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Your experiences - Right to Read

Have you ever had problems finding your favourite book in a format you can read? Share your experiences and comments about the right to read.

About the Right to Read campaign

Comments so far:

  • Anne, Nottingham
    I used to love reading, curling up with the dog, a cup of tea and a good book was my idea of heaven. As I have had more trouble with my vision, I have had fewer and fewer options to read. Why is it that it is not possible to browse large print books? Worse still, why is that there are so few books printed in large print? Why do I have to wait ages for the selected minority to be made available? After years of struggling with this my Mum found out about RNIB talking books who became a life-saver. Such a huge range of books read by actors rather than volunteers so the books are enjoyable to listen to. Better still, there is such a range of books available from RNIB. Isn't it sad that it should be noteworthy that RNIB doesn't have only the classics available?
  • Julie, Sheffield
    I beleive that everyone has a right to be able to read, and I stongly believe that being blind or partially sighted should not determine whether or not we should be allowed to read dispite this. I taught my children to read and write before they started school 25 years ago,and would very much like to help children to learn to read and write now too. I was registered partially sighted two and half years ago, and I do not like the way I am being treated by not being given a job. I am able to work with a few adaptations, so if I can be of any assistance in bringing this plight to the public attention, please let me know. Yours Sincerely Julie Swift
  • Francine, Edinburgh
    I have been a primary school teacher for twenty years and have been trying to adapt and make available texts and/ or books for children with visual impairments. The publishers of school, college and university textbooks should have to produce their materials in other formats to meet the needs of the visually-impaired learner. Surely, with modern technology this is now possible. They should want to show that they themselves have read and are responding to The Discrimination Act and Scotland's Vision Strategy. A publisher responding in this way, would show that they were comitted to education and best practice. Potentially, they would also gain the respect of a wider 'market', i.e. the parents, teachers, lecturers and learners who do not have visual impairments.
  • Catherine, London
    I feel very very frustrated indeed about the lack of adult books in large print. My father is 83 - he has read every book in the local library (VERY few - all located on low shelf so he cannot bend to look at them). There are virtually no books available in large print in the shops. It's all very well piloting text books for children - but what about my father? He is coming to the end of his life and this is one of the few pleasures he has left. But there are no books for him to read. I feel very strogly indeed about this. Surely it is discriminatory? In my view publishers should be forced by law to print a ratio of their books in large print and libraries should carry a full selection of all books in large print. There is no publicity for this campaign at all. i thought I was on my own until I found your campaign! Cate Lyon
  • Agnes W, Stirlingshire
    Like most people you do not think about it until it affects yourself or someone close. As an avid reader I am pleased to hear someone is trying to rectify the problem. Can I make a suggestion that Richard and Judy Show be contacted as they have done a great service with their book club bringing new paperbacks and reviews to a pretty wide audience
  • helen, pontefract
    took my niece to the library today she is 22years old and was told by a nice libriarian there were NO books with braille in them . she made 2 phone calls to people in 2 different towns and we are waiting for a reply. it s 2009 and im disgusted and annoyed by this finding.
  • Alice, Manchester
    I cannot believe it is 96 % of books that are not published in an accessible format. This needs to change! It is stopping me and other people from knowing some common knowledge. Also, I hear people talking about books that I have never heard of because they have not been reproduced accessibly. I hate it! I want it to change! The government need to do something fast!
  • Aimee, Brighton
    I'm really struggling to find books that I can read. Before I had sight problems, I just assumed that the material was out there. It's really not, and something needs to be done.
  • Lynn, STONE
    As a lover of books I would wish all people the joy of reading/listening to stories.
  • Sandra, Peterborough
    I have always been an avid reader but now rely mainly on audio books and find it is becoming harder to find variety in authors and titles in this medium which are both well produced and affordable, even the local libraries have only limited stocks. It is very frustrating.
  • Tracey, Oak Park
    I feel very strongly that there should be more books translated into Braille. Any efforts that can alleviate this barrier, I would like to support 100%! I am an avid reader, writer and book collector who knows that reading books is a life saver.
  • Joe, newry
    I believe that now, more than ever, producing material in accesible formats is both cost affective and easy to manage, more and more visually impaired people use email and websites to access information and it has got to be easier to produce a document in an electronic format than in maybe braille or audio.
  • alexander, bonnyrigg
    Although my sight is good I consider it everyone's right to have access to, and to benefit from, the written word.
  • Lisa Jane, Manchester
    My mum attends a braile class at Manchester City College as she is completely blind, but they are thinking of withdrawing the funds as they believe braille is not essential, which will mean that people like my mum will not be able to read. I think it's disgraceful that anyone would believe that the braille is not essential, as this is the same as saying that the ability to read is not essential.
  • Daniel Gebremedhin, Addis Ababa
    I am working on addressing the issue of disabilty in Ethiopia, and throught out my experiance I have learend that accessiblity of reading materials for the blind is very scanty in our nation and that is why I am signing the decleration.
  • Ali, Hull
    For my mother, who loves to read but can't do so with regular books any longer.
  • Tessa, Aberdeen
    I just think that everyone should have the chance to read, write, draw, and everything else. And I think that we should all be educated and treated equally whether we have a disability of any sort or not. I do not have any form of disability but I'm always happy to contribute to an organisation that I believe in. I hope my contribution helps some way.
  • Andrew, Derry
    I believe that the right to read is essentially a human right and the lack of providing a format for those who have a visual disability for 96 per cent of books in the UK is an abuse of the visually impaired's human rights.
  • Saliha , Bradford
    I love reading books, and i think it is disgusting and disgraceful that only 4 percent of books published are accessible to blind and parcially sighted people
  • Jacqui, South Harrow
    I am a High School Librarian and we have a young partially sighted girl just joined us. She wants to read the same books as the rest of her peers but I am finding it increasingly difficult to find large print books for her.
  • Trevor, Llandysul
    Government web sites must be accessible to people with visual impairment - why don't they make books as accessible ?
  • Sara, SHREWSBURY
    I think that all blind people should have and should expect to have the right to get books in accessible formats at the same price that sighted people can get them
  • Sarah, Ilkeston
    At age 22 i had a Stroke which has left me with Partial sight. I was an avid reader of anything from a novel, magazine to a bus timetabled. With the brain damage i am now unable to read any text form. I feel isolated from the world i knew. The spoken books are very good but are hard to find subjects which interest me.. six years and i still struggled to find resources. In this day and age i find this very hard to understand.
  • jennifer, manchester
    I am currently teaching an eleven year old student in a mainstream school; she's a bright girl and eager to do well. However, access to books has not been straight forward and we are currently copying large sections of set text for her to read. While this gives her access to the class, it does not give her full access to the novel and, as such, she will not keep pace with the rest of the class. As a result of this, i fear, she will gradualy slip into lower sets.
  • SanDRA, MAIDSTONE
    While interviewing candidates for a research project concerning the use of computers candidates talked about other library services. The lack of non fiction books in accessible formats came up numerous times. One of the difficulties highlighted was the fact that a student was singled out, and had to have an extension for every module due to the delay of getting accessible copies of required texts. Student felt angry and excluded.
  • Saliha , Bradford
    I am a blind person myself, and i think it is disgusting that we cannot read 96 percent of the books published.
  • IRENE, YORK
    books are an essential part of life, they inform, confirm and challange our perceptions and above all enhance our imaginations. To have a bookcase full of books that I can no longer read is frustrating beyond being belief and the local library is woefully understocked with the types of books that I enjoyed reading, and would, if possible, would continue to read.
  • Ben, London
    Free access to knowledge and culture is one of the most important issues of our time.
  • Simon, Channel Islands
    I believe access to all published materials should be made available to those with Visual Impairments, this would assist in reducing the isolation from information experienced by this group of individuals.
  • Jane, Eastwood
    In an age of diversity and equality policies I was shocked to read that so few books are available for people with sight problems. Well done J K Rowling may many others now follow her shining example.
  • carrie, hartlepool
    i loved to read and even with my partial sight i was born with i could manage to read newspapers, magazines and books. now my sight has deteriated even more i cant even manage large print and as a young woman there is rarely a book in my libabry on audio that intrests me. i miss reading so much. i wish i could just go to a book shop like everyone else and buy a few auiod books off the shelf that intrest me and i can afford.
  • Bridget, Forfar
    I would like to further my career prospects by undertaking further study but I am worried that I would not be able to keep up with the reading that would be required. My sight loss is progressive and I would also be concerned that I would be starting a course that I could not finish. Audio text books would make a world of difference to me, I could enlist with confidence.
  • Natalie, Blackburn
    I teach children with a variety of Special Needs and often have a nightmare finding suitable books. Myself and colleagues spend hours adapting books that should be readily available just to ensure that our children can enjoy the pleasure that reading books brings.
  • Fiona, Guisborough
    As a lover of non-fiction books, with health problems, I find I can bring the world to my door through reading. I am one of the lucky ones! I am totally shocked to learn that 96 percent of books are unavailable to people with sight problems and it is discrimination if all books are not available in other formats, to the blind, partially sighted etc.
  • Stephanie, Mablethorpe
    I have a very good friend who is almost blind and am shocked that she cannot read the same books as us, also she cannot get any books for her uni course in large print. whats going on?
  • Alison, Hook
    My son is dyslexic and finds reading difficult. He has maintained his interest in books through using audio books. As a result he has just completed A levels instead of giving up on school many years ago!
  • Scott, Aberdeen
    I'm registered blind and love books. I use audio cds, but the lack of choice and expense is very frustrating.
  • Marjorie, Barbados
    Firstly, let me say I am from Barbados and our percentage would be alot less than 96%. I am neither visually-impaired nor blind, however my job as a Rehabilitation Officer involves reading for some of my clients who, unfortunately have no one to read or source material for them, apart from a few talking libraries. Of course it is shocking that percentage cannot read. I endorse the Right to Read Campaign. Reading is the key to knowledge and this will keep persons aware of what is taking place not only in their country but worldwide.
  • NICOLA, HEIGHINGTON VILLAGE
    My son has just been diagnosed with Mear-Irlen Syndrome and alot of books that he would love to read but is unable to do so through this condition are denied to him, thus I have to spend more time reading to him which he hates as he feels as if he is baby and he is 10yrs old and unable to read anything above a 5yrs level.
  • Jill, Dorking
    Tahir Shah would like me to record his book 'In Arabian Nights' on to tape. I do record for friends as needed, but he suggested I contact you so you could make it available to all visually impaired people. This would mean I should need to use professionnal equipment. I simply read into my radio-recorder. Could you make this possible for me? It is an attractive book to read, being full of short stories, and I would love to do it. Currently I read on to tape for SAVI - Surrey Association for Visual Impairment.
  • emma , exeter
    I get told about a lot of great books to read by my sighted friends and family and would love to read them but for 90% of the time i can not. This makes me feel discrimated against.
  • Carole, Wakefield
    I used to be an avid reader, until I lost my ability to read in 2000, since then I've been supported by RNIB to read audio books and although this has helped a great deal it is very frustrating that the vast majority of books that I used to read are no longer available to me, even if I was able to puchase them. Libraries are available to allow and encourage people to read, but the service provided to print disabled people is vastly inferior to the service for everyone else and wholly inadequate.
  • Kim, Southport
    My mum has age related macular degeneration (the dry type), she has always loved reading but now has to rely on the local library for large print books. They do not have a large selection of the authors she would like to read, very frustrating. She and I wish all books published were brought out in small and large print, we have an ageing population chances are more will need large print than small print in few years.
  • Elaine, Bodicote
    Really miss being able to pick up a book and read. My library of 2,200 books sits in the garage and I'm unable to access it or find them in electronic or audio format. To convert them all to Kurzweill would take about 2 1/2 years of someone working full time and the images would not be as good.
  • ESIN , bedford
    hi, i'm very glad you have such a campaign, i felt stronger to fight for my son, who has condition called Albinism and struggle to find the right enlarged books and the right help, his school gets books through visiul imparment team, but they get lost or not given regurlarly , he needs at least 38 font size if it is not 48 , it is shocking that people with sight problems can't read 96 per cent of books published in the uk, it makes me more scared someone has to do something about it. many thanks to you, and if there is anything I could do to support your campain.
  • Catherine, Belvedere
    I work in a Library in Bexley. We have a selection of talking books on Tape and CD and Large Print books. We have a very small collection of Braille books for children. Sadly this comes down to funding and prioritising needs. We live in a demanding society now and somehow whatever we do it's still not enough. Things need to change and NOW.
  • Clare, London
    As a keen reader I would be lost without the regular comfort of a good book.
  • Rachel, Sheffield
    Its unthinkable in this day and age. Everyone has the right to read.
  • Vicky, colchester
    I think it is absolutely shocking that people with sight problems cannot read 96 percent of books published. Information and reading materials in general exclude poeple with sight problems and also people that find it difficult to read words. To try and address this problem i am setting up a project initially in the Colchester, Essex area to make reading material and information accessible to people with differing needs and requirements. I 100 percent, back your campaign and the materials that you have on the website have been very useful for my market research.
  • Valerie, Rotherham
    Everyone should have equal access to reading materials. The Government should make this a right for all blind people.
  • Brenda, Rotherham
    I think everyone as the right to read not only books but all kinds of text, I love my spoken word from RNIB.
  • Susan, St Columb
    I work in a library and, as WRVS, take books for the housebound. One of my readers is blind and looks forward to the books I take him as he says it makes him feel 'normal' - he enjoys discussing them with his son. Library funding means limited stock -scandalous!
  • LINA, nottingham
    I totally support this campaign and it's well overdue - good for you!
  • Andrea, Lydney
    I had a vague idea that large print books were few and far between from visiting my local library on behalf of an elderly relative, but I had no idea the percentage was so high! I am totally shocked and appalled as books are so precious and an invaluable source of information and pleasure.
  • David, Prenton
    Whilst I am able to read without any problems I feel that people who have visual disabilities should have the same access to literature, of all genres, that I enjoy.
  • margaret-anne, dunfermline
    My foremost enjoyment is reading but find it most frustrating that the choice of what I want to read is generally never available. I must say that Calibre do try to give as much choice as possible but there is that much available it is not possible to offer it all.
  • Bernadette, Liverpool
    To be quite truthful i had never really thought about it till now as i'm training as a T.A and have been reading up about certain disabilities. Good Luck!
  • Kelly, Nr Wareham
    At a time when reading is high on the agenda it is disgraceful that only 4% of books are made available to those who are partially sighted or blind and then when it is available it costs five times more
  • Andrew, Gosport
    I was an avid reader until sight loss intervened at age 56. Now if I find the book I want it is invariably an abridged version and hugely expensive, not what I need now I am on a fixed pension.I have joined a club that provides books on CD and tape but the popular ones are in such demand you have to be patient.
  • Jean, High Wycombe
    Just before losing my sight to AMD I took a degree in history and the history of art with the Open University. The most recent books on these subjects are not available to me now.
  • Samantha, Liverpool
    I was absolutely staggered to read this statistic in an article in the Liverpool Echo! As an avid reader I wholeheartedly support this campaign
  • uzma, london
    it's not fair that i can't get easy access to text books whilst studying for a degree. i don't need the stress
  • Sarah, London
    Reading has always been and will always be a great passion of mine - I cannot imagine a world without books and find it shocking how few books are published in accessible formats for people with sight problems.
  • Margaret, Peacehaven
    It doesn't matter whether you are blind or not, everyone no-matter how old or young has the right to read a book, they can open doors to the world even if you are unable to go yourself and also my mother says you are never alone with a good book......
  • Penny, York
    As a school librarian, I fully agree with the comments made by 8-year old Lucy. In our library we have a small selection of extra large print books, bought by a student with severe visual impairment and donated to the library as she finished with them. These were produced by Custom Eyes Books, who produce an excellent catalogue and are extremely helpful.
  • Lisa, Hook
    My eight year old daughter is dyslexic, audio books are an essential part of her development.
  • Jane, Wellingborough
    I co-run a reading group for people with visual impairments and understand how important audio books are to people with visual impairments.
  • Rachael, Leicester
    Having been involved with a 'right to read' program in a local Leicestershire primary school I have seen firsthand how just one hour a week listening to a child read can improve their literacy skills, confidence and social skills, it is shocking that people with sight problems don't have access to 96% books!
  • Andrea, Shotts
    inaccessible books make my studies a nightmare
  • Rosie, Wisbech
    I made a comment months ago, but have something to add. The government want inclusive education for people with all disabilities, well this includes people with visual impairments, does it not? Well, why are they then perfectly happy to go against what they say in the disability discrimination act, and be perfectly happy with the fact that this unacceptable number of people mentioned in the information about the campain are unable to read which puts them at a significant disadvantage in vi, and even dislexic peoples education. its a joke, it really is. I think its about time the government pull there fingers out and start to realise the disgusting, unnecessary discrimination that people who have difficulty reading are facing. I am blind myself, so cannot read print at any size at all. I have to have things put into braille, so therefore do not get things at the same time as everyone else, in audio format as well. Its not our fault that we're blind, we cant help the way we were born, can we? so we should at least get the help we are told we are entitled to. I think its also important to note that as far as i am concerned, the right to read shouldnt just involve books, it should include everything else that is only in small print, for example, labels on food packaging. if we don't have the labels, which by law are meant to display best before dates, cooking times etc, what are people who cant read print supposed to do? we shouldnt have to rely on someone else all the time, and there might not be anyone else to read it to us, so what do we do? do we eat gone off food thats been left too long, or not cook it for as long as we should, or do something else that might put our health at risk? if so, it defeats the whole object of the label being there doesnt it? maybe the rnib should add this to the campain as well. i hope this campaign proves a success, and our rights are considered in the future.
  • Sue, Leicester
    Everybody has a right to read.
  • KAREN , LIVERPOOL
    I AM FAIRLY NEW TO HAVING SIGHT LOSS AND I LOVE READING. I WOULD HATE TO BE UNABLE TO READ THE LATEST BESTSELLERS SO AM BACKING THIS CAMPAIGN.
  • Emily , Rockledge
    Everyone should be able to experience the joy of picking up a book and being wrapped up in a whole new world.
  • aisling, nottingham
    i would love more books in large print at the moment i struggle at school as i am home schooled at the moment so book are important but we can only find a couple of books i need in large print my mum has to scan in every book ect i need and the make it bigger and then print it out again wich costs us
  • Chris, Smethwick
    I support the Right to Read campaign and stress that it is critical that texts be available in a range of accessible formats at the same time and at no extra expense.
  • NAN, HALIFAX
    As a teacher of the visually impaired it is regrettable that we can't even get curriculum materials in different formats for students from publishers!!!
  • Dave, Melton Mowbray
    Here at Bierley, we are dedicated to bringing social inclusion and independence to people with visual impairment. With our handheld electronic magnifier, the MonoMouse, we plan to do as much as we can to help, especially in this, the "National Year of Reading".
  • Ann, Burntwood
    Books are one of life's greatest pleasures, in the 21st century no one should be excluded from enjoying them.
  • Kim, Dundee
    I have two children with dyslexia and love to read to them. They are fortunate that they can also read but I think it is terrible that people with sight problems are denied the right to have access to 96% of books published in the uk. Can there be a possible explanation for this? I can't think of one reason.
  • lesley, fraserburgh
    my son is dyslexic and it is a disgrace he cannot get to \"read\" any book he wants to. dyslexic children are often put off reading by the time teachers and parents know what the problem is and restricting the choice of books they can listen to is penalising them again for something that is not their fault
  • Jodie , Worcester
    I think it's disgusting that 96% of books are not available in accessible formats for blind/partially sighted and Dyslexic people. How dare they deny so many people the pleasure of reading? I am partially sighted but am thankfully able to use magnification aids in order to access 'ordinary print' books. Surely by not making their works accessible Publishers are in contravention of the Disability Discrimination Act? If the DDA does not already apply to private Companies then it certainly should.
  • Katie Louise, Huddersfield
    every individual should have access to reading materials in an accessable format
  • Sarah, Northwich
    I have seen my mum's frustration at having to wait for books to appear in audio format, and of course many don't. She's fortunate to have my dad who reads many books to her which would otherwise be inaccessible to her. I strongly believe that everyone should have the right to read what they choose when they choose. That is why I am adding my name to the Right to Read Decleration.
  • julia, dundee
    my son is dyslexic and has struggled for the past few years trying to read. we now use audio books and his love of books is returning.
  • Gill, Hitchin
    My Father is now blind and has made the change to reading audio books. He cannot always get, in audio form, books that he read and loved in the printed version. So many of his hobbies needed clear sight and have been abandoned, that his reading is now doubly valuable to him.
  • Ann, Sale
    It's disappointing how long it can take before a popular book makes it to audio, if it ever does.
  • John, Sale
    When a sighted person can buy a paperback for as little as £5 why should I have to pay maybe 10 times as much for an audio version of the same book?
  • Anna, Cambridge
    Accessibility is - rightly! - an issue which is addressed in every walk of life: it seems therefore odd that books are a forgotten realm, with 96% of books published in the UK inaccessible to people with sight problems.
  • Lori, dundee
    I am an avid reader of audio books from the BBC especially Fantasy audio. Recently I was introduced to a series in 2005 which I really enjoyed. I read the first book on audio in 2005 and since then another two in the series have been released both in paper and hardback, but not on audio! As far as I am concerned there is simply no excuse for such a long wait to publish them on audio. Now i am left frustrated because unlike the majority of sighted people in the world I can't just walk into a shop pick up a book and read it, I have to be left, not even certain if the books I want to read so much will ever come on audio at all. I will do anything to support this campaign! From Lori
  • Michelle, Hucknall
    I think that it is absolutely disgusting that people who have disabilities are obliged to pay more for the same book that other people with no disabilities at all are reading, and that they (disabled people) are obliged to wait perhaps a long time before they can read the same book. I also abhor the fact that non-disabled people are able to read so many interesting items and do so many interesting things whilst the disabled factor are limited as to what it can read and do. I am also disgusted that non-disabled people are able to get material (mostly in small print) such as guide books on holiday and therefore be able to read about the places they visit in those books, whilst the disabled factor are not able to obtain this information for themselves, necessitating that a sighted person read to those who are disabled information from the books instead of disabled people being able to read it for themselves:. I am also very disgusted that restaurants, pubs and cafes only have small print menus, and therefore none in an accessible format for a disabled person to read. I hate the fact that, if a disabled person wishes to find out what is on a menu or in a guide book, he or she must ask a non-disabled person to read it to him/her. It so annoys me that disabled people do not have the same access to informmation and amenities as non-disabled people!
  • Lynn, Isleworth
    Sight disability is a very hard cross to bear. Access to knowledge for pleasure or education should not be denied to anyone, disabled or not, who wants it.
  • Linsey, Longforgan
    My son is severely dyslexic but still enjoys books, by his family reading them to him. However, that is not always possible and limits his own independence. Why can't auditory books be available to dyslexic children? It is discrimination to all people unable to independently read under the disability discrimination act 2004.
  • Roger, Stoke-sub-Hamdon
    At sixty six years old, it is unsurprising that my eyesight is failing but, an inveterate reader, although my county library service has some books in large print (which I still need spectacles to read), the service is somewhat limited, particularly with regard to new books. In fairness, my library service does not charge a reservation fee for large print books but, never-the- less, the selection is small. People with sight related problems must have access to as many books, on varied subjects, as possible. We are people too!
  • Jenny, Leigh-on-sea
    Please, please wake up and smell what's cooking. Blind and partially sighted people are 'normal' people with 'normal' interests. Why are you discriminating against them because of your ignorance? If you can waste so much of tax payers' money on failed projects you can spare a lot less for a lot more. How much longer will this unjust treatment continue?! Why isn't there a blind/VI, deaf, wheelchair user etc. representative in each department of the government who can argue subjectively for impaired peoples' rights? Makes sense? Oh yes. It's Britain so that won't happen. Aargh!
