joy
23-year-old Sydney resident Karlee Symonds, who lives with her Guide Dog Isla, said opening a card can highlight how inaccessible the world is for people with blindness or low vision.
“I’ve celebrated milestones where I couldn’t read the card in my hands in front of friends with everyone waiting for my reaction. It makes me feel invisible and awkward. These small moments of inaccessibility build up and can make the world become so small.
“Accessible greeting cards mean my community can share in life’s simple but special joys just like anyone else, it means we feel included and that our milestones are just as important as everyone else’s,” she said.
Greeting cards are a symbol of love
Lee Kumutat, Guide Dogs national advocacy and policy manager, said Australians with low vision or blindness can now be included in a powerful and symbolic tradition.
“Giving a greeting card has long been seen as one of the most important symbols of connection, celebration, and love. When brands like Hallmark prioritise accessibility, it sends a strong message: inclusion matters. These cards are proof that thoughtful co-design can remove huge barriers and create meaningful moments of joy for everyone.”
Hallmark Australia’s product and marketing director Lyndal Matthews said the company is proud to make connections more inclusive.
“Greeting cards have always been about connecting with the people we care about. With this accessible range, we’re proud to make that connection possible for everyone. Everyone deserves to feel included in life’s important moments and celebrations.”
The card range is available instore at Coles, Kmart, Target and selected newsagents nationwide now and can also be purchased online at www.hallmark.com.au