On 25 April 2007, RNIB launched a series of leaflets called 'Information is Power'. The leaflets look at a number of key areas that show how society can empower blind and partially sighted people and each leaflet identifies five priorities for action. They cover the high street, public libraries, health services, local government, schools and television.
Approximately two million people in the UK have a sight problem, of whom approaching 400,000 are registered as either blind or partially sighted. This number is set to rise as the population ages, emphasising the need to include people with sight problems in the planning and provision of services at the national, regional and community level.
Inaccessible information is a major barrier facing blind and partially sighted people, massively restricting life chances and quality of life. All too often, relatively small adjustments can mean the difference between inclusion and exclusion. One of the most common adjustments is to provide information in accessible formats - large print, audio, Braille and on accessible websites - that people with sight loss can use.
Download all six leaflets in either PDF or Word
Parliamentary launch
As part of the launch, RNIB held a Parliamentary reception hosted by Dr Doug Naysmith MP. Speakers included Rt Hon David Blunkett MP, Vice-President of RNIB and Adam Crozier, Chief Executive, Royal Mail Group.
At the reception a post person delivered letters to MPs that had been distorted to simulate how someone might see it if they had the common eye condition age-related macular degeneration. MPs were asked to decide what the letter was about which gave them an opportunity to understand the problems their blind and partially sighted constituents face every day.
MPs were also given draft letters that they can send to PCTs (or Health Boards), local authorities and public libraries to highlight some of the problems in the service that they provide to blind and partially sighted people.
The reception was kindly sponsored by Royal Mail Group.
Get involved
Tell us about your experiences of getting information you can read. Positive or negative, we want to hear from you. Contact us by email at campaign@rnib.org.uk or telephone us on 020 7391 2123