  • Adam, Cockfosters
    Reading is at the forefront of education. By having a limited amount of books for a large section of children and adults, we are denying them the right to develop their minds and learning skills. Having access to literature is not just a right for the able bodied masses, it is a right for all of mankind.
  • Graham, Nottingham
    Reading is the gateway to the world of culture, knowledge,science etc and this should be available to all as a universal entitlement. This gateway must be kept open!
  • Suzanne, shotton
    As a registered blind dude. I am unable to enjoy books that i have recently bought as presents for sighted members of my family. They are books that i crave to listen to but, as yet, been unable to do so because they are not currently available as audio books
  • Maggie, London
    It was a love of stories that got me into reading. It was a love of reading that helped me (without realising it) to love language, and to learn to spell and form sentences correctly. This in turn helped the whole of my education, as well as my general ability to communicate, and I now work with words for a living (as a sub-editor). Reading is both a pleasure and an essential tool. Why should anyone be denied this? It appalls me to think that in a (theoretically) advanced society, three million people who are already disadvantaged should be further excluded by lack of access to books of many different kinds, and I urge the Government to rectify this situation.
  • Marjorie, London
    As a Librarian and the "lead" on Lifelong Learning for 8 libraries in the borough that I work for I feel that it is imperative that everyone should have the opportunity to access literature in whatever format they need/ want simultaneously and at an equal price whatever the format.
  • Eric, Crowthorne
    The problem people have reading is not appreciated by most of those who are sighted and the situation is getting worse with the increase in mobile telephones and text as a means of communicating. Even when material is available in audio or large print formats the time taken to read and absorb even a short passage is increased considerably and can be very tiring indeed. This campaign is important because there is insuffucuent publication of books in an accessible form which further restricts the options available to blind and partially sighted people. For example I am very interested in sport and in particular Rugby Union football, however to date I have only been able to find a handful of books which are recorded so that I can "read" them. The national newspapers are delivering dvd's and cd's free of charge almost daily with their papers but these rarely include books, although I have seen some children's books from time to time. Could you campaign to engage newspape publishers to either produce their papers in these formats or from time to time include a book which could be read by blind people? This would provide a much needed public service and could increase their circulation figures.
  • richard william, Shrewsbury
    History of Mathematics difficult to find but RNIB have been of great help in the past.
  • Sandra, MORPETH
    All my family enjoy reading. The joy of reading to my grand-daughter is not to be missed. Now at 9 years of age she enjoys reading to me and anyone who will listen. It is a great way to learn, it provides an escape hatch from everyday humdrum. You need to be able to read to follow instructions, knit, do crosswords, live independently without always relying on other people
  • Sheila, Pershore
    I fully support this campaign. I am dependent on the talking book service provided by RNIB.
  • Hannah, Watchet
    My younger sister is registered blind. She has Cone Dystprohy and has greatly benefitted from having large print books. She attended a mainstream school until she was 12 and they did not give her the large print text that she needed. Large print books are extremely useful for people with limited vision and my sister's reading ability has increased enormously since starting to read them.
  • Robert, Richmond
    It is very important for everyone to be able to read in order to be able to stimulate their minds with imagination, knowledge, wisdom and understanding of our world. Keep up your great efforts!
  • Anne, Derby
    As a libray assistant I am often asked to provide new books in large print or audio formats and usually have to warn the reader that he/she may have to wait some months for publication.
  • Jessica, York
    My twin 10-year-old brothers have nystagmus (an eye condition which makes it hard for them to focus on objects) and it doesn't affect them much at the minute because most books aimed at their age group have quite large print anyway. But in the future I hope they will be able to go on to college and maybe university without being held back by not being able to read the small-print text books. They're very smart so their condition shouldn't stop them from achieving what they want!
  • peter, birmingham
    i have been blind for 14 years and rely on talking books for most of my entertainmement. the list of books available is very short. why can't i have access to more books of my choice made available? when it comes to the printed word, the blind are treated as second class. I hope that this campaign will result in more books being made available to all of us visually impaired people.
  • Glenise, Leicester
    Takes too long for permission to adapt some new novels in large print or talking books format
  • Roger, Halesowen
    I have loved reading all my life and now I am using Talking Books to continue. I feel that a much higher percentage of books must be made accessible to print-disabled people.
  • Geoff, Epsom
    I find it more and more difficult to read large print and now resort mostly to audio books. I have been shocked how few audio resources there are, especially even catalogues in public libraries. I can see with great difficulty what's on the shelves so audio or very large print catalogues would be very useful.
  • Fay, Sandiacre
    I wear glasses, that is all, so do not have the same issues as others but my son now 23 had dyspraxia which effected his ability to read and spell. All the books he may have read ie Football book etc were and still are in small print many in the images of cartoons which makes things even worse. Everyone should be able to read I spend much of my free time reading as I have a mobility disability I would hate to lose my right to read so feel that no one should lose this right. All libraries should stock large print for all ages not just the very young and older people.
  • Judith Howard, Camborne
    I find that since having problems with my sight that I am having to 'dumb-down' in my choice of reading material. Books available in large print, at my local library, fall mostly into the romance/crime/western catagories.
  • Jill, Nr. Longfield
    My 9yr old grandson has severely impaired vision, is in main stream school and bright! His reading material has to be brailled mainly by his 1-1. Other reading material is very limited. He devours audio books and loves being read to. He should have more choice. His peers have!
  • Johann, Wandsworth
    I believe that the reasons I have difficulty with spelling and vocabulary are because of the lack of large print books available to me during my schooling years. Reading was almost always a struggle for me, usually resulting in blurred vision within 15 minutes, followed by strong headaches - and that is with the use of glasses, a magnifying lens, and good lighting - I know I would have been far more comfortable with large print text. I have a lack of interest in reading now in my adult life, but am grateful to the vast amount of information available over the internet that I can read using speech synthesis and font magnification - only if websites were more accessible in general, and if publishes stopped depending on PDF as the only means of providing information. I recommend also that this petition be put up on Facebook, that way it will get spread through word of mouth resulting in a very rapid number of new signatories.
  • IAN, Gillingham
    If you are disabled in any way, reading can be your lifeline. This privilege should be for all.
  • Beverley, Denton
    This is on behalf of my daughter. She is five years old and partially sighted. She has the right to read anything she chooses to. Please apply the same for curriculum books in schools also.
  • Lynn, Cheadle
    I believe that everyone should be able to access books in the format they require. My life would be so much poorer without books.
  • Ann, BEDFORD
    As a librarian I feel that everyone has this right and we in libraries must support and promote this campaign.
  • Raida, London
    i am shocked to hear this.
  • Richard , Rowledge
    I have a dyslexic son who without audio books would not have been able to reach anything like his full potential. I am fortunate that he can reveice some materials from Calibre but he should be able to receive more and the current legislation disciminates against him in this respect. I am also fortunate that I can afford to purchase many titles as well but other are not so fortunate and they deserve the same opportuniy to be able to access more audio materials. I also have a father of 79 years who is significantly visually impared due to AMD and now has his reading restricted only to what is available as audio. This is true for a great number of people and they equally deserve to be able to enjoy their later years through having audio books and other literature available to them in an age where so much so much is communicated through such media as the internet that without this they are effectively excluded from many aspects of modern life.
  • Verity, Sevenoaks
    I suffered from pretty servere dyslexia as a child. I didn't read fluently until I was half way through secondary school. I have always been a very determined person and I was fortunate enough to have a very supportive school and family. I accesed books through the library for the blind, Calibre, who supply free audio recordings of stories for children and adults, fiction and non fiction. Now I learn their service is being compromised for their dyslexic uses by the current copyright laws. I am really disappointed to learn this because I really do owe a lot to their service. Without them I would never have had the incentive to make myself try to read to access a wider range of books and I would never have been able to access my core texts for GCSE.
  • Julia, Billericay
    I have a 9 year old daughter with hypermetropia. Whilst many people realise the drawbacks of myopia very few (including teachers) understand the affect being longsighted has on a child's reading development and consequently their entire educational progress. It has become increasingly difficult to find age-appropriate books in large print for her to read for herself; not just to listen to on CD, but to actually see the written word on the page. The books that are available from the library tend to be out-dated (i.e. books I read as a child and I'm 49). Because of the lack of understanding and availablity of appropriate materials, her school work (spelling, comprehension, grammar etc.) has suffered. Her knowledge of old and new literature classics has been severely limited. Not to mention the blow to her confidence and the frustraton caused by having teachers who don't understand the problem and who have no practical advice to offer the child or the parent. Given the number of under 16 year olds with sight problems isn't it time the publishing companies were cajoaled (kicked up the backside) into publishing large print versions of some of the more modern classics; If only to offer to the various county library services throughout the country. I believe there is also a government incentive (access)regarding a child's right to the best possible education for their needs i.e. a level playing field.
  • Michelle, BISHOPS STORTFORD
    I love reading and can't imagine life without books. I have very poor eyesight due to having the lens in my left eye removed when I was a baby due to a cataract and having a disolocated right lens. I am now only able to read with the help of contact lenses or very thick glasses and I am very conscious of that fact.
  • Carol, Leamington Spa
    My son is partially sighted and I agree wholly with your conclusions that the lack of books - especially text books in schools - for children who need larger print is dreadful. My son has to have sheets enlarged to A3 - what a faff for all concerned. Keep up the good work!
  • emily, Blackburn
    my grandma is blind and she reads braille books, but they are mainly novels, there is not a variety of different genres for her to read which would be better.
  • June, Stevenston
    I currently support a student studying for an HND at college who requires course materials in braille. I undertook the training on my own time and supply this facility without the job being recognised in any way by my employer. Sadly, this facility will not be offered to future blind students who apply for courses at this college.
  • Bob, Ayr
    I am an avid reader. However, I find I really struggle to get books as I am blind and my perferred reading method is braille. I am also at college and currently manage to get written course material through a support system I have established which is not readily available through the college. I start university later this year and worry about how I will access the books I require for my course.
  • Li Kim, Kuching, Sarawak
    I love reading and I have no sight problem. I feel terribly sorry that people with sight problems can't read most of the books as I could imagine how bad/sad/boring it is to not able to read their favourite books.
  • Anne, Nottingham
    I think it is appalling that simply because my sight is fading I am excluded from so much literature; either because it is inaccessible due to small print or due to cost. I have yet to understand why I am penalised as a result of something that is not my fault!
  • Anne, Hay on Wye
    Every book provides a new world for the reader to enter. How can so many children and adults be barred from entering these worlds?
  • Jenny, Quistinic
    I'm an avid reader, but also a writer, mainly for children. My books are very occasionally translated into braille. I wish that more of them could be used or put on tape. Only one of my books is available in audio form, but I would be more than happy to allow access to all of them for this purpose. My website is www.robsullivan.clara.net I heard about the campaign from another writer whose child is visually impaired.
  • Riccardo, Rome
    I'm not a UK citizen but I am supporting your campaign because I believe that, especially on the occasion of the upcoming Braille Bicentennial in 2009, the Right to Read Campaign should become a major international issue.
  • maureen, exeter
    I listened to the word on BBC world service the other evening, and the presenter was explaining how actors read the books and use different 'voices'; I am fortunate enough to be sighted, but I do not give the characters different accents when I am reading, I just read in my head with my own accent. So maybe you don't need to pay actors, you could just use ordinary people who like reading, in fact I have often thought when I'm reading a book that if I were to read it out loud with a tape recorder on it would then be available to someone who couldn't read.
  • adrian, deal
    it is our duty to ensure all people have the oppotunity to read no matter what their afflictions are
  • Kimberley, Folkestone
    My ten year old daughter has a visual impairement of 6/21 with congenital cataracts and is severely astigmastised yet because she is an able reader has to suffer small print and either has to struggle or use a magnifying ruler. I'm sure a lot more children would do much better in literature if their reading material wasn't so small.
  • Lisa, Fordingbridge
    what a good website to find, with the difficulties a partially sighted child encounters, reading is a good way to help unwind
  • Carrah, Canterbury
    The right to read is something most of us take completely for granted. Most of us, however, know someone whose reading ability is impaired by disability. My younger son is dyslexic, whilst my father suffers from Macular Degeneration. As a school library assistant, I believe everyone is entitled to pursue their curiosity through the world of the imagination and the intellect expressed in the written word. Any campaign which tries to make this possible for others should be supported.
  • Erin, Bolton
    As a sighted person who reads avidly, I cannot imagine not being able to do so - it should be recognised as a human rights issue - blind and partially sighted people are being put at a disadvantage personally, socially and possibly intellectually because of this injustice!
  • Brian , Chester
    I think the right to read campaign is an extremely brilliant thing, I can truly belive that 96 percent of books are practicaly impossible for partially sighted / blind people to read as myself and my partner are severely partially sighted.
  • Laura , Chester
    I think the right to read campaign is an extremely brilliant thing, I can truly belive that 96 percent of books are practicaly impossible for partially sighted / blind people to read as myself and my partner are severely partially sighted.
  • rosie, Wisbech
    I fully agree with this statement and am pleased that this campaign is being made. I am blind myself and feel that the fact that we have to pay a lot more for books on audio and that they don't come out at the same time as the print is terrible discrimination for us. Why should we have to wait to get the same enjoyment from books that sighted people get?
  • amanda, leicester
    i am partially sighted but love reading so fully support this campaign and will be passing details to all my contacts. thankyou for highlighting this issue
  • phyllis, Hereford
    It's a disgrace that people have to fight for such a basic right in 2007. Everyone should have right to access books for leisure and information etc as and when they choose. What about community consultation documents etc when does someone who is visually impaired get the opportunity to be fully involved in planning developments for their locality etc. Everyone should be able to freely partake. Our society should be inclusive and move forward.
  • VICTOR, craven arms
    HAVE JUST RECEIVED BT PHONE BOOK 30/12/2007 OPENED IT NOW NEED TO BUY A NEW STRONGER PAIR OF GLASSES
  • Elaine, Leicester
    Everyone should have the right to engage in the world of the written word. Imagining in their own individual way the life of a story or to learn something new when and where they wish to.
  • Ruth, Shrewsbury
    I am 53 and a primary teacher. I am just losing my second eye from wet AMD. I love reading, I am a musician and I need to read for my job, I feel cut off because I can't read labels and packets scan information.Talking books are good and beautifully read but twice the price of a real book with a limited choice.
  • Sally Jane, Luton
    I come from a family of voracious readers. My father, who is blind from glaucoma, now relies on Talking Books and newspapers, or on my mother to read to him. His sister, my aunt, has age related macular degeneration and is now finding it more difficult to find large-print titles which is frustrating. I cannot imagine a life without access to the books I choose to read, and believe everyone should be able to read what they want, not just select whatever they can tolerate from the measly 4 per cent that do get into large print! Also, most popular magazines are not available on tape, which denies people another form of entertainment so many of us take for granted. I thank God for the gift of sight today.
  • Sally, Brough
    Everyone deserves the same rights! xx
  • Eleanor, Cradley Heath
    My grandmother suffered with glaucoma in her later years of life and she had always loved to read books, newspapers, leaflets etc. I found it upsetting to think that she would not be able to read the books that she loved so much. My grandmother was a very intelligent woman, and even though her eyes were failing her, she should never have been let down by being forgotten as a book lover. I too love to read, and I would hate to think that if my eyes started to deteriorate that I would be forgotten about. Poor eyesight should be an easy issue to tackle in this day and age and requires the simplest of considerations from the people who publish books.
  • Andrew, Teignmouth
    The right to read is a fundamental human right and pleasure, and unless there is a good reason why not, I believe EVERY book should be available in formats for visually impaired readers. It's loyalty from the author and publisher, and since many publications are available in many 'minority' formats, what's wrong with the publishing world recognising the buying power of the VI minority too? Equal rights, because we're all equal.
  • Alex, Liverpool
    I am studying Disability Studies at Degree Level at Liverpool Hope University and I frankly find this information appalling. Something needs to be done about it.
  • Alison, Haddington
    I teach a severely dyslexic pupil who is very bright and loves literature, but cannot enjoy the same books as her friends. With audio books available free of charge to dyslexic children and adults, a love of words can be open to all.
  • Pauline, Craven Arms
    I believe that equality means all printed information including books should be available on the same date in all accessible formats.
  • Will, Liverpool
    In this age of computer technology it should be no problem to print off copies of books in large print at a reasonable price. Book retailers should be encouraged to ask for copies in this format.
  • Louise, Birstall
    I have a friend who is dyslexic and over the years I have helped him to learn to read quite well.
  • Annemarie, Huntingdon
    Good luck with the campaign. Yes, everyone should have the right to read a book at the same price as non-disabled readers.
  • Gail Anne, Glasgow
    I hate having to pay the extra on larger print book and audio CD, just so I can keep up with my friends. So I get to the end before they tell me what happened in the final chapter before I read it. I hope to get there first before they spoil it all for me. I still don't think visually impaired get a fair deal when it comes to shops,cinemas and restraunts other things like that. I am dyslexic and visually impaired and my work place dosn't help me at all, I left unable to read certain important stuff. I'm gifted and because my work don't provide a service for the dyslexic or visually impaired. I feel we are left behind when we have so much to give. I would love to say more but I think I've said enough for just now.
  • Leila, Stalybridge
    I have dylexia and i think anything that makes my life easier is better than nothing at all!
  • Lizzi, Dukinfield
    I think it is terrible that so few books are printed for people with sight and reading problems in the UK - something must be done!!! Books are the key to our educational growth and learning, as well as a joyful pastime!!
  • Kirstie, Marlborough
    We need to stop being a disabling society and protect everyone's basic rights to information, education and a good read!
  • linda, peterlee
    my son is 8 yrs old and partially sighted. he is really struggling to find books at the correct level. Our local library have no books for his age so we rely on the sensory department to supply the school but the books are photocopied and in black and white
  • Hazel, Aith
    My mother, now aged 90, has loved to read books all her life. Now she is unable to read even large print books.
  • Jennifer, Gillingham
    My mother has age-related macular degeneration. It was she who gave me my love of books and reading and she finds it so frustrating that there is such a limited number of publications available to her.
  • David, Derby
    MY MOTHER WAS AN AVID READER UNTIL CONTRACTING MACULAR DISEASE. SHE LONGS TO HAVE ACCESS TO SUITABLE MATERIAL
  • Eileen, Goole
    Accessing books and other printed items like newspapers and journals is my strongest link to the sighted and informed world. That I can only access a beggarly 4% is demeaning so I am supporting the Right to Read Campaign to help address this imbalance and make people with sight problems included rather than excluded.
  • Jessica , Leeds
    I believe that people with sight problems should be able to have access to the same reading material as those with "normal" sight.
  • sheila, croydon
    I work as a teacher in a special school where many of the pupils have difficulty reading standard print, because of the size of print or the spacing used. We have bought and enjoyed the Barrington Stoke range of books for older readers, the content is age appropriate and the print is double spaced on cream paper.
  • Teresa, Wirral
    Yes I agree with this as a past university student I found it frustrating that I could not acess many books as they were not available in large print
  • Clive, Hythe
    These are shocking statistics! I much prefer reading books myself and as a braille reader I am disappointed with the dearth of reading material available compared with print books. what better way to learn how to spell words than to read them!
  • Timothy, Oxted
    Hello, I am both suffering this injustice, from a leisure stance, as well as, from an academic point of view too. I am therefore, struggling in my first year at university. I am in my first year, of an under graduate degree in Theology. I am also involved with RNIB quite extensively at the moment (as University permits me, since September 2007 that is), as I am on the UK Assembly body, that advices the RNIB board, advices them on the decisions they then afterwards take, and ask a number of questions to the Assembly plus I serve on the editorial board of the RNIB membership magazine VISION too, and to sum up, since 2003, I have a reasonable amount of committee experience and quasi-committee experience. So, it is time the government and key players, such as the publishers, etc, do just one thing, and to commence right away and engage immediately by "Listening" to the needs of blind and Partially sighted people, just like any other sector of our population, as, the current situation is wholly unacceptable, and must "stop" right away - no excuses permissible, this is late 2007 going on 2008, not 1507 going on 1508!
  • pauline, girvan
    my son who is dyslexic finds it difficult to read. I try to encourage audio books but they are so expensive to buy. You can buy a book for approx £5 but to buy the same title in audio book form would cost you approx £20. This alone is a disgrace. Not even being able to buy a book at all in audio book form is unacceptable in this day of age.
  • Nasreen , Derbyshire
    I have worked for many years and communicate to engage with many people from varying diverse communities locally including voluntary and charity groups. I believe and understand their many issues and difficulties they encounter. Vision is a serious problem by people young or old especially if it worsens. Any kind of reading literature, letters, magazines or books may become or seem more difficult. In everyday life for people with vision problems the Right to Reading is a resource helping people receive the knowledge and information in their personal social or working everyday life situations. I fully support the campaign to Right to Read Campaign. Nasreen Iqbal - Derby
  • sharon, Ware
    As an avid reader I wish to add my support to your campaign, reading should be made accessible to everyone to enjoy, educate and entertain. We must providing reading materials in accessible formats in the same way we provide other means to enable people to access a higher quality of life.
  • william, newcastle under lyme
    i love reading ,no one should be denied such a gift
  • Zainami, Glasgow
    With all that the government harps on about British equality and democracy, it's a bloody disgrace that a significant portion of it's inhabitants are not able (due to lack of resources and cost issues) to read their rights. They should get this sorted.
  • Michael, LLandudno
    When i visited the library,like everyone else, i loved to read certain types of book.This all changed, when I started with a macular hole,because of high blood pressure. Now my world is Blurred and Twisted,also like looking through a lace curtain. Also gone is the chance of reading the books i like,BECAUSE they are not in large print,or you cannot obtain the book you want on cassette,or disc. Please dont leave us in the dark,help us to enjoy the thing that is taken for Granted,(reading) We need more help so we can start to live again. Thank you if you have taken time to read this,it took me twice as long to type it on the computer, Thanks again, Mike Mckenna North Wales
  • Adele, Darlington
    i am a young visually impaired female and havve been since birth, whilst my brother and sister and other young family members have always been able to pick up any book at any time and read it at leisure i was not able to and this left me very frustrated and angry, i feel because of this my range of vocabulary is limited and i believe reading creates imagination and awareness and i believe i have missed out on this as well. i do feel left out from my fully sighted peers and friends, i don't see why visually impaired people cannot have the same vast priviliges as fully sighted people, i think not making a wide variety of books avalible in different formats is a form of discrimination..
  • Nicola, Beckenham
    I love books, something my parents encouraged from a young age. I am horrified to learn that only 4% are produced in formats suitable for the blind or visually impaired. That is shocking... and should be corrected - there is an amazing world out there and everyone should be able to share it!
  • Helen, Brighton
    Everyone has the right to read what they would like, not just what is on offer now. When unable to get out, books are often "best friends".
  • Julia, Milton Keynes
    I think everyone should have access to reading materials in a suitable format for them! More large print books and more audio CDs should be more widely available
  • Toni, Blackpool
    I read with a times three magnifier, how much better it would be if books came in 16 - 18 Point I love books but reading this way tends to give you a headache so don't read as much as I used to or would like to before my sight got worse.
  • Peggy, Zomergem (Belgium)
    I teach English in a Belgian school for adults who are blind or visually disabled. It's always hard to find material for them which is acurate and up to date. Therefore I copy the articles of recent magazines and books myself and print them in braille or in a larger size. But I think not many people know this, so I want to wish you the best with your campaign and hope it will make a change in the future.
  • Christine , Rochester
    As a teacher of pupils with learning difficulties and disabilities, I find it unacceptable that the big media giants and publishing companies are allowed to discriminate against this group young people. When the government is pushing hard for equal access to the curriculum and information, toghether with inclusion, I find it incredible that publishers are still able to exclude or deny access to the textbooks and reading books that pupils without a learning disability can enjoy. All schools and public bodies now have a duty to provide all the written information it produces in alternative formats so that pupils, parents and staff with a disability have equal access in all aspects of school life (See 'Doing the Duty' which came into force on 4th Dec.2006). Surely, under the terms of DDA (1995) and Doing the Duty, the practice of publishing in written format should not only apply to public bodies, but to private organisations too. How can teachers 'do the duty' when the materials necessary for ensuring inclusion and equality are not available. I fully support the Right to Read Campaign and hope, through this, change will happen and that no child will ever have to experience the exclusion so many are experiencing today.
