RNIB media release for immediate publication.
1 February 2010.
On 3 February 2010 National Talking Newspapers and Magazines (NTN and M) will officially join the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Group.
NTN and M will maintain its individual brand identity, workforce and board of trustees. However, fundraising and marketing staff will join RNIB, working with existing teams to promote NTN and M more effectively across the UK and increase the impact of the service. The two organisations will also work closely together to develop technology and improve access for blind and partially sighted people to national newspapers and magazines.
Lesley-Anne Alexander, Chief Executive of RNIB says: "This is a positive step for both organisations, reinforcing our commitment to blind and partially sighted people's right to read. By joining the RNIB Group, NTN and M can continue to develop their excellent service and increase the number of people they are able to reach."
John Kerby, Chief Executive of NTN and M says: "We share the same aim - to deliver the best possible services to blind and partially sighted people. We are better placed to meet the challenges of increasing subscriber numbers, adapting to technological change and improving our service by working together."
NTN and M provide national newspapers and magazines in audio on tape, CD, DAISY CD and by MP3 download, and in digital full-text format by e-mail, download and CD-ROM for blind, partially sighted and other print disabled people who find reading a strain.
By sharing resources, skills and expertise members of RNIB Group are able to engage and reach greater numbers of blind and partially sighted people with even better services.
Ends
For further media information or to interview Lesley-Anne Alexander or John Kerby please contact RNIB Media Relations Team on 020 7391 2223 or email
pressoffice@rnib.org.uk
Notes to editors
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Every day another 100 people will start to lose their sight. There are 1.8 million people in the UK with sight problems. RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with sight difficulties. If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem, RNIB can help. Call RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk
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In 2005 Talking Newspapers Association of the UK (TNAUK) adopted the working title National Talking Newspapers and Magazines. It is a registered charity which brings print to life for blind and partially sighted people by providing a wide variety of popular newspapers and magazines in a range of accessible formats. To find out more visit www.tnauk.org.uk or call 01435 866102.
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Other members of the RNIB Group are Action for Blind People and the Cardiff Institute of the Blind.
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RNIB is leading the UK Vision Strategy, a Vision 2020UK initiative, which aims to:
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Improve the eye health of the people of the UK
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Eliminate avoidable sight loss and deliver excellent support to those with a visual impairment
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Enhance the inclusion, participation and independence of blind and partially sighted people.