Ofcom, Improving access to electronic communications services for disabled people (Febuary 2013)
EU review of existing legislation on VAT reduced rates (December 2012)
RNIB agree with the third guiding principle outlined by the European Commission in its Communication to the European Parliament, the Council and the European Economic and Social Committee on the future of VAT , i.e. 'similar goods and services should be subject to the same VAT rate and (...) progress in technology should be taken into account so that the challenge of convergence between the on-line and the physical environment is addressed'. We believe that electronically supplied services should no longer be excluded from the scope of reduced VAT rates.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport Communications Review, Seminar on Consumers (September 2012)
Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee Inquiry on library closures (January 2012)
We used the inquiry as an opportunity to remind the inform the Committee that only 7% of written materials are made available in accessible formats that can be read by blind and partially sighted people (LISU, 2011) and many barriers are put in the way of accessible reading and library services. Many blind and partially sighted people find it difficult to travel outside their local area and do not have the financial resources to purchase large print and audio books so library closures can particularly affect this group.
Ofcom consultation on securing the universal postal service (December 2011)
Blind and partially sighted people face many barriers to accessing information and to inclusion in society. To overcome these in the field of reading, they need information in "accessible formats" such as Braille. Producing Braille is expensive and the quantity produced is limited. The dispersal of blind people over wide geographic areas means that standards of access to information and library services set for the general population could not be easily and cheaply extended to blind people. Recognising these inherent inequities, Royal Mail has long provided an exemption from postal charges for "Articles for the Blind" to permit access to literacy and learning which would otherwise be too expensive.
Cabinet Office consultation on Individual Electoral Registration, October 2011
RNIB cautiously welcomes the transition to a system of individual electoral registration. We want to make sure individual voter registration delivers improvements in accessibility for blind and partially sighted voters.
Ofgem consultation on implementing smart meters, August 2011
RNIB believes the implementation of smart meters poses a number of serious challenges. We want to prevent a situation where blind and partially sighted people are placed at a disadvantage. The design of smart meters so they are accessible to people living with sight loss is of utmost importance.
Delivering Digital Inclusion, January 2009
A consultation on a new Government Action Plan to deliver digital inclusion
We argued that Government leadership in tackling the "digital divide" is vital at this time, with blind and partially sighted people experiencing significant levels of exclusion. We explained that even though the advent of new information and communication technology brings with it many benefits, a cross-sector action plan must focus on removing the barriers to accessing digital technologies.
Delivering Digital Britain, January 2009
Our response to the Government's interim report of 'Digital Britain'
RNIB sets out its policy position on the importance of digital communications. Government's plans for Digital Britain must be sensitive to the needs of blind and partially sighted people, ensuring new technologies empower everybody. We advise Government to prioritise roll-out of accessible digital television but also to consider the necessary steps to ease switchover to digital radio.
Further information
For further information please email campaign@rnib.org.uk or telephone our campaign hotline on 020 7391 2123