  • Chris, Peterborough
    I have Ushers Syndrome which means I am deaf with a degenerative eye condition also. Fortunately I am still able to read most standard print books with the aid of magnification. But, I live in fear that my opportunities to read should diminish with the possible deterioration in my sight. Reading makes one\'s world so wide and every effort must be made to ensure ALL have the opportunity enjoy such a past time should they want to.
  • Jane, Croxley Green
    I think it is utterly appaling that so many people don't have access to books due to sight problems. I adore reading and cannot imagine a world without books - they are one of the most enriching parts of my life.
  • Kirsty, Armadale
    I'm shocked at this statistic. How can young people with sight problems feel they have an equal opportunity to access further education and training?
  • Amanda, Witham
    My daughter is 14 and although her reading age is low she would also like to read books of interest. She finds it hard to progress with her reading as there are so few books out there. Even her special school does not provide her with large print books.
  • Laura, Duluth
    I am an author. It's unfair to us that so many people simply cannot find our work in an accessible form. I hope you succeed.
  • Winifred, Burton upon Trent
    I am a large-print reader, and frequently have to order books at my local library, or even resort to struggling with a smaller print size. To date I have not found any classics or autobiographies on the shelves. The choice is too limited.
  • Roberta, London
    Sight loss is not a barrier to reading - the lack of accessible books are. Everybody has the right to read, so lets make it happen!
  • sian,
    I enjoy audio books and, years ago, I was able to access them free from my local library. As i am dyslexic and have a mild learning disability now, I have decided to access the audio books again from my library, only to find that I and my friends who can't read no longer qualify and we have to pay 60p for our books. My fiancée is registered partially sighted, which means he can get audio books free. It annoys me that if you cant read, are dyslexic and u used to qualify, you now don't. I guess I'm lucky, I have my fiancée who can get audio books for me on his card, as he is my main carer. But its unfair on my friends, as they get charged for the audio books. I know its not the same but they can't see what the words say in a normal book, so look at the pictures (we visit the library weekly with our day centre). Something needs to be done to make audio versions of book available to all on the same day as the printed version.
  • Anja , Zichem
    I accompany blind and partially sighted pupils, mostly in secondary education. It's always a hassle to find the books that are read and discussed in class (in Dutch, English, French and German). Often, our staff have to scan the books into the computer and read them out to pupils which, as you can imagine, is a very time consuming job - time that would be better spent assisting pupils and teaching staff directly.
  • Shams, Stirling
    The business case: publishers profits would soar if they provide accessible formats when they release a new book or publication.
  • Joanna, Northwich
    Lack of availability of books amounts to huge discrimination against visually impaired and dyslexic people, but audio format benefits all (except the deaf). Listen in the car, walking the dog, on public transport, if it can be done with music why not words?
  • Laura, Rayleigh
    I work with deafblind people and the choice of books on Daisy or general audio book format is very limited. For people who are unable to access the wider community independently, books of all genre are an important tool for information and relaxation. I feel very strongly about making ALL books available in ALL accessible formats - it should be part of the Disability Discrimination Act ruling!
  • Michael, Holtspur
    I am glad to see that someone is trying to address this problem. So many are missing out on so much. Surely it can't be hard to solve it!
  • melvyn, rushden
    Our council has closed its sound reads service and stopped its support for RNIB subscription for new applicants, which is a step back instead of going forward.
  • Gladys, Ashford
    I would find life very empty without Talking Books. Good Luck. Regards and Best wishes.
  • Carey, Hitchin
    Its not just books that I struggle to read - what about the small print on everyday packaging? (including ingredients and cooking instructions, medicines and "small print".) I'm lucky, I have someone I can ask - not everybody does.
  • Victoria , Huddersfield
    My Grandfather loved to read but he was registered partially sighted. His eyesight degenerated and finally he could not read at all. We found the cost of GOOD audio books prohibitive and my Grandfather missed out on a lot of excellent literature during the latter stage of his life.
  • Angela, Walsall
    I work in a library but hadn't realised that such a small percentage of audio books are available. We have a relative who went suddenly blind at the age of 82, and we know how much he appreciates being able to listen to anything from newspapers to books. I fully support this campaign.
  • Stuart, London
    My 14 year old daughter is visually impaired and cannot read books unless they are large print, but these are expensive and difficult to find. I hope this campaign is a success.
  • Gillian, London
    This is a fantastic campaign! I do not know how I would cope even now without the ability to read. I find great solace and entertainment from reading and, even though I struggle to find the time as I have two small children, I savour every moment I get.
  • Ioannou, Rochford
    My daughter has missed so many hours of reading enjoyment as she is dyslexic, and the selection of audio books is limited and unfordable.
  • Helen, Rotherham
    I cannot believe that, in this age of technology, most books are only available in 'normal' size print!!! EVERY book should be available in large print, braille or on an audio CD. Reading helps you to escape the pressures of everyday life for a while, it helps you to relax and unwind.
  • Louise, Rochford
    I support the Right to Read campaign because my sister suffers from dyslexia. I and my family have been discussing the points made by this campaign for some time and I am pleased that these are being addressed. My sister enjoys audio books, and apart from there being very few good modern fiction books available, the price can make them inaccessible. Libraries aren't a support, as the waiting lists are so long and priorities are not given to those with disabilities. We are a family of book lovers and it is difficult when there is only one of us that hasn't read the current book being passed around. I really hope this campaign is successful in starting to make some changes to the accessibility of books for all.
  • Kerry, NW England
    My husband is registered blind and, when I met him at the age of 35, the only book he'd ever read by himself was James and the Giant Peach! He'd been reading some classic novels at Worcester College for the Blind as a teenager but had never read / listened to any novels since. I've loved books all my life and studied English at Cambridge. I was acutely aware of how many vast worlds of experience he'd effectively been denied through not having access to books. My husband is a very intelligent and successful man. In general, he's very optimistic but sometimes I get the sense that he struggles with the odd thought or emotion or experience, believing that he's the only person who's ever thought or felt a certain way. As a reader, I know that I'm not alone. I've met so many characters in novels and living people in autobiographies which have helped me to identify and cope with life experiences. I feel that in this respect, his life is empty. We're trying to redress this by always having a novel on the go which we do enjoy reading together. We'd also buy talking books, if the prices weren't so astronomical. I wholeheartedly support this incentive for everyone to have a right to read.
  • Iris, Nottingham
    With me its only incipient old age starting to show but books should be available to all. I assume books on computers will get over the print size in the future - pick your own. I much prefer a paper copy though.
  • marnie, Edinburgh
    My mother is almost 80 and reading is what she does most but owing to developing glaucoma she struggles to read small print. I am shocked at the low percentage of books available to her in large print. In all this new "PC" world we live in, are the partially blind not considered disable?
  • Paresh, Cupar
    I produce accessible formats for print-disabled clients for University of St Andrews and proud to add my name to the Right To Read Campaign.
  • Ruth, Cheltenham
    As a fully sighted person who loves to read I take it for granted that I can always read what I want. I'm appalled that so little is available for people who are partially sighted. Everyone should be able to enjoy books and reading.
  • Cula, Dumbarton
    I love reading but do not myself have difficulty in reading. Books and the ability to read can enrich a persons life in ways that cannot be substituted by other media. I believe provision should for books to be made available in audio, braille or large print automatically to enable more people to enrich their lives.
  • Nicola, New Gilston
    I cannot imagine not being able to access books and other printed material. It would ruin my life. It is appalling that so many people are disenfanchised in this way in the 21st century - the age of information.
  • Louise, Skemersdale
    It is a disgrace that people do not have access to books due to this. All books should be of simialr price and be available. Well done for raising people's awareness of this
  • Elizabeth, Darlington
    My 7 year old son has eyesight difficulties and dyslexia and is being penalised at school as they do not understand him and his problems. I support any initiative which encourages children to achieve the best they can, and which seeks to understand the problems children and adults experience.
  • Annabel , Northampton
    Reading is a basic pleasure that everyone should be able to enjoy. I am absolutely shocked that only 4% of titles are available to people with sight problems.
  • Victoria , London
    Yes I support this campaign with great pleasure. I can undestand very well the difficulty in reading small printed books, magazines,newspapers, specially banks business agreements etc. I love reading books articles magazines as a daily routine and research purposes. But as you all have mentioned some books are very difficult to read. I loose my interest when I have to struggle to read. I believe the producers of those books etc pay special ineterest and produce books and other sources of reading materials when the customers request them. We all do business to make a living therfore we have to make a request in advance and I hope producers will draw there attention about this matter as very very important. I will give my full support the campaign in the future. I can assure I can give any legal assistance if you require.
  • Katty, Antwerp
    I totally agree with the declaration.
  • Paul, Denny
    I do not have sight loss, but as an avid reader it disgusts me that someone who is blind or partially sighted does not have access to the same amount of books and publications as I do
  • Elaine, Glasgow
    Accessible format materials for higher education courses are even rarer than for the schools level reading. Most readily obtainable materials seem to be leisure reading. If we are to truly make our education system inclusive, we must solve the problem of inaccessible materials at the research level. Most publishers are producing materials in electronic format prior to printing. Why can't we legislate, as the US is trying to do, to make sure they lodge an XML version with some central agency, so libraries need only contact a single place rather than wasting huge resources dealing and begging files from endless outlets, or trying to create them for themselves? The blind, partially sighted and print impaired have the potential to contribute huge amounts to our national economy, but only if they are allowed to benfit from the same educational experience that the rest of us assume as a right. Finding information by reading or listening would seem to be the most basic of building blocks to a good education and not unreasonable as a demand.
  • MARGARET , NEWRY
    As a teacher of Health and Social Care I want my students to be more aware of the everyday discrimination experienced by visually impaired children of their age.
  • Hanne, Ashtead
    The pleasure of reading as well as the necessity must be promoted for all as a right. Access to large print and talking books should be extended.
  • Rebecca, Peacehaven
    I enejoy reading for pleasure, and I feel that people with sight difficulties should have the same access to books that I enjoy.
  • Caroline, Brighton
    I think it is outrageous visually impaired people have to pay up to three times as much for a talking book, everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy books and be able to access the same information.
  • Alan, Slough
    I have always enjoyed reading and fully agree that everyone, particularly people with sight problems, should have access to affordable books and taped books. Reading is fundamental to education, research and general enjoyment.
  • CLAIRE , BRENTWOOD
    I think its really important blind people have access to books, just like sighted people. They need books in braille for learning as well as fun books to read, so they get a break from the sighted world.
  • Margaret, Belfast
    I now need to wear glasses to read, and have discovered just how much this limits my freedom of access to so much. Example - shopping size and price tags, food, the list of items to buy is endless but often I leave shop as I can't read the tags. My hobby is Fashion Design which I study but if I forget my glasses I can not use the reference books I need to use to assist me with patterens/drawing and more, and threading the needle of the sewing machine is impossible. But the positive side is I am more aware of the difficulties people with more severe sight loss must have in their daily living. Now I will voice when I come across any dificulty in reading tags, signs or the general layout of shops shelving I will explain how difficult it is and suggest it might attract more customers if they work towards greater access for all.
  • Eleanor, Market Harborough
    When I was very ill and could not see, audio books really helped me to feel better, and to relax during a very scary point in my life. I think they should be available to everyone who needs them.
  • Patricia , Cardiff
    I am not visually impaired in any way. I just love reading and can't even imagine what it must be like not to be able to read a good book! That is why I am adding my name in support.
  • Maria Veronica, Brøttum
    Everyone should have the option to read.
  • Christine, Poole
    There is no reason why most books should not be made available for all to enjoy.
  • Angela, Derby
    I have had poor vision all my life and have never been able to read the books that my friends and family can as it is to painfull to read for me, I have just found out about RNIB's talking book service which will improve my life dramatically, they have a very extensive range but I believe that we should be able to purchase large print and audio books at the some price as a normal sighted person.
  • Christopher , Loughborough
    I am visually impaired and the cost to have books adapted is extreamly over priced. This is very true of the audio books. For example I wanted to read the new harry potter book. the printed version costs £6.99 but to have that on audio would cost £60 - £70 this is very unfair. I think audio books should be alot cheaper or that people with a Visual Impairment get a discount on these books.
  • Lucy, Sittingbourne
    I read to learn. I read to get information. I read to take a break from the world and immerse myself in someone else's story for a change. I read to laugh and to cry. I read to understand how other people experience life, and to understand them more. I read because it gives me hope and perspective. I read because it is one of the few times I can be entirely selfish. I read because it always makes me feel better. I read beause I LOVE to read!
  • Gareth, Bridgend
    I work in a Further Education College and am familiar with the difficulties faced by students who require learning materials in an alternative format and also the problems experienced by members of staff who are trying to support them. From a learning support point of view, I feel that being allowed to scan whole books onto computers so they can be changed into different formats is not really helpful enough because even if you are lucky enough to have access to the latest conversion tools it always comes down to how fast you can scan the book in and whether it can be done in synch with the delivery of the course the student is on. In my experience this is not always the case due to the time it takes to scan and then check the documents. I would like to see more publishers providing their books in an electronic document format which would then make the task of converting materials a lot more realistic for all institutions.
  • Callum, Buckingham
    All books should be available to buy in large print. I am partially sighted I have nystagmus but I love books. If I could find books that are of interest to me in large print I might actually be able to learn to read properly. [By my Mum]
  • carol, irvine
    All persons no matter their disability should have equal access to reading material. My husband has recently been registered blind and has had to make the transition to audio books as he was an ardent reader before. My only objection is that these are alot more expensive, making them less accesible to low income families
  • jacqueline, bilston
    I decided to buy a large print book for my mother for Christmas and was amazed that the high street shops don't sell them. I hadn't even realised there was a problem until then.
  • Hazel, Gloucester
    We find it particularly difficult to provide children and young people with school text books in large print and braille at the same time as their fully sighted peers. There is frequently a frustrating delay in providing school books in a suitable format.
  • kelly, Leominster
    I am a Teaching Assistant at a college and I support people with visual impairment and dyslexia. I know how difficult it is for these students on a day to day basis and I do agree that everyone should have the same opportunities regardless of any difficulties that they may have.
  • Emil, Lifford
    I published a novel in 2003 and have just managed to have it issued on audiobook by spokennetwork.com Amazingly it is cheaper to download than to buy the printed version. Hopefully this will enable vision impared people to enjoy my rantings.'The Sultry Climate' is a highly explicit sexual romp. Good luck with your campaign, Emil Di Vago
  • Alan, burton upon trent
    Both my wife and I are very avid readers. Of late my wife has dificulty in reading most general font types and unfortunately the large type printed are very limited as to authors etc. We definately feel there should be more selection for people with sight problems and we know that without the RNIB many, many folks would not have access to any form of reading.
  • REBECCA, LEIGH
    i think that this campaign is fantastic Not offering visually impaired or blind people the opportunity to read 96% of books and not allowing people to have the same enjoyment of literature is almost the same as depriving people of education. I really hope that this campaign makes a difference.
  • Tanya, London
    Access to books should be a right, not a privilege.
  • Michaela, Launceston
    I run a scheme to encourage all the children in care in the county to enjoy books and "reading". Many of our children have a range of "special needs" which mean they cannot easily access standard books. The lack of variety of talking books remains a huge problem, as does the lack of short, exciting books for those with a chronological age above their reading age. Foster A Book (FAB) thoroughly supports and endorses the RNIB Right Read Campaign on behalf of the many children in care who access to literature is adversely affected by their problems in reading standard print. On a personal level, having been a Moorfields patient as a very young child, I am lucky enough to have overcome my own visual impairment, through the success of an operation. Reading has always been my passion and the thought that others are denied this pleasure is something about which I feel very strongly. Far more central resources should be allocated to redressing this inequitable imbalance.
  • Steven, Peterborough
    In a civilised society, we continue to discriminate against those unfortunate enough to suffer visual impairment. I am ashamed, and wish to add my voice to the call for action.
  • Pam, Ipswich
    II have ARMD and can only read in a good light and if the print is bold on good paper. I have recently been given some audio books which I've enjoyed. I hope pressure on publishers will make more books accessible to the increasing numbers of people who are missing being able to read ordinary print. I hppe this makes sense I can't see what I'm typing. Why not the possibility of a still larger font.
  • Kelsey, Liverpool
    i would also like to mention that I am 17, dying to read a good fiction. It is hard to believe I have never read a book in my life due to this problem. I am deeply fustrated AND hurt by this lack of acknowledgement. We are people too and deserve the same things as every other child/adult out there that are right now benefiting from the wonders of the written word. Its easy to give sympathy... its hard to treat us like we matter too.
  • mat, walton
    I think every one should have the equal right to be able to read a certain book. Therefore books should come in all forms, enlarged writing, braille, audio tapes and cd. READING IS AN EDUCATIONAL RIGHT. It is understood that not all paragraphs or written things such as lables on products are there in standard sizes but the fact that a book is a learning tool , and that the power to learn should be accessible to enny one willing to learn, should be given...
  • Kelsey, Liverpool
    I can never find an audio book that I actually need. I study at college and require ALOT of books that can never be supplied to me because the funding isn't there. Frankly, I find it appauling that visually impaired and blind people have to suffer. These things are simple and essential to obtain and funding should never be an issue. I believe that people like myself should never have to struggle in everyday life. Who has the right to stop us from having what everybody else takes for granted?
  • catherine, st albans
    i sign on behalf of my son who is registered blind
  • Justina, Exeter
    We all have the right to information and an education, regardless of the format. Don't stop the interested and active minds of our society from receiving their rights, please.
  • Janet, Ipswich
    I support the right to read. My mum has macular degeneration and is a great reader- what a terrible thing it will be for her not to be able to read. Already she needs things in bigger type, then she can manage.
  • justine, measham
    I think that libraries should cater for visually impaired people I have experienced in my local library that there is not much selection of large print books.
  • marbe, Glasgow
    Yes there is quite a good choice of audio books in the local library and when you add what is available through RNIB and Calibre that's even better - BUT the problem is when there is A Particular Book that you really want to read and it's not available anywhere. THAT IS DISCRIMINATION. As, of course, is VAT on audio books - so please, Mr Brown, don't pretend it isn't as your predecessor did.
  • Jillian, west bradford. clitheroe
    I am registered blind, but I can see large print, depending on the boldness of the print, but I would just love to be able to go into a bookshop and pick a book off the shelf in large print. How brilliant that would be.
  • Elaine, London
    We are currently waiting for a diagnosis on our 5 year old son regarding his visual impairment. He is struggling to read the standard texts provided in school. I wrongly assumed that it would be possible to buy most books in larger print. I am shocked that my son may not have access to the same books as his brothers.
  • Barbara, Luton
    It is such a simple thing to do make not just larger, but also clearer print books.
  • Diane, Yateley
    I have a grandaughter of 17 with macular degeneration. I cannot find the books she wants to read in large print. She should be able to read the same books as her siblings but cannot.
  • Elaine, Bodicote
    I became print impaired following a RTA in July 1999. I was once an avid book and magazine reader - a habit that has proved difficult to break. My personal library has over 2,200 books that if I want to access now I have to do a vast collation exercise and contact the various publishers to see if they have a copy in an accessible format or I have to scan in each one into Kurzweil which takes between 1 - 10 hours per book depending on size, print quality, binding etc. Retraining has been a nightmare and at times I felt my university were making it all my fault for having a disability - all I wanted was a little support but it was too hard for them and it stressed me out! And accessing pdfs to get to primary research - what a joke!! Getting simple things done like applying for tax credits, incapacity benefit or doing my tax returns is a nightmare I never knew existed and wish I didn't know now. I've even taken the matter to my MP to see if he can help but he can't!! Yes we have the DDA but you have to take action within 6 months minus one day. Pretty useless unless you have the time and energy to devote to it and you are actively being discriminated against. Seems to me that people only have to try to help and they are off the hook - never mind if the way they try to help stresses you out more than anything gained. The printing press was a great invention but we've rather got caught up in it to the exclusion of those who can't access it!!
  • Barbara, Rugeley
    I adore reading, and regard books as my friends. I feel intense shock that people with sight problems cannot read so much that is published. In my opinion they are losing a valuable and educational experience. I do not think I could cope if I couldn't read, and I would also feel very lonely. I cannot imagine an illiterate life at all - for me that would be hell on earth.
  • orla, drumquin
    I just want to be the same as my friends and have the same books.
  • sonia, drumquin
    My little girl loves books but because she is visually impaired she can't always have the book she wants because she can't see it. It's simple we need all books including school books available in large print. Everyone deserves a chance.
  • paul, drumquin
    My 6 year old daughter has no access to large print books and must make do with photocopied pages. This is making her stand out more amoung her peers. Everyone must have the right to read.
  • Hannah, Bournemouth
    I think that it is disgusting that, in this day and age, we are not able to provide people with visual impairment the resources that they require. Reading can give so much pleasure and is a vital life skill - GET THIS SORTED!!
  • Eileen, London
    I used to deliver large print library books to sight-impaired people, now as I get older I feel the need for larger/clearer print when I read. The technology exists to make many more books available in speech format, too.
  • Elizabeth, Cambridge
    I am a sighted person but I am shocked to find that publishers do not automatically make books available in large print. Educational courses are badly affected by lack of resources.
  • Jennifer, Chatham
    I love reading but have never been able to find the books that I want in larger print. I am 25 and have three children. I would love to read to them too but alot of the time I have to ask someone else to read to them, it gets me down alot...
  • Zsofia, Budapest
    Since I work with visually impaired children I have to face the same problem in my country. I wish your campaign to achieve its aim granting equal opportunities to everyone in Guttenberg's Galaxy.
  • Hilary, Salisbury
    I have always loved reading from a small child when my father would sit and read stories about a car called Old Biscuit. Every night I read and I cannot imagine not being able to do so. We seem to live in a world where individuals don't count so if it takes lots of people to shout count me in, everyone has the right to have access to any book they want to read.
  • Ed, London
    Fantastic job guys - keep up the good work. Particularly the continuing excellence in Press and PR.
  • Sotiria, Athens
    I get frustrated by the fact that I can't read normal size and I have to spend a lot of time and money to convert text to a larger font size or an audio file.I can get literature in audio at the Lighthouse for the Blind, but when you want to read something on the spot it is hard. Books in digital form would help, in combination with a computer screen reader.
  • Susan, HERTFORD
    I have had really bad sight but have had lasik. Unfortunately my right eye has regressed from -4 to -6 in the past week and I am waiting for 'emergency treatment' which hopefully will happen next week. In my formative years I could not see the blackboard which was not good. I love reading and would be devastated if I could not read. Unfortunately there are people who take advantage of a disability no matter what it may be or how uncomfortable it may be (by this I mean NHS wheelchairs).
  • Derrick, Chelmsford
    We agree that many more books in large print and braille should be available to purchase in bookshops in the High Street
  • Louise, London
    Make books more accessible - ASAP :)
  • Christine, Sutton
    At the moment I am able to read standard print books but am finding it increasingly difficult, as I get older, to read the "small print" on various products, What is the point of printing it if one can't read it!!
  • Cristina, Cypress
    I myself am a blind person who struggles to find materials for school and such in braille. It's really discouraging when I really, really want to read something and am unable to find it in braille. By the time I forget about the book, it might just be out on tape. Also, for those longer books on tape, it's really annoying to find that everything is abridged. I want the entire thing at my fingertips at the same time and at the same price. I am an avid reader and would love to read more, but that also means books that I am interested in rather than the books that are necessary to read through school. Leisurely reading, I feel, is not enforced in the blind community, specifically because we can't get our materials in braille. It's not wonder so many blind people are illiterate; we hardly have anything to read.
