RNIB Cymru are today looking for Welsh speaking young people to become story tellers for their blind and partially sighted peers across Wales. A shocking 95% of all books, magazines and other publications never become available in large print, audio or Braille, meaning some young people with sight problems never get to read the books that all their friends chat about in the playground. This project will mean more books are available for young people to read.
Funded by the Welsh Language Board, this project will allow blind and partially sighted children to access audio versions of Welsh books, created by RNIB Cymru from recordings of their Welsh speaking peers. If you are a young person (aged 8 to 15), and enjoy reading, why not pop into RNIB Cymru in Cardiff over the Easter Holidays to record a book?
Elin, 14, from North Wales, enjoys listening to audio books. She said: "It would be great to hear some books in Welsh. As a blind person, I find it hard enough to find the books I like to read in English. All my friends chat about different things they are reading, so I'd ask lots of young people to spend a couple of hours doing this - it should be really fun too."
This project will build on a successful pilot where books were read by children, for children. This project expands the books available and gives young people a real chance to read new books.
Sarah Rochira, Director of RNIB Cymru, said: "The benefits of children having access to these books is enormous. This is such an opportunity to increase independence, confidence and promote reading for fun. I'm really excited about this really worthwhile project, bringing Welsh books alive for young people"