  • Sarah, Southampton
    I love to read, however, my fiance absolutely hates having to read and write. This is purely because he found it very difficult to focus his eyes and concentrate on reading at school. The words kept jumping around or were not very clear. My daughter has some difficulties in reading, she has Central Auditory Processing Disorder, which we are complete beginners in this and know absolutely nothing about the condition. My aim is to help and encourage my family to learn and enjoy reading and will want to do voluntarily rather than with contempt! Good luck with the cause! My late uncle was blind and found it very difficult finding auditory books.... keep up the good work I am sure he approves!
  • John, Dartford
    I am partially sighted and I sometimes use my local library for recorded books. I am using Dolphin magnification to write this.
  • Mohammad , Bradford
    We should all be equal before the book
  • Linda, Liverpool
    I am registered blind and now have talking books but I think it is everyones right to be able to read.
  • Alison, Winchester
    I love reading as does my mum who has macular degeneration and, for her, Talking Books is her lifeline. She reads (listens!) to her audio books voraciously. I am happy to be contacted on any issues regarding improving access to reading for the blind and partially sighted. I am looking into volunteering with RNIB and hope to become a RNIB volunteer early in 2008.
  • Marie, Eastbourne
    I was diagnosed with cataracts a couple of years ago, I wasn't even 50! Many books are printed in such small typefaces that it is impossible to read them the way I would like to. I cannot take a book or newspaper into a cafe to read and relax as I struggle and squint or resort to a magnifier which draws attention to me.
  • Louise , Darford
    I am a visually impaired person and struggle to read books. I have to get the books when they come out on audio format as quite often they never come into large print. It isn't just reading books I struggle reading, I struggle reading college text books as well.
  • Brenda, Glasgow
    I love to read - I can't imagine how difficult it must be for people with a visual impairment to not have access to the latest bestseller or an old favourite. Perhaps we should also ask all the authors to ensure that their publishers will make other formats available for all their books.
  • Prakashan, London
    This is most shocking! I had no idea that this was the case. Sadly, I imagine far too many people are unaware of the numerous hurdles encountered by those with sight problems.
  • MARY, NEWTOWNARDS
    My mother would be completely isolated and bored if she didn't have her talking books. They brighten up her day and give her something to discuss with me when I call.
  • Anne, Strabane
    I work in the local community library and I can see at first hand the difficulty faced by blind and partially sighted people when it comes to the basic right to read. I would like to help more but feel restricted.
  • lily, Ilford
    Ihave not been able to read a book for ages unfortunately as I used to love reading. I feel it is grossly unfair to penalise people in this way.
  • lily, Ilford
    I have not been able to read a book for ages unfortunately as I used to love reading. I have not been able to read a book for ages unfotunately as I used to do a lot of reading. I feel it is grossly unfair that they penalise people in this way. ove radin e
  • ANITA, Banbury
    Everyone should have the right to read whatever books they would like.
  • Denise, Lisburn
    I find that normal fictional books i cannot find in large print and therefore have to use glasses plus magnifiers. I find it bad that books in alternative formats are so much dearer than standard books.
  • Vicki , Manchester
    Reading used to be my hobby - my escape from the world. In the 8 years since I lost my sight it is one of the few things that can still make me cry. It is particularly hard when a child puts a book on your lap and asks for a story. I have listened to audio versions of books I read and they have invairiably been abridged. I love history and there are so few decent factual audio books. The list goes on. Reading is a gateway to the world. At least I know what I am missing. Those who have been blind from birth do not and this disadvantages them. The right to read campaign is a great idea.
  • Jill, Stoke on Trent
    I help my 90 year old aunt to select large print library books. There is a limited choice and the books are very heavy. She has read all her life, it is her only pleasure.
  • Joseph, Harrow
    My local library has some large print books but the selection is rather poor. I've read most of the novels I'm interested in but loath to read the others. Some of the more fuller novel become too heavy to hold after a while so become awkward to hold or carry around with you so I give them a miss as well. Why can these long novels not be available in smaller volumes as a set? I prefer the audio books which I can listen to whilst relaxing.
  • Heather, Norwich
    We bought a book whilst in America. A beautiful book called "Merle's Door" about a yellow labrador, it would be of interest to all my blind friends but our print version is of no practical use to them. I would so love them to read it. Fortunately, I have a sighted partner who read it to me. All of the guide dog owners would love this book.
  • Thomas, Leeds
    I choose library books for my mother who has macular degeneration & although I know that the library service gets new books in regularly the proportion of stock available in large print or unabridged spoken word is really poor. I have a level of self interest too - I love reading & know that my degree of short sight is severe as my optician warned me about increased risk of retinal detachment & I have a lazy eye so I'm anticipating a time when I will be using a magnifier to read the cornflakes box because it is the best thing I can find!
  • Eileen , Swansea
    To loose sight (even in one eye) is scary. You lose confidence, become more dependant and less independant, feel stupid and humiliated on occasion. I have been lucky 3 operations and my sight is back if less good but i do not know what the future holds. Please campaign for: More awareness of sight problems and how to help yourself ie stop smoking, eat a more balanced diet etc. More large type books and other aids. More money for research.
  • Richard, Twickenham
    I am signing on behalf of my 92 year old blind mother. She gets enormous pleasure from the talking book service, but wishes there was a bigger and wider selection. More power to your elbow.
  • Richard, Twickenham
    I am signing on behalf of my 92 year old blind mother. She gets enormous pleasure from the talking book service, but wishes there was a bigger and wider selection. More power to your elbow.
  • Helen, Grantham
    I help a lady that suffers from Motor Neurone Disease, she cannot cope with small print, it is vital that this campaign is effective.
  • Deborah, London
    My father, once an avid reader, found his later reading life sorely limited by the small range of audio books he was able to gain access to through his local library after he became partially sighted. Since I have had to start wearing glasses in my mid-40s, I have begun to realise the awful implications of losing one's sight. I fully support this campaign.
  • kim, county durham
    I do support the right to read campaign, I am 48 and due to a brain tumour now have problems with my sight. I find it is not only books where the problem is but in most forms of communication. I recently filled in a passport application, that was riduculous. The labelling on food needs to be re-thought, I use a magnifying glass, but this is not always possible. Unfortunately most people are most unhelpful especially in stores, I am amazed at the looks I now receive when I ask them to read something for me. Perhaps just more awareness would be good. I must admit until recently I was one of those people.
  • Carole, Plymouth
    I have been an avid reader all my life and the thought of being unable to read 96% of books is life-shattering. I am in the fortunate position of still being able to read almost anything, but now require eye surgery and realise that this situation may change. The limited choice of large-print books is appalling and I believe that more government money, or lottery funds, should be directed to rectifying the situation. Reading is the main escape from stress for millions of people, and it is so unfair that a large proportion of the population should be excluded because of lack of choice of appropriate publications.
  • Joan , Penarth
    There should be equality of service for all.
  • Caroline, Maryport
    Not only books - which is awful to think people are denied that pleasure, but the dangers of not being able to read instructions, prescriptions, directions etc. letters from loved ones and so much more which makes life easier and often more rich and colourful .
  • Elizabeth, Bangor
    I just recently became aware of the lack of large print diaries and books when a lady aged 97 asked me if I could find a diary that she could use as she just could not see normal print.
  • Gwyneth, Wrexham
    Reading has been a godsend to me and changed my life and the lives of others in my family. Now I'm struggling to read and I suddenly realise what I'm missing. So *much* literature is in small print, which is so annoying for many people. Now that older people represent such a large chunk of the population, it is ironic that publishers are ignoring their needs. It is just slightly larger, clearer print I'm asking for, which wouldn't cost that much to achieve?
  • Maxine, Derby
    I hope this campaign brings results and the people who can help will.
  • claire, Bristol
    My mum loved reading and now has glaucoma which means she cannot read 'off-the-shelf' books which is such a shame as I always bought her a book for x-mas. It won't happen this year. :(
  • Catherine, Kilkeel
    As a Vision Support Teacher I whole heartedly support the RNIB's 'Right to Read' campaign. It makes our job very difficult to have to tell a child that they often can't have the same book as everyone else in their class.
  • Kathleen, Ashton-u-Lyne
    Reading is essential for any education whatsoever. It is vital in modern life. People with sight problems deserve the same opportunities as any one else.
  • Chris, Troon
    I love to read. I suffer from optical neuritis in one eye and have the ever present possibility of loosing my sight. I would like to know that there was some way I could continue to enjoy books in that event.
  • Kathleen, Orpington
    At the moment I do not have any sight problems and I love reading, a pastime which everyone in my family enjoys. I think it is essential that this joy is available to all, and partially sighted and blind people should have the facility available to them through large print and audio books at reasonable prices, or on loan from the libraries free of charge to anyone with a sight problem.
  • Julie, Aberdeen
    I also think that every book should be available in electronic format for people with dyslexia.
  • Clare, Northampton
    Books need to be made accessible to everyone. I love reading and find it hard to imagine how I would manage if I couldn't relax with a good book.
  • tracy, earl shilton
    I am registered blind. Before my eyes deteriorated i used to be an avid reader. I had to give it up then and so miss it. Please make books available to people - in this day and age we shouldn't have to give it up. I don't have a tape machine, i cant afford it.
  • Ian, London
    I think it is shocking that people with sight problems are denied the right to read. I also think it is shocking that people with physical disabilities, which make it difficult or impossible to hold and manipulate standard books, are denied access to audio or e-text versions of books.
  • Elinor, Bridgend
    life is so boring if you can't read.
  • Celia, London
    I support this campaign wholeheartedly. My life would not be the same without my world of books.
  • Darius, Nuneaton
    Everyone should have access to reading material of any kind. Reading stimulates the mind to lose itself in a landscape of someones vision or imagination. From this our own minds start to explore, question and formulate. Beauty, fear, danger, excitement, dread, worry. The list can go on forever, because books can put you through these feelings within their pages. And the only thing that comes close is life itself.
  • karen, stevenage
    i find it really hard to get books for my son who is blind and is 2 years old - he really loves to read - and think that it should be easier for me to get books for him.
  • Robert, Belfast
    I believe it is a right for people with a visual impairment to have their every day information in a format that benefits them
  • Rosie, Lowestoft
    My eyesight is not good but I can read. However, I am signing this as a reader for Sound East, Lowestoft.
  • Sharon, Scarborough
    I love reading it is a big part of my life but struggle to get large print books on newly released books. Not all books come in large print and the prices to buy if available are too high. I got a £10 book voucher for my birthday and would love to buy a Bestseller but I have to order any book in large print and then can only get it if available and then that will be 6 months after it is first published and at a cost of £20 plus when the same book is in paperback for £5.99 ! I sometimes have to wait for a novel to come out in film as there is no way I can read the format available. How wrong is that ?!
  • Michelle, Rutland
    I am shocked at the statistics here. As a carer, I have many clients who use audio books and I cannot believe that only 4% of books are accessible. This needs to change to improve the quality of lives of these people.
  • Meriel, Littlehampton
    Surely there must be an equal opps issue here? Shouldn't we all have equal rights of access to reading material irrespective of whether we have a disability?
  • aisling, nottingham
    i think there should be more teen/young adults books in audio, braille and large print
  • karen, perthshire
    My daughter became blind at the age of 19 years old. Jill had always been an avid reader, but because of the lack of access to books, her interest became diminished. She has always stated how much she misses reading books, and this is why I put my name to this campaign.
  • Dorrinda, Coventry
    All the knowledge in the world is in books so how can we deny this to knowledge to so many people?
  • Ann, London
    I am shocked and amazed that so few books are available to people who can't access standard print - this can't be allowed to continue.
  • IRENE, BISHOP'S STORTFORD
    My son has been totally blind since birth. He is now in his twenties and is a fluent braille reader, but it has always been difficult to find interesting and contemporary literature in braille. When he was a small child I frequently had books transcribed specially for him. It is shameful that in an educated society, in the 21st century, anyone should be denied access to literature or information because of their disability.
  • Alison, Dalkeith
    I would love to share my favourite books with my husband, but virutally none of them are available on audio or braille so we miss out on being able to discuss them and share something that we both love!
  • emma, skelmersdale
    It is disgraceful that blind, partially sighted and dyslexic people don't get the oppurtunies that sighted peole do, and this should be corrected as soon as possible.
  • SJ, LEICS
    Hello RNIB, I'm not blind, however as a dyslectic, I highly encourage and support all of you in your "Right to Read Campaign" in hopes that your mission will some day provide specialised books and other reading resources worldwide for those who are blind, dyslexic or have some other form of reading impairment! Thank you for your remarkable vision! ~All the Best, SJ Gamble
  • Andrea, Braintree
    As an avid reader I would hate to have only 4% of published books available to me.
  • Pam, Bristol
    I love to read books, but am severely limited in titles available and they are often have expensive hard covers.
  • Tom, Bangor
    I support the right to read campaign because reading is such a wonderful and stimulating adventure.
  • YVONNE, TELFORD
    I GET VERY FRUSTRATED WHEN THERE IS A BOOK I WANT TO READ THAT IS ONLY AVAILABLE IN PRINT.
  • Judith, London
    I love reading and have the pleasure of teaching young children to read and enjoy all forms of print. My registered blind nephew has come to live with me and I am horified at the difficulties he faces struggling to read things I take for granted. He also has difficulties getting companies to send his statements in braile or large print which would enable him to become independent. I support this campaign wholeheartedly he has opened my eyes to the problems faced by people who have reading difficulties and the joy that they are missing by not being able to pick up a book.
  • Yutaka, Bizen, Okayama
    All the books should be published.
  • Victoria, Buxton,
    I think it is criminal for some people not to recieve the kind of written work that we have access to. More written articles should be available for all!!!!
  • Tracey, Arlesey
    Please remember children's book too. I teach a partially sighted boy - It's so hard trying to get hold of current suitable books for him.
  • Donna, Great Yarmouth
    I am incredibly lucky that I can see and disappear into a world of books where you can use your imagination and escape from the real world for a while. Books should be available to everyone whether it be affordable audio or braille it is a crying shame that publishers do not arrange books to be printed in braille I cannot imagine the costs would be much higher but the pleasure books can bring is immense.
  • Michelle, London
    Knowledge is for all and must be made accessible to all.
  • Elaine, St Austell
    I have a son who is dyspraxic, and his dad is dyslexic, these problems are wide spread!
  • Maureen, Wrexham
    Reading is a wonderful pastime that should be encouraged; it's AWFUL that people are being denied the right to read :-(
  • Diana, Folkestone
    it's disgusting in this day and age that more books and funds are not available
  • Jenni, Sowerby Bridge
    I'm an avid reader and don't know what I'd do without my eyesight...it's disgraceful that 96% of books are not available to the blind/partially sighted.
  • Mary, Bradford
    I couldn't imagine a world without books, how awful therefore that so many people are denied access to the joy of reading. I wholeheartedly support your Right to Read campaign everyone should be able to access reading matter and not be charged more because of a disability how unfair.
  • Carol, Norwich
    I love to read and find it appalling that others are denied this simple pleasure.
  • Louisa, Wokingham
    It is very difficult to find books I can read. Even now the latest Harry Potter book in large print was £35 to the £9 for the regular print book. Too many people are missing out on life's enjoyments. I also find it very hard to find any books I haven't read in my local library - they offer no brailled books at all and the large print and audio book collections are quite old. I would love to be able to read the same book at the same time as everyone else.
  • Alison, Nottingham
    My two daughters are dyslexic and I find it very difficult to find books in the correct font for them.
  • Ciara, OMAGH
    I love to read and thankfully have no difficulties with reading. I can't imagine how terrible it would be to not be able to get the pleasure of reading a good book. It needs to become law to make ALL printed material accessible.
  • Jennifer, Forfar
    My dad is registered blind, and I find frustrating that I cannot buy him many of the popular science books which I read but I cannot find any that are available in audio format.
  • Susannah, Sherborne
    As a librarian, I am familiar with the problem of finding newly-published books - as well as many "old favourites" - in other accessible formats and deplore this lack of provision. Good luck with the campaign.
  • Alison, Northwich
    As a Learning Support Assistant working in a society that claims to be inclusive I am shocked that the children I work with who have sight disorders are unable to access the same variety of books as everyone else. Whatever happened to Equal Opportunities?
  • Fiona, Richmond
    If I went blind, I would be devastated to have a severely limited choice of books. It would be horrific enough losing my sight, never mind not being able to enjoy life afterwards.
  • Garry, Swansea
    It worries me that such are high percentage of those who have visual loss can not get access to the majority if not all books.
  • Teresa, Lancaster
    When will someone start making books in dual format to introduce sighted children to the need for braille and the opportunity to identify with visually impaired and a sighted child and a blind child can read side by side. If all books were designed in this format then there would be no need for special requirements for the visually impaired!
  • Jan, Lancaster
    The Government wants children to read but this is nearly impossible because RNIB still doesn't cater properly for blind children. With computers there should be no reason why this should be.
  • Phil, Lancaster
    IT IS NOT RIGHT THAT LESS THAN 5% OF BOOKS PUBLISHED ARE AVAILABLE TO VIPS.
  • Albert, Northampton
    Everybody including children should have the same right to read as sighted people. With computers this is much easier.
  • Cecil, Ballyclare
    Most frustrating for all ages of visually impaired and blind people who are as important to society as sighted folk! What happened to the 'law' that shouted loudly a couple of years ago that we have to be "ALL-INCLUSIVE"......?
  • Anne, Harrow
    My mum died earlier this year. For the last 15 years of her life, her sight meant that reading was impossible. Without Talking Books she would have gone mad. Her passion for reading was passed on to my sister and I, both avid readers. I have the same degenerative eye condition as my mum and know that I will lose enough of my sight to make reading conventional print impossible in the next few years. The future seems bleak without books. I heartily support your campaign.
  • JENNIE, BURNLEY
    EVEN THIS HAS TO BE FILLED IN BY MY DAUGHTER - I RELY ON AUDIO BOKS FOR MY ENTERTAINMENT AND DON'T KNOW WHAT I WOULD DO WITHOUT THEM!
  • Jane, Hemel Hempstead
    As an avid reader of a wide range of books, I can't imagine what it must be like to be prevented from having access to such a treasure store.
  • Angela , Birmingham
    Reading is important to me and my children. I read both braille and audio books. My son is partially sighted and multi disabled. Reading his audio books relieves stress for him and he would like to receive more up to date childrens books.
  • christopher, surrey
    I have never known that this was so bad. I myself have problems with reading not with blindness but with words so I hope that more people sign up so the govenment takes notice and help out.
  • Jo, London
    I read endlessly and would be devastated to find I couldn't access all the books I currently can were I to lose my sight. Its about time ALL new books were made in an accessible format as soon as they are available in standard print.
  • Sirke, Bellingen
    I love reading. It has been one of lifes great pleasures and fortunately, I have fairly good eyesight. However, it might be worth remembering when we see a visually impaired person,that,..."but for the grace of God there go I." Of course everyone has the right to read,and the least we can do is create more and more books in formats which enable blind or visually impaired people to enjoy what we take for granted.
  • Jane, Nr Chard
    Everyone should have the opportunity to access books, electronic or in print, The Right to Read is as important as the Right to Knowledge that all humans should be allowed. This problem needs to be solved with argument. Just do it.
  • tiffany, vic,
    I would like to add my name to this petition. Is it still acceptable even though I am outside England? I feel very strongly about this campaign.
  • Jason, Southbourne
    I think this is a great idea. I am partially dyslexic and my eyes go blurry after reading for a short while. I remember a while back I saw a new type of text that they were printing, which went in a curve. I never heard anymore about it, but it was SO much easier to read. I hope they employ this into ALL books!
  • Helen , Nantwich
    My dyslexic son has to pay 70p for an audio tape. This seems unfair.
  • Nick, London
    It's unfair that being able to read to read does not necessarily mean you can read. I fully support all attempts to bring books, documents, letters - words - to everybody, however they need them.
  • Huw, London
    The Right to Read campaign is one of the most important accessibility issues to date - the fact that thousands of people with sight problems can't access so many books is a disgrace - our government should address this immediately.
  • Keith, Coventry
    I write on behalf of my deafblind wife Julia, who being taught braille, was then refused by the Adult education authority the chance to learn English because it have to be taught in braille. Why open a door to communication then slam it shut when the need to expand into understanding english is so cruelly taken away.
  • Angela, London
    My bright 14 year old, Year 10, son is studying for 10 GCSE's. He is registered visually impaired and needs text in large print, font size 24. The majority of his school text books are simply not available in large print. This means his precious LSA time is spent photocopying large tracts of books onto A3 paper which are loose, unwieldy and difficult to manage. His LSA is therefore glued to a photocopier and not in class supporting him with writing on the board and incidental learning. Surely National Curriculum text books, at the very least, can be made available for printing in large print? My son participated in the Children's Lobby of Parliament and our MP was sympathetic, however not much seems to have moved since then.
  • Claire, Liverpool
    I have always loved reading but unfortunatley I now suffer from severe double vision and reading is no longer pleasurable but painful meaning I unfortunately can't read books anymore. I also have the problem that I am a theatre design student and need to read scripts and stories for design purposes. I have been introduced to audio books but am struggling to find many books that I want, especially at a reasonable price. It is unfair that visually disabled people should have to pay a lot more than sighted people to read.
  • Linn, London
    I am completely blind, and I love reading books. I was really shocked and surprised to find out how few books are accessible in braille and audio! And when they are, they choose to do abridged versions. I don't think this is fair and acceptable and I know many with me would like to access that 96% or books unabridged.
  • Debbie, Bexhill-on-sea
    I feel that when you are at school you are encouraged to read and this should continue through our lives.
  • Ian, OMAGH
    As a visually impaired person myself, I think it's a terrible shame that I am missing out by not being able to access books in the format that best suits my needs.
  • Gareth, BELFAST
    I think it is very important that people should be given equal opertunities to read whatever they want in what ever format. Listening to tapes is OK but you can get more into books sometimes by reading them. I am a braille user myself.
  • james, bexhill
    My 9 year old grandson is totally blind, he loves reading,but has little help at our local library.
  • Geoffrey, Portland
    Far few titles avaible in audio format.
  • Michelle, Hampton
    My son is 3, he loves books but he cannot see the small print as he has partial sight in one eye. I would love to see books strengthened for his disability to make his life as enjoyable and normal as everyone else.
  • Brenda, Portland
    Not enough selection of titles on audio and they all tend to be expensive.
  • Victoria, London
    I'm supporting the campaign because I think it is a very valuable initiative. Aside from this, I wear glasses and find it hard to see without them. It is possible that I may find myself benefitting from this wonderful service in the future.
  • Laura, Belfast
    I had major problems at school keeping up with other pupils and found that massive A3 photocopied sheets were inpractical, bulkey and very time consuming for the teachers to produce.
  • Danny, Armagh
    there should be equal opportunity for everyone
  • Rachael Anne, Birmingham
    I hate the fact that people are able to read the best sellers and I have to either wait for the audio version or struggle with a magnifier. It's about time that books were made more accessible to people with a visual impairment.
  • Donna, Solihull
    My son has a visual impairment due to the way he has to process information because of his cerebral palsy. No one seems to know where or how to obtain text books to support his education. How is that inclusion?
  • Martin, Leeds
    Those who can read unhampered are lucky, those who can't read are unfortunate and those who can read but are prevented from doing so because of lack of appropriate books are being discriminated against.
  • Lesley, Ruislip
    I think the right to read is especially important to older people with sight problems who enjoy reading - and there are an increasing number of them.
  • Michelle, Burnley
    Our company works with young people aged 14-16 who struggle in mainstream school. One of the main difficulties that our pupils face is reading. I did some one to one work with some pupils last year and found that most of them love reading when in the right environment and given the chance, and the pupils who thought that they were unable to read, actually impressed themselves when they felt comfortable and were given the opportunity.
  • Ian, Cardiff
    It is a sad indictment on our society when we deny blind and partially sighted people access to 96% of books. Everything that can be done should be done to move towards making all books available in accessible formats as soon as possible.
  • Shirley, London
    I thinkit's shocking that there is such a limited choice of audio CDs and Daisy books - these play a huge role in the enjoyment of life for many, particularly older people.
  • Marion, Gateshead
    I already support the RNIB Talking Book Service. My late mother lost her sight suddenly at the age of 79. She had been an avid reader, secretary of the local Over 60's, loved her TV and knitting and reading with her great-granchildren etc. She was traumatised until the day she was given a machine and started to receive talking books. It transformed her life and she spent hours each day happily listening to her books. Unfortunately, we sometimes had to wait because she'd exhausted ALL the stories in ALL the catalogues and we just couldn't keep her going. Whenever this happened and until a new catalogue arrived I trawled the bookshops and libraries looking for the sort of books she liked on audio cassette tapes. I am forever grateful to the RNIB and its wonderful Talking Book Service for making my mother's final years enjoyable.
  • Kim, Peterborough
    Reading is one of the best ways in which to escape, and to learn. Losing your sight shouldn't mean losing your right.
  • Margaret, Cambridge
    My 8 year old grandson is registered blind. I want to buy him large print books for Christmas and have the same choice that I have for my other grandchildren.
  • Florence, Catford
    I am very pleased that my 5 year old daughter with no sight problems is a good reader, yet my 7 year old daughter with poor vision is not yet expected to be learning to read so my request for assistance with magnification involves wanting to know how much she can read. This is a chicken and egg story. She may well be a great reader if she has equal access to the written word as her sister. But in order for her to have access, she has to prove she can read, yet in order for her to be able to learn, she needs magnification. This is not common sense!
  • pam, lytham st annes
    We have a 9 year old daughter who is partially sighted, she is an avid reader. We joined the the smile centre at our local library to find plenty of books for the under 5s and over 11s, but not one book for her, its such a shame because books are a great joy for her. School has the same problem they adapt books for her but its not the same. We seem to have come up against a brick wall.
  • Paul, Greenwich
    With the age of modern technology that is now apon us, I find it hard to believe that publishers of books are still not producing a large percentage of books in braille, audio or electronic format. It takes around 20 seconds to protect a PDF document, lock a word document, apply DRM to a file etc. Why is it that my sighted friends and colleagues are able to walk into a shop, library etc to pick up a book off of the shelf but I, as a blind person are refused this right as publishers refuse to give us access to most of there materials? Is this not a violation of my rights as an individual? Something needs to be done about this now!!!!! We all take the time to vote politicians into office, I wonder how many of them have taken the time to read and sign this decleration?
  • Vicky, Swindon
    Large print is essential for a partially sighted child to have when learning to read. But getting hold of books is expensive and hard to find appropriate reading material for the age of the child.
  • Nadine, Maidstone
    I find it very frustrating not being able to read books when they come out like everyone else. Also, as I like to read a lot, I often can't find anything that I have not read in an unabridged format at the library or anywhere else.
  • Ann, Maidstone
    I know the joy that reading brings to thousands of our service users. I work for Kent Association for the Blind and our Kent Talking Newspaper is invaluable to many people.
  • Melanie, Brentford
    I am appalled and support the opinion that this must change immediately.
  • Leanne, Manorville, NY
    My daughter has difficulty finding age appropriate fun reading books due to poor vision.
  • Stephen, Solihull
    I'm frustrated that there are very few magazines transcribed onto audio and even those that are transcribed only a small percentage of the total content of the magazine is actually covered. Also it seems that the majority of audio books these days are of relatively new titles and do not cover the many thousands of books that have been published over the past decades.
  • Deena, Amsterdam
    It is a human right for every citizen in every country to read and to have full access to all available libraries for education, study, work or just leisure. This right is also valid for blind, visually handicapped or other citizens who have reading handicaps. The goverment should support financially all actvities to enable visually handicapped people to further develop their potential skills and be equal to all other citizens.
  • Judith Howard, Camborne
    Can find very few non-fiction books in large print. For information on most things - interests, hobbies, academic subjects, we have to rely on struggling to read with magnifying glasses. Not the best way to read a whole book. Almost impossible really. Our local libraries have only a tiny percentage in large print. So many of my favourite authors are not available. Where large print books are available in shops they are more expensive to buy than the standard copy of the same book.
  • jack, St Albans
    I suffer from dyslexia. It has held me back because I could not find books I could read.
  • Shirley, Nottingham
    I am a former librarian - need I say more?
  • Jennifer, Middlesbrough
    Having been a keen reader in my fully sighted life, I miss the choice I used to enjoy when I could pick any book from the printed library.
  • Anabella , Worksop
    I have children who love books and would love to read freely unfortunately my elder son is severly dyslexic and my youngest is autistic. They both suffer from frustration at being unable to read independantly and due to the cost of audiobooks we are unable to supply these. The range available in the library has been exhausted and is so narrow. My sons want to enjoy teen fiction and boyish adventures without their mothers voice narrating!
  • Charlotte, Birmingham
    I am currently working with visually impaired students in a sixth form college and am genuinely shocked at the lack of GCSE and A Level text books available in large print. I am employed in order to give such pupils a chance to study at the same level as their peers despite their difficulties, and without such materials available it is increasingly problematic. I am humbled by the strength, dedication and determination that these students show to overcome such obstacles. If only publishers could make it a little easier by doing their part.
  • claire, birmingham
    As I am registered blind but do have some sight but do have problems reading and when i go to a shop I find out that a particular author's book is not in the shop and the format that I enquire about is audio and I have not yet seen a book in other formats which I think this is down to lazyness as they think that we do not need to read. Does this campaign also apply to magazines in shops as I have not seen this either and where book are concerned does this apply to travel guides as well. A thing that really annoys me is that you have to wait months then for the book that you want, it should come out at the same time. I think that authors should really think about people that have problems with reading as this could be them in the future.
  • Christine, Southampton
    My son who is now 25 years old is partially sighted and we found it extremely difficult to encourage him to read because of the lack of suitable large print books as he was growing up. We felt this disadvantaged him from all aspects of learning the English language, from spelling to punctuation.
  • Jan, Aberdeen
    Excluding some people because they don't have the same \'disability\' is discriminatory and shows a lack of understanding of dyslexia by the people who have decided on this policy. Not all dyslexics have severe reading problems, but for those who do, this is yet another example of a brick wall put in your way and the fact that \'society\' in general doesn\'t seem to care.
  • Faye , Hemel Hempstead
    My daughter has been lent custom eyes books from her school that the school previously obtained from the national blind childrens society which they had for two visually impaired children in the school. My daughter is dyslexic and cannot read standard books for her own age group (11) because of the size of print. What a break through! She is reading the customeyes book just fine! But sadly I have contacted the NBCS and they are unable to supply further books for my daughter as they do not count dyslexia as a visual impairment. I am very disappointed. Thorndike Press is a massive producer of Large print books in the US but I have to be cautious here as the spelling will be US english and not UK english which could give me daughter more problems. There really should be a UK equivalent of thorndike press for the UK. I am also frustrated at that price of large print books in general. It strikes me as discrimination that people with a disability are being forced to pay more for books than others. Its not right. I support the right to read campaign wholeheartedly and would love to hear more about how i could help. Thank you.
  • sam, kings lynn
    I am 9 and can't read properly. My local libaray has no large print books. I've been accepted into a mainstream school but there are no large print books for me, why not!!! I'm really behind because of this.
  • Val, Stockport
    Reading is an essential window on the world of the imagination. Everyone has the right of access to it.
  • Helen, Plymouth
    My god daughter has always loved books and I often bought them as presents. Then she lost most of her sight, I did not think things had to change as I had seen audio books. Was I in for a shock -£50 for the new Harry Potter book. At that price I will read it for her myself. Why should she have to lose her hobby as well as her sight?
  • Maire, Loughborough
    My dyslexic daughter depends on audio books for independant access to literature, she has no problems at all with comprehension and enjoys books intended for older children. It is important that the her dyslexia does not have preventable consequences and that she is enabled to access the books she wishes to read and that all other dyslexic and visually impared children should not be unecessarily restricted. Maire
  • Patricia, BELFAST
    I feel all books should be available in large print and on audio tape, not just a selection. I have noticed the selection of audio and large print in libraries is a lot more limited then the ordinary sections.
  • Selina, London
    I am 54 and have dyslexia. My great joy in life is reading. I now find the only books I can comfortably read are those in the pre-hard back 'duty free' large print. All the classics are in impossibly small and cheap print that swims before eyes. It is often in later years that you long to read all the classics that you have missed. Please, please could books be printed so that they were readable without giving people like me headaches after a short time and in the larger print with good spacing as described above. Surely life should be worth living after the age of 54.
  • Emily , Ely
    It is a disgrace and an outrageous inequality that only a pathetic amount of books are made available to people with sight problems. It is archaic and lazy that such an essential freedom to read what you wish is denied to people with sight problems.
  • Sue, Braintree
    All books should be available for anyone to read.
  • Elizabeth, DEAL
    I think books should be a good size print. I have just bought a book with a larger than other books I have seen print. I would say its a 12 size. With a pair of reading glasses over my contact lenses for distance and my very good magnifier I can read a chapter at a time before my eyes say they have had enough. I am lucky my manifier is electronic and I can have a black background and white lettering. Why cannot books be printed like that?
  • Tracy, Hitchin
    As a trainee teacher, we encourage everyine to read and enjoy reading, why should blind or partially sighted people be any different?
  • peter, MANCHESTER
    I FIND IT VERY FRUSTRATING THAT THERE ARE NO LARGE PRINT BOOKS OR MAGAZINES, FOR ADULTS TO READ. I HAVE NOT READ FOR 12MONTHS, SINCE BEING REGISTERED PARTIALLY SIGHTED.
  • Robert, Lincoln
    Dispite being partially sighted I read extensively. I have a degree in International Relations and Politics I firmly believe evryone has the right to read any book of their choice. We can find money for mass distruction so we should find money so that all people should be able to read any book they wish
  • Margaret, Dingwall
    Under DDA, all should have a right to access books or print of any kind through an appropriate medium.
  • Carol, Aylesbury
    A great problem with science text books in the sixth form. All publishers should be compelled to produce alternatives as a condition of sale to UK schools
  • Fran, Aberdeen
    I feel it is important to encourage reading for anyone who is interested and as an occupational therapist who frequently works with children with learning difficulties like dyslexia,it is important to offer them AS MANY opportunities to read as we can.
  • Jane, Banchory
    I am interested in supporting the right to read of all of those with difficulty accessing the written word - this includes people with dyslexia.
  • susan, aberdeenshire
    my dyslexic children are being penalised for having a particular condition that restricts their ability to access reading material. i think it's outrageous that in our current time of inclusion and right to read, that this is still allowed to happen! something needs done now!
  • s, london
    I am very shocked that people with sight problems can not read 96% of the books published in the UK.
  • tara, Gloucester
    Family Support Worker, for Gloucestershire, for children with sensory impairments. please contact me if you think that i can help .
  • Sally, Ardingly
    I see the very limited selection of books at the library and don't think I have ever seen any choice in popular bookshops. I can read with aids but do understand there may come a time when I would need large print books. I cannot begin to imagine what it would be like not to be able to lose myself in a good novel. I find it unbelievable that people with sight problems cannot read 96% of books. If that is so, then it is a poor reflection on us all.
  • Doreen, Farnborough
    Although I have good eyesight now, who knows what the future holds? I am adding my name to this initiative not just for the visually handicapped people of today who are currently struggling to get books which they can enjoy, but also for future generations, which could include my loved ones or myself.
  • Frances, Manchester
    I am a sighted person who has just completed my Deaf Blind awareness course and am learning my first year of BSL. I think that EVERYONE HAS THE RIGHT TO READ. My mother had limited sight and through her experiences hopefully have gained an insight to being aware of other peoples lives without being able to enjoy a book of their choice. Hopefully this will change.
  • mary, glasgow
    One of my biggest regrets about sight loss is not being able to read, as I was an avid reader before this. It should be a priority to allow visually impaired people access to a format which allowa access to reading - it enriches your life.
  • Danielle, Leeds
    My father is blind and loves to read talking books. However, the range is not nearly as wide as it should be.
  • Brigit, London
    In this digital age there is no reason why people who are blind and partially sighted should not have access to every book published. Moreover they should have word for word access & not have to live in an abridged world.
  • louise, cramlington
    I have a 6 year old daughter, who has just gone into year 2 at the local primary school. Although the school have tried their best to adapt material for her, she is still struggling to read. The books that the school use are not available in large print and therefore she is struggling to recognise the words. This has had an overall affect on her education and has made her be placed in the lower sets for English even though she is an intelligent child. Please allow reading rights for all as i am sure that my daughter is one of many in mainstream education who can't access the curriculum like her friends who don't have a sight problem. Thanks Louise
  • Sarah, Oakham
    I am a Foundation Stage teacher of a non-sighted child, and was shocked to learn of this statistic, it's a disgrace.
  • Michael, Manchester
    I ordered a book from my local library in large print. Rather than say they couldn't find it they sent me a book of normal size. I found their insensitivity both annoying and upsetting.
  • ALISON, TARPORLEY
    I THINK IT IS APPALLING IN THE 21ST CENTURY THAT CHILDREN WITH SIGHT PROBLEMS ARE NOT ABLE TO HAVE THE SAME BOOKS/TEXT BOOKS AS SIGHTED CHILDREN
  • Heather, Swindon
    I have MS and within that I have no colour vision at all. During relapses, I invariably have Optic Neuritis and Uvulitis and Diplopia I rely on Supernova (computer tool) and large print books as well as CD books. Publishers should consider all everone and publish for everyone at the same time so that all can chose their mode of reading all at the same time
  • paula, london
    My Grandmother used to love to read and was able to get large print books from the mobile library, bringing home a huge stack of books in her shopping trolley each week. But it's much more difficult for her since she had to move into a care home. She can't access the library anymore and, because large print books are heavier, she finds it difficult to hold the book and turn the pages with her arthritic fingers. We've tried audio books but her hearing is very poor. Getting hold of the books is difficult enough, but when it's combined with other difficulties (mainly age-related) it seems impossible. It is so unfair that, despite the world's great technological advances, she's left staring at the telly when what she'd really love to do is read a good old-fashioned romance.
  • Sally, East Barnet
    As a librarian, (not working in a library at the moment), I am surprised to hear that people with sight problems do not have access to books. They should have the same access as sighted people.
  • Ian, Darvel
    It is my 9yr old Daughter who is registered Blind and she has great difficulty in getting either educational or leisure books in large enough print or in an audio format
  • Katharine, Exeter
    Reading is essential to everyone's basic education. If the government want everyone to be educated, then why prohibit certain people? It is pure discrimination.
  • shona, Manchester
    i understand that it is very costly to produce books in braille and wonder why there is no government incentive to produce them iether heavily subsidised or tax free or something?
  • Caroline, Waterlooville
    My mother is in a care home and has always loved reading. She has a newspaper every day but is finding it more difficult to read and I get books for her from our local library on the 'Good Neighbour' scheme. The problem is so many of the type of books she likes are not in large print. It seems very sad in this day and age.
  • Clare, Alnwick
    reading is a right, not a privilege.
  • NELLY, LEEDS
    I wish i had the same choices to pick up the book that i want like the normal people and enjoy reading it! But i don't. I really love reading but i can't make it when the letter is too small.
  • KATINA, MOLD
    LARGE PRINT BOOKS ARE INVALUABLE TO THE ELDERLY PEOPLE THAT I WORK WITH, MORE SHOULD BE AVAILABLE
  • susan, blaenau ffestiniog
    it is essential that everyone with sight problems has the right to read.
  • Jane, Stockport
    I cannot understand why publishers do not automatically produce their books in a format that partially sighted people can read and why they do not help to make them available for readers of Braille. I am a very small, new publisher and cannot at the moment afford to do this, but I am hoping that once we have become more solvent this will be part of our mission. As a former teacher of children with many different problems, including hearing and sight impairement, I hope that your campaign will be successful. I hope that you will also consider the plight of those affected by the Meares-Irlen syndrome which often makes reading even more difficult for those with dyslexia.
  • Mark, DERRY .
    Well done keep up the good work. I have macular in my left eye very bad. I HAVE DRY MACULAR IN MY LEFT EYE WHICH IS VERY BAD AND IT HAS STARTED IN MY RIGHT EYE ALSO .SO KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK MARK . 7
  • Jean, Alton
    I just remember struggling to read small print when i was a child.
  • Alison, Keswick
    I am 36 and visually impaired and find that most of the books in audio format tend to be aimed at older readers. Most of the books I would like to read I have to get from the US who seem to have a better selection. However, in doing this or even the ones I do buy in this country are very expensive therefore I feel I am discriminated against in order to be able to read.
  • Mary, cheshire
    My twin daughters are 21 years old and they are partially sighted. And they wish that they could go to any bookshop and buy any large print books at the same price as ordinary books. The only books I have found are not age appropriate and are on the internet which are over priced and you have to pay postage. I hope one day my girls can go to any bookshop and buy any books in large print.
  • Kelly, Loxwood
    I feel as a totally blind person, not enough books are available in braille. I have found this to be extremely frustratiing, and wish that more updated books are published in this format.
  • james, bexhill
    I am writing this on behalf of my 9 year old grandson, Daniel. Our local library offered reading programs throughout the summer holidays. Unfortunately there are no braille books available in East Sussex libraries in his age group.
  • Shirin, Dhaka
    I'm very happy to sign this type of declaration, it is certainly very momentous declaration for Blind or Partially sighted persons and i wish every success of this declaration.
  • Kim, Peterborough
    The government are pushing for equal opportunities in the workplace, but this isn't going to be viable if we can't give blind and partially-sighted children the samel level of education.
  • Cecilia, Carlisle
    As a partially sighted person I am only too aware of the lack of large print books available. I rely on these books as I belong to a reading club which is one of my main forms of social outlet. Sometimes I am lucky and find I can obtain the book in spoken word but again there is a limited selection and they are not the same as reading.
  • Lisa, Royston
    My 2 year old son has Ocular Albinism and is visually impaired. I have been reasured that he will go to mainstream school with the necessary aids he requires to keep up with the other children. I think it is unfair that children like my son may not have access to the same books etc as others.
  • Hazel , Carlisle
    All information should be available in all formats at the same time. It is disgusting that people with a visual impairment have any less access to books than people without a visual impairment. Society is putting unnecessary barriers in the way of people with a visual impairment.
  • Kate, Dereham
    Having all books published in alternative formats as well as normal print means that we can all enjoy a good read as much as every one else.
  • Helen, Cardiff
    As a recently retired teacher of the Visually Impaired, I wholeheartedly support the Right to Read Campaign. Too often in the past when looking for suitable reading material for pupils, it has been so disheartening not being able to find current titles in either braille, large print or on audio tapes. Hopefully things may change for the better!
  • Marika , Middlesbrough
    I feel very strongly that everyone should have equal choice.
  • Lynn , TORQUAY
    As an avid reader I could not image not being able to enjoy this form of relaxation and escapeisum: VI's should have the same opportunity as a sighted person.
  • Darrell, Tempe, AZ
    The right to literacy and reading material should not be restricted to those whom enjoy the benefit of eye sight, but should be afforded all human beings, including those of us whom are blind or visually impaired. Thank you.
  • Nicola, Preston
    The ability to read text of any description, i.e. articles, books, programme guides, and so on is a skill we all take for granted. I support visually impaired people of all ages every day and have first hand experience of how individuals are extremely frustrated at not being able to exercise this ability. The sooner this becomes possible the better.
  • Avril, Middlesbrough
    My good friend, an 80 yr old who swims every morning, is now isolated for the rest of the day as she can no longer see to read: a lively mind frustrated in darkness. What a sad way to end your days.
  • Julie, Preston
    As an Action Co-ordinator with Action for Blind People I support visually impaired people who often express their concerns and frustration about the lack of reading materials in an appropriate format.
  • Shenagh , Eexter
    There is also a huge lack of educational materials availble to students of all ages.
  • Loredana, Falmouth
    My son has sight but very little use of his hands as he has cerebral palsy. Audio books enable him to read as quickly as his brother!
  • Marlene, GEORGE
    My eye sight is fine, but both my husband and our son have genetic Macular Dystrophy. We live in South Africa, but Robert lives in London and I know how he battles when he has to read ordinary print. Most documents do not cater for the visually impaired. He recently had to write a test as part of his "indefinate leave to remain" and all the learning material was in normal print. Thank goodness his fiancee was able to assist him.
  • Fran, Great Yarmouth
    I am doing this on behalf of my mother, who enjoys reading and would rather read a book than listen to it so from her point of view she would love to have access to large print books.
  • Chris, Harrow
    I agree that it is shocking that people with sight problems cannot read books. I hope that this campaign will help to show how this can help people with a disability to read.
  • Rebecca, bournemouth
    I work with lots of VI children and I think that they should have the same opportunities and the same wide choice of books to read as sighted children.
  • David, ROSSENDALE
    Books need to be in an accessable form to give equal opportunity to all to be able to read.
  • Susan, LEICESTER
    i THINK IT IS SHOCKING THAT BLIND PEOPLE CANNOT ALWAYS READ THE BOOKS THEY WANT TO, AND i BELIEVE THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO READ THE BOOKS THEY WANT TO. wHY SHOULD SIGHTED PEOPLE BE ABLE TO READ WHAT THEY WANT TO, WHEN BLIND AND PARTIALLY SIGHTED PEOPLE ARE BEING DENIED THE RIGHT TO READ.
  • christina ward, paignton
    I have a just turning two year old daughter with severe sight loss and although not reading yet anyway, I find it shocking that only 4% of books are for the purpose of people with sight loss. This has to change.now!!!!
  • tim, bristol
    Had never really thought about this and now feel ashamed that i have not realised how unequal this is. thanks for taking this on.
  • Alison, Glasgow
    Two of my children are severely dyslexic and their difficulty in reading text books severely restricted their ability to study.
  • Campbell, Glasgow
    The LibriVox project which provides audio recordings of old books might interest some readers.
  • Lisette, Normanton
    I utterly support this cause.
  • VICTORIA, IPSWICH
    It seems to be the most obvious thing - EVERYONE should be able to access books whoever they are!
  • Jenny, London
    You may like to compare the set up here with that in the USA which has legislation which benefits visually impaired people along the lines of this campaign.
  • Fiona, Mauchline
    As a mother of a son who is visually impaired we are very much aware of the problems the school have in ensuring text books are enlarged. As he moves through secondary I am concerned about the lack of standard grade study notes etc which are enlarged. I believe they may be available for o level and for the national curriculum in England but am not aware of similar publications for the Scottish education system.
  • F , London
    Everyone has the right to read what they want - a person should be allowed to make their own decisions about what they want to read, no matter what their abilities
  • Nick, London
    Books are BRILLIANT and EVERYONE should have the opportunity to share in the wonder they hold...
  • Denis , London
    It is shocking that publishers do not make electronic copies of all their books available, considering the fact that every book written today must at some stage be put in to an electronic format at some stage in the printing cycle.
  • Andy, Harrogate
    I am wanting to do a masters course, but the books that others read, and are available to them, are not immediately available to me at the same time, thus makinthe course that much more difficult for me to do.
  • jean, rothbury
    Out of the four books chosen by my bookgroup one is available to me in spoken word. Tonight I cannot find the energy to make my glass half full and be Polyanna Glad that there is one book avialable to me. I taste despair in the dregs of my glass.
  • Mary, Scottsdale
    My 87 year old mom listens to approximately 10 audio books a week, so the need for more is constant.
  • Amie, Lincoln
    It's great this action is taking place - I look forward to being able to read everything written by my favourite authors, not just the "highlights" of their careers, as selected, years later, by charities with very limited budgets.
  • Liz, London
    I had no idea that so little written material was available in alternative formats - totally ridiculous in this day and age!
  • Mary, London
    In the age of fantastic technological advances it is a scandal that so many books are inaccessible to a significant portion of the community. Good luck with the campaign.
  • Saeed , West Midlands
    Information is power, however, despite the rhetoric regarding equality, visually impaired people are greatly disadvantaged and marginalised where information is concerned. How can we have access to education, leisure and all aspects of life, when we do not get access to books as the same time as the rest of society. If "equality" is to be truly applied to all part of society, then it is our right to be included.
  • Mat, Teddington
    NO MORE CULTURAL APARTHEID, LET ALL PEOPLE ACCESS ALL BOOKS. EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO READ.
  • Neil, Normanton
    This is a basic human right in a developed, literate society. Its time the excuses stopped and the action started
  • torie, northern ireland
    It's very frustrating going in to a shop and not being able to pick up a book because it's not in an accessible format. So, when i want to read a book, i have to get it from the National Library For The Blind. Although this is a great service, it has got to stop. How come everyone can just walk in to a shop and get what they want? More books should be available in an accessible format, so that more blind and partially sighted people can read them. I feel very strongly about this issue. I would encourage anyone to sign this declaration!!!!! It's so worthwhile!!!!!!!
  • Damon , London
    Access to books NOW!
  • Karen, Swindon
    As a teaching assistant for visually impaired children I recognise how difficult is it to get hold of popular fiction and text books. The pupil I support is at secondary school and because of the shortage the books often arrive to late to be used within the lessons.
  • pamela, Bognor Regis
    To be able to read a good book is a joy to me. I think it a pleasure that should be available to all, regardless of their sight problems. Please provide more facilities for those of us that read braille.
  • Ruth, LEICESTER
    I am 46 and no more visually impaired than average for my age, but I could not live without books, and I dread the day that failing eyesight prevents me from reading. I wish you every success with this campaign.
  • Paul, Peterborough
    I'm shocked to discover that only 4% of the books published in the UK are readable by people with sight problems.
  • Elizabeth, Cwmbran
    My son has albinism and I cannot find toddler books in large print or sticker books in large size so he can be the same as his sister anywhere.
  • Anthony, Ramsgate
    I have a 6 year old son who is having trouble getting library books or many books except at huge cost.
  • Lesley, Witney
    Doesn't the disability descrimination act state that information produced in print must also be given in an accessible format, or be made accessible to the disabled person? As the publishers won't produce their books in an accessible format, maybe we should all start asking them to send a representative out to read the printed material to us. After all, if they don't they're discriminating against us!
  • terry, watlington
    I am a teaching assistant with a pupil with visual impairiment and am amazed that there are no text books available in large print let alone reading books he can access. I am working in a secondary school and he's only just been given wide lined exercise books to write in which he finds useful but all the photocopying we have to do in order for him to access the curriculum is not financed so some departments are reluctant to spend their budget doing this for the benefit of just one child. This can't be right.
  • Christina, Dublin
    I believe that it is very important that blind and visually-impaired people are not denied access to books and other materials just because they cannot read standard print.
  • RamJee, Patna
    I would like to be educated about extending this campaign in India,where I am actually slowed down in finalising my own manuscripts due to age-related macular degeneration in both eyes.
  • Jacqueline , By Crieff
    I am registered blind and listen to talking books and other audio books. But would really appreciate having books that I enjoy and that reflect my lifestyle. I would like to see lesbian fiction incorporated into talking books. There are a large number of visually impaired gay and lesbian people all over the world who would really appreciate being able to access the increasing number of written gay fiction on an audio format.
  • David, Maidstone
    I read English at university, but was constantly hampered by the lack of access to texts. With today's technology, there is no need to inflict this hardship on another generation of visually impaired students.
  • shanti, Beckton
    More best seller/classic titles should be made available in all other formats to enable the special needs children to get involve in the story.
  • Lyn, Sheerness
    I am working in a mainstream school and supporting a visually impaired 6 year old. She loves to read, she knows that one day she will be blind and we are learning Braille together now in readiness and I think it's so important for her to read and see as many beautiful books as she can while she still has a little sight left but knowing this child as I do blindness will not stop her reading and therefore I think it really important to have this library available to us.
  • Clive, Maidstone
    As a life-long braille reader, I feel it is high time I didn't have to pay over the odds, wait excessive amounts of time, or give up altogether, when trying to gain the opportunity to read many of the books that interest me. Braille should also be given the type of recognition in the community at large that British Sign Language has as a language for Deaf people.
  • Leigh, Melton Mowbray
    I think that it is about time that people suffering from sight loss have the oppotunity to read any book they want. As I grew up I noticed the print of books becoming smaller the more advanced my reading became, even now at the age of 21 I find it difficult to get books that I can read comfortably for any length of time.
  • Sharon, Newry
    Everyone should have the right to be able to pick up a book of their choice and read it. It is totally unacceptable in this day and age that 4% of books published in the uk are the only books available.
  • denise, Peterborough
    My son is totally blind and when books are produced in sighted copies it takes a long time for the tape cd to be produced. This should be recognised as the same option.
  • Sharon, Kirkcaldy
    I have an appetite for reading and imagine that's the case for those who struggle to find books in a format to suit them. It shouldn't be the case that you're lucky enough to fulfill your love of books just because you have your eyesight.
  • Richard, Shrewsbury
    Over 40 years ago I became aware of problems contemporaries with poor sight had in school. Last week I became aware of a child in my street with poor sight. My signature is the first step in me taking positive action regarding these problems.
  • Sarah, Southampton
    I work in a library and so many people are disappointed that they cannot read the books they would like because they aren't available in large print or spoken word. They lose out on so much information and entertainment because it just isn't accessible.
  • Anne, Fareham
    My mother was partially sighted and regretted the loss of reading earlier than would have been necessary had there been more large print books.
  • andy, stroke-on-trent
    I remember fondly the first time I fell i love with books. As a youngster I would nag my mother for storybooks on tortoises and cunning hares. Every child has the right to enjoy literature and learning. They need an education and the opportunity to grow their minds especially since disablism sadly exists. Sign the petition, raise awareness at your office, school, local council, whatever you can do is sufficient. Help coulor a child's life
  • Susie, Bristol
    My mother needs more large print and talking books.
  • Leanne, Runcorn, Brisbane, Queensland
    At the age of 3, it was discovered that I only had about 5% vision in my left eye, and the lack of proper sight in that eye strains my right eye so I often get headaches and while I know what I see is not the same as others, to me it's normal because I've never had perfect sight. They told my parents I may not be able to read very well, certainly not at the same level as my peers throughout my schooling years. When I was 5, I taught myself to read. I don't remember how exactly, but I remember my Mother coming into my room and asking what I was saying and I told her I was reading. She laughed and patted my head but to her shock when I continued speaking, I was indeed reciting the words on the book in front of me. I love to read, I love books and I am fortunate enough not to have such a severe form of sight deprivation that I do not need large print materials and it outrages me that children in schools mainly are suffering for something they cannot help - they give Deaf children everything they could need in a school but partially blind kids? It's ridiculous.
  • caroline, nottingham
    My view is that I think it is time that the government did somthing for blind and visual impaired people can read what our friends read the same time. At the same price
  • Adrian, London
    I hope that future developments in technology will make eBooks more widely available. But until such time that it becomes affordable, for readers and publishers, I doubt very much will happen soon unless new legislation is brought in to give weight to the Disability Discrimination Act. Action such as the Right to Read campaign is needed to make more people aware of this problem.
  • Chris, Port Talbot
    I think it wuold be a great thing if more new published books are available in audio format.
  • Robert, PORT TALBOT
    I believe all people with disabilities should have the right to access everything that available to the rest of the population.
  • margaret, Port Talbot
    it always the same, cildren/people with sight problems losing out
  • Stephen, Southampton
    we want to participate in society - please allow us to have access to reading material, as the majority in society do.
  • Christine, Edinburgh
    I am a librarian with Edinburgh City Libraries. I run a reading group for visually impaired users. One of the members wishes me to raise with you the issue of the great expense of audio books. Have audio publishers like W F Howes and ISIS been approached in your Right to Read campaign?
  • Amelia, Sydney
    As a child i suffered from dyslexia, although i have now overcome this i can't begin to put into words the psychological impact this had on my self esteem and gereral person. i am now 20 and i love to read there is nothing better than a good book, it can transport you to places otherwise inconceivable. It is my belief that everyone should have the opportunity to read and to learn in order to live a full and rich life.
  • Ann, Chippenham
    I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED AT THE LACK OF "LARGE PRINT BOOKS" NOT ONLY IN BOOKSHOPS BUT ALSO IN THE LIBRARIES.
  • Gwennan, Forest Hill
    As someone who has always taken great pleasure in reading, I was shocked and appalled by the 96 per cent statistic. All the very best of luck with your campaign.
  • Kit, Reading
    As an author of an exciting new series, I'm working with my publishers, Moongazy Publishing, to make my series of books available in different formats. I'm very keen to do this and support this campaign whole-heartedly. I used to be a teacher for children with Special Needs, including visual impairment, and this cause is dear to my heart.
  • Sharon, Preston
    I am a teacher for the visually impaired and get very frustrated when trying to find secondary text books in braille and large print. Many schools say they dip in and out of different books and don't realise how long it takes to modify a text books- so expect them all to be available!! I think publishers should be made to have a text book available in an electronic format so that it is at least a lit easier to modify the bits you need. Teachers should also be more considerate and plan their lessons well in advance and try to use materials that are already available in braille.
  • Emma, Wallington
    I am shocked that so few books are made available to those with sight problems, it's a disgrace.
  • Hayley, Paignton
    I am dyslexic and have Earlyn syndrome and know what its like to have problems when reading. I don't see why some people should be discriminated against because of copyright laws and ignorant people. We should not have to pay large amounts of money to be able to get the same as others.
  • Susan, Kingsbridge
    I am hoping to start studying for an advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling in September. I have not been able to find any of the books on the reading list available in any helpful format.I have MS and both my eyes have been affected by optic neuritis. Reading ordinary print is extremely tiring.
  • Susan, Hurstpierpoint
    I thoroughly support the Right to Read Campaign. At last childrens' books are being addressed by Pollinger Authors Agent who are printing childrens' book in clear black print. But how do we get these to the children?
  • Carole Hayward, Rochester
    Everyone should have the choice to read whatever they wish, disability should not be an issue. It is incredible that only 4% of books are available, when there are so many books published every year.
  • vicky, cowes
    I recently read an article about a book but cannot get it yet as it has only just been published. Why can't books be released in audio at the same time as in print?
  • Roy, Troon
    All blind and partially sighted people should have access at NO charge to the talking book service.
  • Astrid , Canterbury
    As a primary school headteacher I was horrified to read that so few books are made available for blind children to access since I know that every effort is made to translate books into other languages. I would have thought this to be an equal opportunities issue.
  • Jonathan, London
    I am an IT Professional and enjoy reading IT related magazines and newspapaers. I am no longer able to read the majority of them as the size of font is too small and the contrast is terrible. Small black text on red or ghastly bright green are my best examples.
  • Amanda, Liverpool
    I was unaware of this problem. Having read your website, I think it is a shame that blind or partially sighted people don't have access to books like everyone else.
  • Colette, Cupertino, CA, U.S.A.
    My own father, a newspaper editor and life-long reader, was legally blind in his last decades, and he derived much pleasure from audio Books for the Blind which he received free through a state library organization. They even provided the audio recorder free of charge, along with free postage. He did not have access to every book ever printed in the United States, but he had a very wide selection, and his sighted family members had a catalog of these books from which they could help him choose what to get next. It was a wonderful program.
  • sarah, wallasey
    I waited for months while at school for books in large print but they never came. In the end books were just enlarged on the photocopier, which I felt was bad for the environment.
  • Eunah, Seoul, South Korea
    Hello, I am a blind girl who lives in Seoul, South Korea. I first found out about this campaign on your website. It is surprising that only a small amount of books in the UK are made into braille. The situation, in my opinion, is so similar to that of Korea. Many blind people in Korea cannot read the books because only a few braille libraries are located and the publishers are not willing to give their electronic files which can be used in braille transcription. I am a bibliophile, but I can read very limited range of genres. And many blind college students in Korea cannot do the assigned readings and do not have access to their textbooks in braille. In fact, I am one of them, who are struggling to follow up my studies without textbooks in most of the lectures. I hope every country can launch a campaign like this one in your country, and make every blind person feel the delight of reading and study easily without struggling to study even without a textbook. And finally, I would like to express my gratitude toward the authors and publishers who generously signed this campaign or provided the electronic files for braille transcription, by quoting the final couplet of Shakespeare's sonnet XVIII: "So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, So long lives this, and this gives life to thee." In Seoul, South Korea, Eunah Choi
  • Sharon, Corby
    I work with visually impaired children, I find it thoroughly frustrating that the children I work with cannot access ALL of the learning material that their sighted peers can.
  • Keith, Shrewsbury
    Blind and Dyslexic people amount to around 8 million people in the UK. I think it's a scandal that we don't have the audio option for all book publications in this country!
  • Ann, Alton
    I work at an FE college for disabled students where some of them cannot read or even hold a conventional book. If more books were available in e-version, they could access a whole new world.
  • Mandy, Maidstone
    I think it's deplorable that there is such a small amount of literature available for the sight impaired. In this day and age when books are readily available in alternate languages it is bordering on prejudice that there's hardly any concession is made for the V.I. person.
  • Sharon, Maidstone
    I think that every child with a sight impairment should have access to the same resources as every other child in a school.
  • Margaret, Maidstone
    I support a 13 year old girl in secondary education. There are not any revision guides text books in enlarged print and therefore she is at a huge disadvantage to other students in her class. This is very unfair and in this day and age unacceptable.
  • Ann, witney
    To be able to read using your own eyes or touch is something that should not be denied anyone. Listening should only ever be an optional alternative it can never replace the joy and experience of accessing the written word for yourself!
  • Charlotte, Paignton
    I think it is shocking that 96 percent of all books published in the Uk are not accessible to blind and partially sighted people. An avid reader myself I also feel that when we buy books on audio cassette or CD we should not have to pay more for them than our sighted peers do for books. For example, I broutht a CD yesterday for £16 and yet for the same price my Mum had bought three books. I ask you is that fair?
  • Samantha, Leicester
    Although I am sighted I strongly feel this is a good cause and there should not be limits to how much anyone can read, knowledge is so important!
  • Patricia, Newcastle-under-Lyme
    As a registered childminder, I recently tried to obtain resources to talk to the children in my care about the difficulties experienced by people who have sight problems. When I looked on the internet, with the intention of buying braille books for the children, I was amazed to find that this was an impossibility. Knowing the pleasure that books provide and the importance that they play in our lives I had assumed that large print and baille books would have been readily available and feel saddened to think that the pleasure we experience, and take for granted, in having our own favourite collection of books - to be enjoyed over and over again - is denied to so many others. Why?
  • Susan, blackpool
    I have a 5 year old son who is partially sighted in reception class. He has to have all the print in his books enlarged and stuck in consequently the words are over the pictures, which is how children learn therefore the words mean nothing. He loves books but cannot stand to read it is like torture to him. I find this situation appauling.
  • Anthony, Dartford
    The UK Libraries have lost their way generally, regarding printed books and Audiobooks on their shelves. However for the blind and partially sighted it is without doubt a national disgrace that so little care, thought and imagination has been forthcoming from the management of the countries library services. Your campaigners, carers and those people affected by sight problems may be interested to visit my website http://www.charliehorsepublishing.co.uk/ which although shall be a commercial site by end of August 2007, is importantly promoting the charities involved in helping blind and partially sighted people. This is because our musician, and audiobook narrator is himself totally blind. Let him be an inspiration to others. Click on "Our music". Thank you!
  • Kat, London
    Reading was such a crucial part of my life growing up that it's horrible to think of others not being able to enjoy books.
  • John, Redcar
    Keep up the good work, I could do with some large print books myself.
  • Joanna, Weymouth
    My nephew is only 6 years old but is very bright and loves to read. He has a higher reading age than his peer group but has limited access to reading books. This may hinder his progress long term!
  • Triptjeet, London
    The wonder of a child's imagination is enriched by access to the wonder of books. A child deprived of access to all books is a child robbed of the chance to enter another world, to be inspired, to be comforted or motivated. I was deeply saddened to hear the recent Radio 4 coverage of children at the Right to Read lobby of Parliament describing the impact of the struggle to find books which are all too easily taken for granted by their peers. For a country which is a member of the G8, it is shameful that we are still starving the brilliant minds upon which our very future depends. 96% is a shocking statistic. I was stunned and then angered to discover that the message behind this campaign has been ignored at the highest level for so long.
  • Vivienne, Blaydon-on-Tyne
    Over the years I've listened to the frustration of my blind friends, who cannot obtain talking books at the same time as those published for sighted people.
  • Pamela, Huddersfield
    Blind people, especially school and college age should be able to have more access to braille books.
  • Ann Alicia, Morecambe
    Talking books can be the only form of entertainment for lots of blind people particularly the infirm and elderly. Surely Human Rights are affected if people cannot obtain the books that we can all enjoy. White sticks do not provide company wheras a good book can.
  • Beryl, Buckingham
    I have a 16 year old totally blind grand-daughter who loves reading but finds it increasingly difficult to find books in Braille suitable for her age group. Surely it is the right for every child to be able to access books?
  • Frederick, Buckingham
    I believe that publishers should make an electronic copy of each book they release. This is particularly so in the case of text books and children's titles.
  • debbie, milton keynes
    my daughter is 9 and registered partially sighted at school she finds it hard to read the books and although she has a magnifier she still finds it difficult to enjoy reading the books. it would be great if the school had somewhere they could go to apply for all these books without us parents having to pay or fight for it !!
  • Louisa, Guernsey
    I am a teaching assistant to a blind student and we find it really difficult to find the information we need in audio or Braille something needs to be done.
  • Mark, Wymondham
    It is deplorable we can't do more as a nation for those who want to read and can't, instead of targeting those who can read but don't.
  • Matthew, Glasgow
    It is doubtless that books and literature are vital to a well-rounded education: this is a fundamental human right. It is simply unacceptable that partially sighted children are being denied this. I think that the problem is due to ignorance of the condition, and this can only be solved through more publicity and lobbying the government into introducing initiatives to allow the partially sighted an equal opportunity in life.
  • gloria, Brasside
    I feel that it is EXTREMELY important that people with sight problems should have books that they can read like others.
  • Elizabeth, Moreton-in-Marsh
    Braille is much more difficult to learn to read than print. Blindness excludes, and the unavailability of Brailled school books and books to read for pleasure increases the feelings of exclusion, and makes it very difficult for parents and teachers to instill a love of reading in blind children. A good choice of books would go a long way to remedy this situation.
  • Heather, spalding
    my son is dyslexic and would love to be able to read as others do, to him everything appears backwards and when younger thought that the yellow table he was on, that seems to be the one that needs help in classes across the uk was actually the wolley table.
  • Louise , Newcastle upon Tyne
    As a Special Needs Higher Level Teaching Assistant, I have worked with a visually impaired student for 3 years and have experienced frustration and anger at the lack of enlarged textbooks. Not being someone who is easily beaten, I discovered, by searching the internet 2 years ago, a prison in Doncaster - HMP Lindholme - where the prisoners enlarge books for just 10p per sheet. This is very cost effective; around £20-£30 per book depending on font size. (my student needs size 18). I have built up a good working relationship with the teacher in charge at the prison, advising on contrast, colour, spacing picture quality etc. However, i realise that there is still a huge problem which needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency, by the Government.
  • Annabella, Middlesex
    Having access to adapted books frees up staff who support these children at school who are busy enough having to adapt worksheets and other activities in the mainstream classroom. In this day and age surely it cannot be that difficult to produce books in alternative formats at the same time that they are published? Why should these children miss out?
  • Carol, Basildon
    When I was recovering from an eye operation for a serious condition, the only thing that kept me going was listening to audio books. They are quite expensive and the public library charges a lending fee to users that are not registered blind. I rarely find audio books in charity shops or in boot sales.
  • Mark, leicester
    I find it shocking that it is almost impossible to find a large print dictionary or a world atlas as well as many other reference books in any of the main high street retailers.
  • Alex, portsmouth
    I am not blind but I have dyslexia and I feel that half of the books I want to read I can not. Thank you for bringing this issue up for people to see.
  • Vicky, Wickford
    We talk so much about the rights of ethnic and religious minorities in our society today I think it is terrible that children and adults who want to read but have sight problems do not have this chance, how do we expect them to have the same future and equal opportunities if we are unable to give them simple things like books.
  • Michael, Hartley Wintney
    My daughter Lucinda has nystigmus and can not read normal books with small print. We pay for large printed books for her - however not all books, particularly school books are available in large print and is causing an issue. How can partially sighted children get the best education to get a job when they become an adult if they don't get the best education possible? The government and all politicians should support this and I was delighted to attend the campaign at Westminster with my daughter and am delighted with the support of our local MP.
  • Elaine, Ringwood
    Everyone should have the right to be able to read a book or poem, it is even more important for people with poor or no sight to be able to have the pleasure of losing themselves in a good read.
  • Melanie, Epsom
    our son is partially sighted and is at the age where he can start learning/recognising letters & numbers, unfortunately our local library do no cater for him.
  • Angie, Tipton
    We're in the 21st Century - but you'd never believe it when you see statistics like this.
  • Robin, Marlow
    To have impaired vision is a very serious sensory loss - to lose in addition the vision of others, as expressed in books, multiplies the effect.
  • Kelly, Exmouth
    I love reading, I couldn't live without it, and the thought that so many people are denied this pleasure is horrendous. Books open up other worlds for people, they can educate, shock, amuse, comfort and astound. Everyone should be able to able to access books. We have the technology to do it, we now need to make it understood as part of our culture that all books are published in small print, in large print, on tape and in Braille as a matter of course. It is quite shameful that in this day and age that still isn't the case.
  • Patricia, Honiton
    Being able to read from a young age is so important to children's ability to learn. As a writer, although hearing impaired, I think any from of readng is so important.
  • Hazel, Worthing
    I love to read and so do my children. We don't have vision problems, but if we did, I'd be appalled to find I couldn't access the material they needed. I just assumed it was available to those who needed it - that if one of my children lost their sight for any reason, they would learn braille and books - particularly school books - would be available in braille, or on tape. How can this not be so?? It's totally outrageous if, as I am now given to understand, the materials are not available or are in short supply. I think Jacqueline Wilson has exactly the right idea, to have different media forms included in her contract. I realise a struggling author can't always dictate, but surely educational materials should be printed/recorded in different media as a matter of course?
  • Shirley, Huddersfield
    I have been reading since infant school days, spent most of my childhood stuck in a book. Otherwise it would have been a very lonely childhood.I hate to think of children missing out on this pleasure. My Grandchild is Dyslexic, they have just stopped her support at school to save money, we are lucky she is going Privately.
  • stacey, huddersfield
    I have a partially sighted daughter who attends mainstream school. The tachers are wonderful and spend a lot of time catering for my daughters educational needs. At the moment they re-type the Oxford Reading Tree books to enable her to learn to read them. This is very time consuming where the teacher's paid time could be better employed by giving her more one to one help not enlarging writing at a computer. Its a waste of vital time paid buy the school out of my daughters allocated special needs funding.
  • Rebecca, Bury St Edmunds
    I have worked with a 3 year old blind child who has just left for nursery, finding resources for her was appalling. Plenty of places LOANED books but had to pay a large amount for ones we can keep. I ended up printing braille labels and adaping a lot of our own books and displays. Also, the government bookstart schemes offered the child books which not only had no braille but you had to look at the pictures to know the story!
  • Susan, Benfleet
    To spend one's life disenfranchised from the written word, is a tragedy. I have longed for knowledge all of my life and so nothing could make me happier than to think that in the future those of us with visual impairment will be able to access the wonderful world of books.
  • lyndsey, droitwich
    I work as bookseller in a large chain and we are often asked for large print books. We do have to tell customers that the costs usually prohibits us from ordering for them but I do pass on publisher details to them so that they can contact the publishers themselves.i am trying to stock a better selection of tapes especially for new titles. however i totally agree that the range ( in books and tapes ) of non fiction is abysmal.
  • Maria, Hyde
    It is so sad that partially sighted people cannot have the same opportunities as sighted people to choose any book they wish to read. I also think blind people should have a lot more books and talking books.
  • Andrea, London
    I work as a Primary School teacher in London and find the statistics absolutely shocking. Every child should be afforded the opportunity to read a range of texts.
  • Darren, Woking
    Being able to read is one of those things I don't know how I'd cope without. It opens the door to a world of discovery, learning, entertainment, and escape, and is to me one of the most important skills a child should learn. To be deprived the experiences and emotions one can derive from stories, or the opportunity to broaden ones mind from educational books, simply because they are not made available in a format you can use, is an appauling concept. Most people take the ability to read for granted, and the ability to find material to read, for granted also. It seems strange to the point of absurdity when, in this world of technology, that material is not so readily availible just because you need to see it in bigger print, or need an audio book ?
  • Christopher, bradford
    it is a disgrace that people like myself have to suffer a loss of sight, but to lose the right to read just because publishers don't produce there materials in an alternative format is a disgrace. therefore I am very happy to add my name to this petition and fully support it in every way possible. regards christopher huby
  • Alex, Cheam
    Everyone should have access to all literature if possible.
  • Gavin, Reading
    My nan struggled to read in later life and being able to read gave her such pleasure as it was one of the few things she could do. It saved her sanity, kept her happy and made everybody's life much easier
  • Alyson, Bracknell
    I have been partially sighted for 6 years and more often than not I am unable to read a lot of commercial paperbacks, signs, tv screens, labelling etc.
  • Karen, Woking
    I feel everyone should have the right of choice, and it is unfair through disability for that choice to be unfairly limited.
  • Sue, Worcester
    I love to read and would be lost if I couldn't enjoy choosing and reading new books, even rereading books I have already enjoed. I like to discover authors I haven't read yet and keep up with reviews and new work. I like books that make me think, tell me new things, make me laugh. I feel really strongly that reading is such a source of entertainment, personal discovery and great pleasure that everyone should be able to enjoy it whatever their ability, and so I fully support the Right to Read campaign.
  • Grace, maidstone
    Why? Why do the government try and urge us to read, from a young age, but what if we can't? Who cares in their eyes. I've seen how hard it is to get large print or an audio book and the price - huge! Why do they charge so much? Thirty odd pounds for a audio book and then they abridge it. Why? It is not right! It is singling people out and its wrong!
  • Cheryl , Newmarket
    I spend a fortune on Audio tapes for my daughter who is totally blind because I cannot find the books she wants. For example, when the new Harry Potter books come out we have to wait months and months for a braille copy.
  • Steven, Hastings
    I hope that these people can get books that will benefit them!
  • Pamela, Pontypool
    As an avid reader myself I am appalled that such a high percentage of books are not made available in large print. I didn't realise that these statistics applied to school text books I assumed it was only children's fiction.
  • angela, l
    I work as a Nurse practitionier and have RP. I was dismayed to hear from a patient the cost of large print books she buys for her daughter aged 11.
  • Joanne, Stapleford
    My daughter has Albanism and she struggles to read as the work has to be put onto A3 sheets of paper. This is not ideal and often leads to chaos! A book with the correct print and font size will allow her to work efficiently and effectively.
  • Roy, Rye
    Everybody has a ‘Right to Read’. For print-disabled children and adults this means audio books: on tape, CD or MP3. I am pleased to lend my support to the ‘Right To Read’ Campaign in its efforts to encourage government and the publishing industry to make all books available to everyone. My son Joel, aged 16 is totally dyslexic and an avid reader. The only way of reading he has is by electronic means (tape, CD, MP3, screen-reader). For over three years he attended a specialist school for dyslexic children where there were no audio tapes available. His current mainstream Comprehensive school has been brilliant, but even so, a lot of the books that he wants to read –and the school librarian could provide- just aren’t available. His choice of options and his studies at GCSE level have been severely affected by the lack of text books available in electronic form. If, as government believes, ‘Every Child Matters’, then action needs to taken regarding the 20,000+ children in the UK whose disability means they need electronic books both for study and for leisure. Roy Apps: Dramatist and Children's Author
  • Tracey, Marldon
    We have struggled to get large print books for our daughter - The Harry Potters did not come out on audio until months after the release plus they cost a fortune - her progress through the story was dependant on the amount of time I had each day to read it to her - her twin finished the book in a weekend. My daughter loves the feel of books and having the 'proper copy' so while there are services available to make her a large print copy it does not feel the same.
  • Richard, Luton
    I may not be blind yet but find difficulty in reading the smaller print that many documents and books contain which throws a strain on my overworked eyes so for children to have this strain reduced is fantastic
  • Amanda, Derby
    My Husband and I are Registered as Severely Sight Impaired. We also have two Sons Registered as Severly Sight Impaired. We all have the wright to read books, however we struggle to find educational text and reference books to support our course work in accessible formats. It is a case of waiting for photo copies of particular pages being worked on as the course continues. Which means sometimes playing catch up with everyone else who is able to read standard print. To have it put on to audio tape takes even longer and braille even longer again. However saying that, I went on a course and the course work never actually got put on to audio tape even to this day. I left two years ago and students are still waiting for it even now. They have to employ a personal reader which causes a whole load of other problems. I could go on but, I would just like to say that I am attending the lobby because I want to change things for the better, for everyone especially my children and their children.
  • Katherine, Moreton - in - Marsh
    I have an 11 year old son who is just about to transfer to secondary school. We have been told that large print textbooks are not available and that his teaching assistant is responsible for photocopying the mountain of textbooks required for year 7. Although she is keen to help, this is not acceptable as diagrams and pictures are often fuzzy and the page needs to be less cluttered than a straight copy. Also, in terms of self esteem, he wants to be 'normal', access his education along with his peers and not have 100's of odd pieces of paper to manage. I feel it is very sad that charities such as NLB and NBCS work hard to provide literature books, but to access academic texts from The National Curriculum makes us parents feel we are asking too much for our children from the education services.
  • David, Warwick
    Ever since I can remember (I am 66) reading has been a major pleasure of life. I'm one of the lucky ones, my eyes are still good. A life where reading is absent, or at best, restricted, must be unbearable; and in the case of children, tragic. I am happy to support this campaign.
  • Steven, Wirral
    Is it really too much to ask that product packaging such as cereal boxes have a braille label punched on them? They go through such an intricate manufacturing process as it is, so would a few embossed words really cost so much more?
  • Paul, Sheffield
    The government should facilitate the establishment of a central repository of books and other printed materials in electronic format. This could be managed via, say the British National Library, who can then facilitate access whilst protecting publishers' rights.
  • Vicki, Liverpool
    I am a teacher of visually impaired children and young people, we often have to enlarge books ourselves to entitle the student their 'right to read' along with their peers!
  • DEBORAH, PONTEFRACT
    My 11 year old daughter is blind and her favourite pastime is reading and listening to audio stories. She is an avid Harry Potter fan and has to wait for two months for the book to be available in audio after the book goes on sale in print. This I feel is unacceptable, as the interest surrounding these stories is immense and all around her people are talking about what they are reading, and she cannot participate. Also, when you visit a bookshop, there are very few books on audio to choose from, sometimes nothing of any interest to her.
  • Siripattra, brighton
    books i want to read not in format that i can access, books are there which have ben trascribed are too old and less choices compared to bookshops that sighted people and go about all day and enjoy it!
  • John, Poole
    My 6yr old child is registered blind and currently has excellent support from his school, supported by Dorset HVSS. Both the school and HVSS have to work hard to ensure he can follow the curriculum with brailled products. There is clearly a lack of books available and this will increasingly become more of a problem.
  • judith, whitchurch
    Everyone has the right to read.
  • Steve, Gloucester
    Everybody should have the joy of books open to them.
  • Barbara, Chelmsford
    I can't imagine life without books - for relaxation, for information, to broaden my horizons, to look into great minds - and many other reasons.
  • Nerys, Bedworth
    My grandaughter is visually impaired and I would wsh her to have access to all reading matter not just the limited sources available to her now.
  • Helen, Sheffield
    I think all school children and other students are entitled to expect that necessary study texts are availble to them regardless of their disabilities
  • Julia, Basildon
    More should be done about this, it is terrible to think someone with sight problems could not read ANY of the books in my personal library.
  • Hilda, Kyle
    Excellent and important campaign
  • Alison, Llandrindod Wells
    My blind son Joe, loves to read. It's one of his great pleasures in life: something he can pick up and do anywhere. I really appreciate the National Blind Children Society "Customeyes" service, which has provided him with wonderful books at cost price over the years, and Calibre, who have helped him access more advanced books for listening. Brilliant services - but we need more!
  • karen, Herts
    I was astounded to read that children don't have access to school reading materials. Something has to be done for them. The right to read should apply to everyone.
  • Elaine, Dundee
    Every child has an imagination and should have access to books of some form to bring a smile to their face through audio books or large print books. We need to allow access to books for all children.
  • Sally, Leatherhead
    I have seen my MP who was totally supportive of the RNIB's Right to Read Campaign. My 5 year old son is so keen to read but needs very large print and the printed and electronic books available to him are very limited. I would encourage everyone to see their MP to get the message across and to obtain support through central government action in making all books accessible to visually impaired children.
  • Vicci, Winshill
    I am dyslexic. I find newspapers like The Times hard to read as the print small and read newspapers online instead but somtimes I would like read newsaper but print size can be a problem
  • Janet , Romford
    As a teacher of visually impaired pupils, I see, on a daily basis, how disadvantaged these pupils can be if they are unable to have access to the same textbook materials as their peers.
  • Jackie, Royston
    Our daughter is visually impaired and experiences huge problems obtaining national cirriculum material in spite of the good efforts of the school. She is highly motivated and finds it frustrating in many ways: she can be waiting for photocopied texts in order to start the work the rest of her class have commenced, if she has had the text and completed it early she cannot move on to the next subject because it has not been prepared, she cannot simply turn to the numbered page at the same time as the rest of her class, but needs help scanning the mass of A3 sheets in order to work simitaneously.
  • MARGARET, GLASGOW
    just because I am blind does not mean thet I can't enjoy reading a good book. people tell me of books they are reading but I know I won't be able to get access to this book for months, if ever. that's really quite sad.
  • Graham, Derby
    I love to read, it has given me years of pleasure. It is tragic that children with sight problems are being deprived of this enjoyment.
  • Sheila, Derby
    i am a big reader and find it hard to believe in this day and age that there are people out there who can't get access to books in any shape or form.
  • Ann, Huntingdon
    As a manager of a Schools Library Service, committed to inclusion and equal access to education for all children, I struggle to find and supply an adequate level of resources for visually impaired pupils. I fully support the aims of the campaign.
  • Stephanie , Hetton Le Hole / Sunderland
    I believe that everyone has the right to read - this may be because they love books or may help them in future
  • David, Washington
    Books should be a right - not a privelege.
  • Jeff, Cardiff
    Having sight problems myself I fully support this tremendous campaign.
  • Natasha, Brierley Hill
    We are living in a society where 'Every Child Matters' and that is exactly why the right to read campaign is so important. If every child did really matter then this should not even be an issue and all children should be given the resources suitable to their needs.
  • Alice , London
    I work as a resource cordinator for pupils with Visual Imparments in a mainstream secondary school. I currently organise resources for a year 8 student who is totally blind. The staff in the school take very seriously the DDA and do all we can to ensure the student has access to learning materials in a suitable format at the same time as her sighted peers. It is essential that she can access books independantly as this enables her to be included in lessons and develop her independence. It is, however, almost impossible to obtain school books in a suitable format for her. This seems incredibly unfair, that due to this lack of provision, the student is put at a significant disadvantage to her sighted classmates. Books need to be recreated at school in Braille, and due to a lack of funding and time are not of a high standard. It is incredibly unfair to expect staff to obtain materials months in advance in order to prepare for students with Visual Impairments. So much precious time is spent scanning, typing and preparing these resources that it seems a ridiculous, inefficient use of staff time, when these books could be published in Braille, modified large print, and standard print, thus being inclusive of all readers. The DDA sets out very noble yet ambitious targets, and I ask that school staff be given the means to implement the Act! We cannot reinvent the wheel in Braille in the time we have to prepare resources. It can take two hours to prepare a resource for use in a lesson one hour long - we need to overcome these barriers to learning that are currently in place - as a Nation we have a duty to ALL our children, and this lack of books amounts to discrimination against a group of children who have enough obstacles to overcome as it is!
  • Leanne, Wolverhampton
    As SEN co-ordinator I work with a lot of children with reading problems. Access to suitable reading material and style of books should not be a problem when supporting these children in our modern society and ever improving education culture.
  • laura, beaconsfield
    I agree! my 6 year old daughter suffers and comments on her lack of braille books and that she cant read the books that her friends can and do.
  • Jane, Wakefield
    I work as a support teacher for pupils with a visual impairment. Part of my job is to reformat the text books that pupils use in lessons into large print or braille. This is a mammoth task but is made a lot easier if we can get an electronic copy of the book to start with. Some publishers, such as Nelson Thornes, are very helpful and provide us with the books in pdf format along with a license agreement. Other publishers, such as Folens, claim that they can't do this because they don't have electronic versions of the books which I find hard to believe. It would be brilliant if we could get all the publishers on side to give pupils with a visual impairment the same access to academic text books and reading books as their sighted peers. Maybe the more enlightened publishers could work together with others towards creating a central bank of books in electronic format which could be accessed by people with a visual impairment and professionals working with them?
  • Helen, Cockermouth
    I am a School Librarian and in the past have borrowed large print books from the NLB for a partially sighted pupil, but I realised that she was reluctant to use them because it made her 'different' from her peers. She has gone back to struggling with normal sized print. But I guess she's 'lucky' in that she has this option - many others don't and for them I support this campaign wholeheartedly.
  • Joseph, Durham
    On my course it was suggested that we read a certain book, however at home i had no means of reading it. The publishers were unable to provide a large print or audio version, which left me feeling frustrated and left out. Joseph, Durham
  • Winifred, durham
    Anything that will help the sighted and non-sighted to read should be applauded and encouraged.
  • Michelle, Dudley
    I work in the primary sector of education with children who are are partially sighted and have problems finding text books for these childrten to read.
  • Lind, Sunderland
    It should be everyones right to have access to reading materials especially learning materials.
  • Katie, Glasgow
    As a school librarian I am aware of the power of books to enable young people to become all that they can be, and know that it can be just one book that set them off on their reading future. It is vital therefore that all books are avaliable to all children so that they have the same oppurunities to read.
  • Jayne, Bradford
    I can't imagine what it must be like to not be able to pick up a book and read it. I fully support the Right to Read Campaign and feel that everyone should be able to enjoy reading for pleasure.
  • Elizabeth, London
    I certainlt find it shocking that only 4% of published books are accessible if you have sight problems. While I imagine there will never be the demand for 100% of the books, this is far too low.
  • Laura, London
    I worlk as a librarian in an inner city comprehensive school - one of the government's new city academies.We are well resourced in terms of our budget but there are just not enough resources available for me to purchase to support the needs of our visually impaired students. Our SEN dept search desperately for materials and are reduced to photocopying and enlarging worksheets. I have joined the NLB librray and contacted local public library service to borrow large print books but most of these are a limited selection of fiction books which cannot support coursework and exam needs.
  • Linda, Johnstone
    As a VI teacher my job would be so much easier if texts were available in large print or without all the fancy graphics. I spend so much time and effort making books accessible.
  • Lesley, Whitley Bay
    My son, who has been blind from birth, has always enjoyed stories. We have exhausted the supply at local bookshops for audio tapes/cds as there are so few in comparison to the books published in print. His sister can go to the library and come back with 8 new books each trip, yet we struggle to find a new story for him. This is grossly unfair.
  • cath, North Shields
    My mam has macular degeneration, and it's made me realise how reliant our society is on seeing things, to be able to get around, and contribute. It's made her feel depressed at times, and vulnerable - and she's a confident, funny, inspiring 80 year old. I think it's because losing her sight has meant she's lost her independence at the same time. Saying that, she's a total convert to talking books. Thanks for that. x
  • linda, sunderland
    I read all the time and think it unfair and unnecessary if people with sight problems are denied access to ny books they may want.
  • EDDIE, BILL QUAY
    I had no idea that the figure was so high. It is nothing short of disgraceful and is something the Government of this country should be looking to rectify as a matter of priority. It makes a mockery of the 'Education Education Education' stance of the Labour Party doesn't it?
  • Kathryn, Washington
    I would like to see all books available to everyone - in print, braille and audio. Not just fiction but text books, newspapers, magazines - whatever a person wants to read. Why should anyone be disadvantaged in this way?
  • Cathy, Camberley
    I am an advisory teacher for children and young people with visual impairments. The mainstream teachers with whom I work cannot believe that children's reading books are not readily available in large print formats and that they they have to modify existing material, spending time on this rather than on offering direct support in class to the pupils.
  • Janine, Shifnal
    Everyone should be able to experience the enjoyment of reading. It enables the individual to enter into someone elses world, imaginary or real. This can be very therapeutic or inspiring.
  • Joy, Chester
    Reading is a vital form of communication which everone has a right to acess. There is a fundemental difference between choosing not to read and not being able to choose what you want to read.
  • Betty, Romford
    I do think it shocking that people with sight problems can't read 96 per cent of books published in the UK.
  • Eileen, Hove
    I am parent of VI son now 18 yrs going to University in Sept. I spent the summer months trying to source large print copies of texts that he requires, I have just deposited 15 transfer file boxes in the loft of enlarged notes lectures and texts prepared for him by the collage he attended. What a saving on photocopying costs etc. if publications were readily available in accessible formats. He is doing an English/sport studies degree so search will be on again for texts, as an english student he is constrained by accessible format, and so many audio books are abridged versions of the original. He should have the right to read as streightforwardly as the sighted.
  • Aileen, Derby
    With moves to using interactive white boards at school, my daughter who is registered blind needs to have more access to brailled information and books in order to level the playing field. She would also enjoy reading the same books as her sighted peers - for instance 'The Brownie Annual' or UNICEF's book entitled 'A Life Like Mine.'
  • Iain, Stirling
    I find it difficult to find books for my niece to read.
  • Christine, Watford
    Working as an LSA supporting students with visual problems and as the mother of a child with dyslexia, I think the DfE need to be far more involved in insisting that suitable materials are available for all students for whom standard presentation is not appropriate.
  • Patricia, Manchester
    My child is partially sighted, it is hard enough for her to access the curriculum why should it be made harder by denying her an appropriate set of course materials to use!
  • Ellie, Burnley
    I think it is shocking that people with sight problems can't read 96 per cent of books published in the UK.
  • Valerie, Brampton
    I spent many hours of my childhood curled up somewhere with a book. I loved reading and would read anything that I could get my hands on. Reading is about learning and it enables you to develop your mind. Without access to this, children are being denied the chance to develop and learn.
  • Martin, Birmingham
    The pitiful lack of books in accessible formats is against the spirit of disabilty legislation. All people, blind and partially sighted children especially, need to have have all the resources neccessary for their education and the government must build the legislative framework for this to happen. Without doubt the electorate will support this.
  • Carol, Middlesbrough
    I am a Social Worker who feels frustrated and bemused by a society which expects people with disabilities to be self sufficient and get out to live independently without getting rid of the 'DIS'. One of the DIS's we have experienced lately is that of parents who are blind trying to give their children the same support that education encourages other parents to provide. Parents are asked to hear their children read their set books at home - yet how is a blind parent to know if what is being relayed to them is what is actually on the page? Blind parents also need access to school text books in Braille.
  • Laura, Leeds
    My son (who has aniridia and is therefore partially sighted) is only 18 months old, but I worry that he won't be able to share our family's love of books when he is older as there will be so little available in large print. This would be a tragedy - every child has the right to share the wonderful world of reading!
  • Katherine, Richmond
    I was born partially sighted and have always loved to read however I've always found reading a normal book tiring and now I can't read normal print at all without a strong magnifying glass which is very slow. I have also developed back problems from sitting in uncomfortable positions trying to hold a book and a magnifying glass close to my face. I discovered audio books at my local library as a child and found them a great way for me to be able to just curl up and enjoy a good book. However, it didn't take me long to read all the children's and adult audio books of interest in both my local libraries and I became frustrated at the lack of new titles and the small range of authors. I would love to be able to go into a bookshop and browse knowing I could take the books home in audio format as easily as other people can pick up a paperback. Audiobooks often cost £15-20 for a heavily abridged version of a book which imakes them a luxury I cannot afford.
  • Julius, Huddersfield
    Not only do the Goverment fail to provide services for the blind between the ages of 16, when they leave school until they retire, but to withhold books, which as a seeing person brightens my days, is unjustifiable. Are the blind and partially sighted unworthy because of their impairment of their basic human rights.Shame on them.
  • Anne, Middlesex
    Working with children of school age I find it very hard to get access of lots of books with large enough print for them to read.
  • Anthony, Birmingham
    I have read books since I can remember; you just take it for granted. It's only because of organisations like the RNIB, that we realise there is part of society that can't take for granted the things that most of us have; good eye sight.
  • Pauline , Uxbridge
    As a teacher of children who are visually impaired, I deal with this difficulty regularly. Our resources are taken up buying large print books costing three times the standard price, which means we can purchase less books to keep them reading.
  • Lisa , Chesterfield
    If we can provide books in other languages, why can't we provide them in braile or large print for our kids!! It's a disgrace!
  • Christine, CHELMSFORD
    My son is a blind student in mainstream school and will sit his GCSE's this June. He will then study five A levels and hopefully carry on with his education at University. It would make such a difference to both my son and those dedicated people that support him if all the text books that he needed were easily accessible or in some cases just accessible. Also, it has been very disappointing to find that he has enjoyed the first book of a series only to find that the rest of the series is not going to be made available in an accessible format.
  • Alison, Woking
    I am so grateful that I have sight to read and enjoy books. It should be a basic right in this modern world for everybody to have access to the written word from an early age.
  • Rebecca, Ringwood
    Been trying to find large print books for my mother in law and although amazon etc say the stock them they are either unavailable or on 4-6 week delivery.
  • karen, sutton coldfield
    I am a teacher of visually impaired children and think it shocking that, in this day and age, books are not automatically made avaialbe for visually impaired children in Braille and large print. They often have to wait a long time for them to become available and then because of the cost for schools to purchase them they often have to wait even longer for them to appear in their own school library.
  • Shirley, SWINDON
    I think evrybody in the UK should have the right to be able to read.
  • Shirley , Ramsgate
    The fact that information is not available in alternative formats such a large print, audio and braille etc is one of the underlying reason that so many of our children with sight impairments or learning difficulties such as dyslexia are not achieving to their full potential. If the government wants the achievement statistic to improve, they should provide learning materials that are accessible to all.
  • Carol, Burnley
    Reading is my first love - I am lucky, I have my sight but I want everybody to be able to share my wonderful world of books and words.
  • Catherine, Burton on Trent
    Reading is one of my main pleasures in life - it helps me to relax and transports me to different worlds with the turn of a page. To deny people with limited sight this basic human right is shocking and disturbing. Publishers need to consider people with sight problems when making book format decisions
  • Geraldine, Seaford
    With the easy availability of modern technology there should not be this problem!
  • Katie, Ipswich
    I can't believe that blind and partially sighted people are prevented from reading so many books, articles, magazines etc. Everybody should have the right to read everything that is published.
  • A, Hemel Hempstead
    I just spent two hours typing up a textbook so our child could access it, what a waste of my time and resources! When are publishers going to give us different formats and make these children\'s lives easier.
  • Pauline, Hastings
    My niece has aneridia and finds reading, even large print, tiring. The problem of lack of books also extends to audio books that are not available at the same time, or shortly after, publication. The Harry Potter books are a prime example. Sighted children can access them immediately, but sight impaired or dylexics have to wait weeks, or months, to be able to share the same experience as their friends.
  • Sue , King's Lynn
    I think it's terrible that there are so few large print/audio/braille books about for children. Reading is essential for every aspect of life and learning from childhood into adulthood and should be something every child can enjoy, not just those lucky enough to be blessed with perfect eyesight.
  • Sarah, Swindon
    Education is supposed to be inclusive. These children have a right to have the same opportunities to learn as other children.
  • Jo, Peterborough
    I am a library officer and I believe all readers should have the right to read! So support this campaign now!
  • Victoria, Portsmouth
    I think it is the right of everyone to be able to enjoy reading, larger print not only helps the short sighted, it also helps those with other sight problems that mean it is harder to read books in normal print. other people it will help is those that suffer from dyslexia as it would make it easier to see, read and understand what is written down.
  • Victoria, Chorley
    As a teacher of the visually impaired I find it upsetting to watch children who love to read find it difficult to get the books they want to read in the print size they require.
  • Anne, Upminster
    Our son is visually impaired and attends a mainstream school, who endeavour to obtain large print books for Marcus. But they have had to resort to them being manually photocopied by someone, this time could be better spent within the Special Needs Department, who are on limited budgets. They do a marvellous job and often give their time and resources without payment. Our family and friends have raised money to aid them and have even provided paper for printing, as money is tight. All we ask is that our children are allowed to be like their counterparts, "just like any normal child."
  • Rosemary, Colchester
    I cannot imagine a life without being able to read books and feel that every person should have the right to read the same book, at the same time and at the same price,
  • Victoria, Guildford
    I fully support your campaign, keep on battling - it shouldn't of course be a battle!
  • francesca, cambridge
    i find that the books for teanagers and young adults are very limited and when you find decent large print books they are extortionatly expensive
  • Wendy, London
    The range of talking books is a bit narrow, and when I have looked in shops to buy talking books, I have often come away with nothing because they did not have anything I was interested in. I would like to know that many more books were recorded as a matter of course when they are first reprinted. It must be very difficult for students to study in depth subjects when they have only basic books and not the breadth of information available to sighted people. I love reading, and I dread the thought that my sight could deteriorate through age just at the time I am retiring, and have the time to absorb any number of books.
  • Charlotte, Cardiff
    I work with visually impaired children and don't understand why they should have to struggle when textbooks are available in most languages to avoid discrimination but not in large print or braille!
  • CLAIRE, ABERCYNON
    I work with visually impaired children and young people and find it very annoying that these children do not get the resources that they deserve to get. My job is to produce work for pupils who attend mainstream schools but sometimes when a child needs a large textbook it is very difficult to produce a whole book in the short amount of time we have to do it - if companies simply put their books onto disk so that the child could acess it via computer it would be a lot more appropriate. I don't understand how these companies can get away with not producing these such resources under the disability acts that we have in place today!!
  • Helen, Houghton-Le-Spring
    As a school librarian and passionate reader I find it the figures appalling and am encouraging children and staff to sign the declaration and support the campaign. Can't believe in 2007 the situation is so bad!
  • Richard, Luton
    My friend is always asking me to redo books in a larger font so that she can read them at her leisure.
  • Elizabeth, Hereford
    Reading is such a pleasure - and a substantial means of learning. If we could not access books in our household, our lives would be much poorer.
  • Anita, Cheltenham
    Yes, it is shocking, and it's shocking to me that I never realised this. Good luck with the campaign.
  • Angela , Cheltenham
    I work at the New College in Worcester where we have 80+ blind and partially sighted children. The pupils are often asking for new books in the library either in braille or tape and they are simply not available.
  • Mary, Holmfirth
    I love reading and feel extremely unhappy if I do not have a book to read. I do find it very frustrating when I hear about a popular book but am unable to join in with my friends as they discuss it because it is unavailable in a format I can read. I have a list of books I long to read but once again they are not in braille or audio.
  • Anne, West Midlands
    I work closely with our local libraries and recently held a presentation with five members of staff who manage/work on the Mobile Library. The comment of insufficient books in large print is mentioned a lot by the customers .
  • Helen, Barnoldswick
    As a teacher of a blind pupil it is increasingly frustrating for him to have no text books or access to revision materials as provided for other students. This should not be the case, he has the same right to an education as anyone else.
  • Amanda, Reading
    My son is visually impaired and loves to read. He needs to use large print but finds only limited large print books. It would be great if reading books could be printed in large print as a matter of course, I'm sure they would prove very popular.
  • Patrick, Portland
    This is a shocking waste of human potential - not to mention the denial of full access to the wonderful world we live in though books!
  • Lesley, SLOUGH
    I work in a mainstream school with a blind child and yes some braille text books would be greatly used as I feel he is not fully included because he cannot follow text like the other children. The government is changing schools so that they are inclusive schools so then they should supply more money to ensure that SEN children are fully integrated and not just there.
  • Roger, Southend-on-Sea
    I teach children with VI. We need to be able to obtain books on CD Rom or in an electronic format so that we can prepare appropriate sized print books for them. Large print books give access to some people with failing sight but many need much bigger print or different fonts to be able to access material. This would also enable us to prepare Braille books for students as well.
  • Ann, Manchester
    As a sighted Braillist I understand the complexities of transcribing books into Braille which is very time consuming and expensive. This should not be left to charities - it is EVERY child's right to be literate and without Braille blind children will remain illiterate.
  • y, london
    My husband has RP, it is getting harder for him to read normal books and if he is struggling -what must a blind or partially sighted child be going through, not even being able to get standard text books they can actually use!
  • Laurna, Wrexham
    I am so thrilled when materials are available in braille at the same time as print - BUT - This should be a right; an everyday occurrence; a routine - not a pleasant exception to the norm which causes excitement and thrill.
  • Mari, Betws Y Coed
    I strongly support this campaign as I support pupils with visual impairments in schools. I adapt work/books for them and finding books in large print is impossible most of the time. This is unfair.
  • Julie, Hatfield
    I am a Learning Support Assistant for a partially sighted 8 year old. I spend hours adapting her books so that she can see them. I can get some books for her through the National Library for the Blind but there are so many other books out there she would love to read and needs to read but at the moment are not available to her. I dream of the day when all books are available in large print. It would be fantastic for the elderly as well.
  • Miatta, Newcastle
    As an english teacher, I have been devastated by a diagnosis of late onset Stargardt's macuar degeneration. My sight has deteriorated rapidly and I find it very frustrating that the titles I need to facilitate me continuing my profession are limited. I am an avid reader and find that many titles I wish to read are not available in audio format. This is discrimination on the part of the publishers. People like myself have the right to enjoy books and should be catered for.
  • Molly, alfreton
    I am a child with a visual impairment who does enjoy reading. I often have to wait at school to get text books enlarged or retyped, so sometimes I am behind with work. I really enjoy reading stories, but nearly always have to read the books with a magnifier because they are not in large print. My favourite books are the Harry Potter books and the last book that came out took me over a month to read (with a magnifier) because the enlarged version did not come out until months later. I have always wanted to pick up a book and just be able to read it like everyone eles can.
  • Martyn, Brotton
    Reading is something that everyone should be able to enjoy and I hope that this declaration will be able to help.
  • Sarah, Sheffied
    In a society which claims to support "Equality for All" - how can we perpetuate this appalling inequality. If we must raise taxes to pay for this, then raise the taxes, but we ALL need access to books!
  • Chris, Wakefield
    The right to read should be a fundamental right of every single child and adult - a world without the joyous escape into far off lands, 'meeting' different people and characters, to immerse oneself into adventures, emotions, experiences all in the safe environment of the pages of a book is a sad one indeed. Let's give everyone the sheer joy of books.
  • Paul, Cambridge
    Reading is an important part of life, it passes human experience down the years. All should have access.
  • robert, dingwall
    Given that publishers must have all printed documents in electronic format, it couldn't be that hard to create a PDF file and then sell it via licence much like the itunes website, to then allow it to be read via screen-reader software. Come on publishers, find a new outlet for your product!
  • HELEN, SUNDERLAND
    I am fortunate that I and my family do not have any sight problems - and think it is disgusting that people with sight problems are discriminated against.
  • Laura, Ivybridge
    This is a letter written by my 8 year old daughter to her MP: My name is Tirion and I’m eight. I can’t see very well and it is very annoying when all my friends have books that I can’t have because I need them in large print. As I get older and my reading gets better the print in books get smaller and smaller so we can’t get so many that are large enough for me. When I see a book that my friends have I ask my mum if I can have it and disaster strikes as I can’t have it in large print and if I really wanted to read it I feel uspet. If we do get them, like the Harry Potters (my favourites!) they are much much too expensive. The fourth one cost £25.00 in large print and £6.99 in normal. Also they are extremely heavy and hard to hold. When I do get large print books, if they have pictures they are usually very blurry or sometimes the pictures are left out. I never get non fiction books in large print. The school textbooks are always too small so I have to look at them under my CCTV machine and that is usually away from the rest of the class. This makes me feel separate. I’m a little bit worried because when I get to secondary school I wont be able to carry the CCTV machine with me everywhere and unless they had one for every classroom which is unlikely then I don’t know what I’d do. What I’d like is all my school books on a computer or laptop so I would only have to carry my laptop around but it would be still nice to have story books in large print to read normally. I am coming on 28th March 2007 with mum to London on the train from Devon and I would like to meet you to ask you how you could help change the amount of large print books. Bye bye and thank you. Tirion Hughes
  • Bernadette, Ossett
    Each year I spend the summer with my niece who is 14 the same age as my daughter. My daughter sits on the beach reading the latest book and my niece has to ask her mum to read to her or use a magnifyer. This is not cool for a teenager ....... and her mum just wants to relax and read her own book!
  • Alan, SWindon
    I believe that ALL children should have the right to read and partially sighted/blind children should be given help in achieving what sighted get naturally.
  • jacinta, carterton
    I read books for pleasure, escape, to further my knowledge and am shocked that so few books in braille are provided for children
  • Catherine , Barry
    Both school and home are struggling to find books with suitable print for my 7yr old grandaughter to be able to read and this has a serious consequence with other children's understanding in her age group making fun of her, as well as holding back an otherwise very intelligent little girl. The long term effects could be disasterous for her.
  • Jonathan, DARLINGTON
    I strongly believe that every effort should be made to produce as many bppls as possible in an accessible format at the same time as the original versions are released. I see no reason, in the year 2007, when the necessary technology is available, why this cannot happen. For myself, I try to read as best I can with a magnifier or a scanner, but it would be even better if all printed text of all kinds was available in a fully accessible format. So I would be very happy to fully support any campaign which encourages the Government to get its priorities right as far as sort of thing is concerned.
  • jane, alfreton
    As a parent of a visually and hearing impaired child this campaign is well overdue. We have forever been voicing our comments to bookshops, publishers and school about the accessibility of books in large print at the same time as those of standard print. To be met with comments of what a shame, and, it will be done soon, and, it can be ordered when its formatted to large print, is extremely frustrating, upsetting for children and should no longer be acceptable.
  • Viv, Cambridge
    Everyone has a right to read books we have the technology to make this possible for people with sight problems. These people should not be forgotten. It would open up a better awareness and make them feel as if they belong.
  • Frances Anne, Wrexham
    I feel that every child has a right to have books to read as a way to relax and also to further knowledge. This is an entitlement together with right in our equal rights society.
  • John, Hull
    This is a far wider issue than just books in braille and audio. I used to be employed by one of the country’s leading providers of Learning Portals and Educational content and, as a professional author, I tried for 2 years to get them to make GUIs better for all visually impaired users (including Dyslexic children). In fairness, they implemented some keyboard shortcuts, integrated with the Jaws screen reader, and made learning content zoomable, but there was a limit to what they would do. Unfortunately, we need the LEAs to pay for and force all learning providers to provide equal access to all users, because there are distinct financial disincentives for commercial providers to do it otherwise.
  • Scott, Southsea
    I read lots of books and could never imagine having the gift of my sight taken from me; I therefore agree wholeheartedly that the visually impaired memebers of our society should have the same material made available to them in their chosen format
  • Clive, Cambridge
    I think it is appauling in this 'e' age that people can't access books to read. Government should ensure funds are made available for this as a matter of urgency. We spend vasts amounts helping other countries and people, rightly so, but it should not be not at the expense of our own
  • Janet, BAR HILL
    No one should be deprived of the magical world of books.
  • Peeter, Shefford
    It is important for everyone to be able to read.
  • Wojciech, Cambridge
    Project Gutenberg might be good choice, contains many ebooks available online.
  • jeff, cambridge
    The society I want to live in treats everybody equally and provides for all a parity of service, support and opportunities.
  • Alfred, Fareham
    Reading helped forge my character - access to a massive range of books as I grew up, inspired me and helped me to make sense of the world. This should be open to all.
  • Ricky, Longstanton
    Every person should have the right to read, regardless of disability, as knowledge is priceless and the key factor in their life.
  • Tim, Cambridge
    The ability to read is such a crucial part of education that every effort should be made to ensure equal opportuinity for all. It is also of course a great source of pleasure for us human beings!
  • VARUN, SHEFFIELD
    Children are the future of a country so better to take care of them in all respect.
  • Richard, Cambridge
    This is a fundamental human right.
  • Mark, Cambridge
    Those unfortunate enough to have impaired vision, shouldn't be marginalised by having limited access to modified reading material. This not only prevents them from progressing academically, but also reduces the amount of enjoyment they can obtain from the written word. Potentially it could also be very damaging for their self esteem and have a major detrimental impact on their lives.
  • Steve, Doncaster
    Unfair to treat people with disabilities differently, it is not their fault.
  • Melanie, Liverpool
    It isn't fair if people get books for them and not for people who are blind and partially sighted.
  • Stephen, Harrow
    I have been in touch with the RNIB for many a year, and this is yet another great insentive to make this country a better place, for not just blind and partially sighted people, but also for those whose sight has deteriated with age. For any member of parliament viewing this, the only thing i can say is this: The Disability Descrimination Act 1995 says: 'Service providers should make ereasonable adjustments (such as putting things into larger formats) if it is impossible or unreasonably difficult for someone to access the service.' Enough said. From Stephen Anderson. Aged 16 from Liverpool.
  • Mohammed Salim, Liverpool
    i reccon that people should be able to access large print books or books in braille at any time.
  • Lysette, Liverpool
    It is important that everyone has access to books, both for work and leisure. Authors and publishers must realise how important it is and allow their books to be copied into formats such as large print, braille and audio.
  • Jessica, Liverpool
    I believe that everyone should have the right to any books in large print, Braille and audio - giving me the same rights as my sighted peers.
  • Stephanie, liverpool
    Yes I do love reading but I think it's really unfair for people like myself who can't access small print in books we love to read. It would help if many books were done in the large print so that people could easy pick one up when they want to read alone.
  • Mathew, Lancishire
    Everyone has the right to read sighted or not.
  • Chris, Liverpool
    I think that this will alow lots more people to read more books. I enjoy reading so the more that are in large print the better it will be - for me and many others!
  • kayleigh, chorley
    i think that the lack of information for blind and partially sighted people is a disgrace and should be improved.
  • Matthew , Croston
    i like reading books but the words are hard to do in print
  • sally, Alfreton
    My friends daughter is sight impaired and loves Harry Potter but always has to wait ages for the large print to be published so all her friends have read the books before her. She does get them eventually but I never realised this was a problem and is has raised my awareness of the need for more large print books.
  • Judith, Sittingbourne
    Everyone has the right to read, not just to read anything but the right to read current and new publications along with the rest of the sighted world.
  • Emma, Long Eaton
    As a teacher new to this field I am amazed at how much the enlargement and adaptation of books is the responsibility of school resource technicians. There should be sufficient numbers of large-print versions of Reading Schemes and textbooks made available for our children, alongside all of the popular authors that their friends are reading.
  • Kathleen , Uxbridge
    I work with two 14 yr old, sight impaired boys in a mainstream secondary school. I find that no publisher provides books in a larger format/text, resulting in all their textbooks having to be enlarged on the photocopier. Resulting in loss of definition/colour and blurred text near the spine. Which in subjects where questions refer to text/questions in coloured boxes, or as in Geography where all fine detail and lighter coloured items are lost (country borders/rivers/gradient lines etc). This results in them achieving a lower result then would have been the case if they were able to access the curriculum fully.
  • Danielle, London
    I love reading and I cannot even try to imagine how hard it must be for those that can't read because the font isn't big enough or in the appropriate format.
  • Elaine, Newbury
    Excellent campaign and well over due! My son is 17 years old and totally blind, and would love to be able to read the books that interest him rather than what someone else thinks he might be interested in. Think how much more we could educate blind and partially sighted children if they had a more varied library of up to date books to get into.
  • Hilary, Hull
    I was given a reading list of 'books all educated people should have read' but I have been able to find less than half of them in Braille. What is in the others that makes them only suitable for people who can read print?
  • Marie, Pinner
    We are so lucky to have our sight. Please visit RNIB website and sign this declaration. It might help children and adults with sight problems get the reading material they need.
  • Debra, Wrexham
    Blind and partially sighted children should have the same rights as every other child - STOP THIS DISCRIMINATION!!
  • John, Billericay
    This is an oustanding campaign and it needs all our support. The lack of books for children should make every publisher hang their heads in shame. No child should ever be deprived from access to books. We need more braille and large print books available ASAP
  • Sandra, Amersham
    Being able to read is fundamental to learning, making decisions, making choices and controlling and influencing your own life. Being able to read enables you to get on with it all!
  • Deirdre, Pinner
    I am absolutely shocked to discover that vision impaired children in this country do not have access to relevant reading material to aid them throughout every step of their education - just as sighted children do.
  • Helen, Cambridge
    As a specialist teacher of visually impaired children, I want to be able to offer all of the children on my caseload a wealth of books, just as their peers have.
  • Sandra, Widnes
    My nephew is ten years old and registered blind. He loves to listen to his favourite stories on audio tape or cd. I always have problems trying to find suitable presents for him, as I can't always find story cd's that suit a boy of his age. I feel he is missing out on so much already, that the least we could do is provide suitable stimulation for him.
  • Linda, Worcs
    My daughter is 10 with a visual impairment, she has been assessed as requiring larger print books to aleviate eye strain. The school have a limited supply and the local library cannot access all those that are avaialble. My daughter has a learning difficulty but loves to read, and reads freely, but the limited access to suitable books is frustrating. It is an appalling situation given Every Child Matters and the Disability Discrimination Acts which are clearly laid down to prototect the rights of a child with limited vision but clearly do not. I vote for swift change.
  • Brigette, Ponthir
    As a healthcare professional working with children who have poor vision I fully support this campaign for easier access to books.
  • tracie, WELLINGBOROUGH
    I would really liked to have taken part in the 'richard and judy' book club' but when visiting the library found all all the books on their list only available in ONE format (not braille.large print or audio) this is so unfair
  • simon, WELLINGBOROUGH
    My wife is registered blind and enjoys reading but gets very frustrated when a particular book is unavailable in the correct format.
  • sarah, attleborough
    In the year of inclusion maybe the government should take the word more seriously mainstream schools are catering more and more with children with a variaty of difficulties including blind and partially sighted this coming from the government itself stating the inclusion policies. So where is the back up? Where are the books for these children dyslexics too need large print. Does education stop at the age of 8 when text begins to get smaller in the books available for age groups? NO. It is appauling that I am still having to hunt for and fight for books for my son...I am 100% behind this fantastic campaign hoping to be at the lobby with you..thanks for all you do to help..sarah
  • Paul, CALNE
    We have to pay sometimes three times as much money for our younger son to be able to read the same books as his older brother, if we can get them that is. The library's don't stock large print books that a 10 year old wants to read, they only stock for the adult population. My son has missed out on a lot of great books that his older brother has been able to enjoy for himself. At school the text books he uses aren't available in large print and although the school enlarge some texts for him it is restricting his learning. I fear this will only get worse at secondary school.
  • Roslyn, Cardiff
    I could never find larger print books in the library for people my age (I was 15 when I last tried). They were all for really young kids, or older people; as though they were the only ones that needed larger print. It made me really disillusioned with libraries. In bookstores, large print versions of books are often more expensive than the regular version. I found this to be the case with the latest Harry Potter novel. I was really disappointed as I could only afford to buy the normal print version.
  • Wendy, Stroud
    I think it's shocking that there is such a shortage of books for students, and all visually impaired people. I think it is outrageous that large print books are more expensive when VI people are certainly not going to be as financially well off, because the range of jobs are not available to them. Everyone should have the right and the access to books.
  • JOSEPHINE, HUYTON
    IT IS GREAT THAT THERE IS AN ORGANISATION SUCH AS CALIBRE, OR MY DAUGHTER WILL STUCK WITH ORDINARY PRINT.MY DAUGHTER HAS MULTIPLE LEARNING DIFFICULTIES AS WELL AS HER VISUAL IMPAIRMENT, ONE OF HER DIFFICUTIES IS DYSLEXIA.MY DAUGHTER ENJOYS READING VERY MUCH,IF THERE WERE MORE VARIETY OF LARGE PRINT BOOKS AVAILABLE,MY DAUGHTER WOULD ENJOY READING EVEN MORE.
  • Terri, Benfleet
    As a RNIB volunteer I think it is disgusting that blind and partially sighted people do not have the same books etc in braille etc. The thought of going to bed without reading first is awful. My daugters were brought up to look at books from when they were babies. Why should children with limited or no sight be punished in a way that they can't lose themselves in an adventure such as Enid Blyton etc
  • Sue, Benfleet
    My nephew is totally blind and I believe it's terrible that he is so restricted on what he reads. Also everything he buys is so costly, which is so unfair
  • Teresa, Wrexham
    My nephew who is 10 an blind since birth has been told that his local library does not stock braille books and will have to travel approx 15 miles to the nearest library that stocks them!
  • Carol, Romford
    I have an 11 year old son, who is a Braillist. I visited Collier Row library yesterday, and was informed that they do not have any Braille books - I was told that I would have to visit Stratford Library to get any!! I feel that visually impaired children should have the same opportunity to read as a sighted child. My son is a very competant and enthusiastic reader, and I feel that it is very unfair that it is virtualy impossible to get hold of Braille books. We are very lucky in that he attends an excellent school that will supply him with books to read, but if , for example, someone wants to buy him a book, they can't.
  • Mari, Oxford
    I teach a partially sighted student. We have to photocopy and enlarge extracts from texts. Large print texts are expensive.
  • Louise, Chorley
    All children from the earliest of ages have a right to read, for pleasure and education if they are to achieve the potential.
  • Caroline, Skipton
    There are many occasions when in my role as a teaching assistant, I am re-typing a piece of text for brailling that I think, 'I can't be the first person to have done this!' Time and resource wasteful - give students a central bank of textbooks and liberate them from disorganised teachers! Every fiction book should be freely available in Braille - why should children with visual impairments be disadvantaged further by lack of choice.
  • ceceia, Bradford
    Getting older and realising my eyesight is slowly deteriorating makes you realise how important it is to have print available in a size you can read!
  • Rachel, taunton
    My 7 year old son is partially sighted and needs his school books enlarged. He is a very confident reader but unfortunately, the school do not have the funds to enlarge enough books to meet his needs. He relies on the use of a magnifier and the loan of large print books from the NLB.
  • Lindsay, Bradford
    I worked with people with sensory impairment and as a keen reader too, share people's annoyance and sadness that they are unable to access literature in the same way others can.
  • Caroline, Hereford
    I employ a blind person in my office and appreciate the difficulties encountered by him.
  • Mrs, Blackburn
    My 7 year old son loves the talking books and we would love to have at least half the choice of books available to his 6 year old sighted brother!!
  • Natasha, london
    I think it is appalling! I have a son who is blind and will be learning to read soon - these products should be available. It is as though they are being pushed out by society because they have a disability - it is disgraceful. It is discriminating against people with a visual impairment.
  • Saliha , Bradford
    I do find difficulties finding the books that I want to read. I think that it is shocking that blind or people with a sight problem can't read the same books as sighted people at the same time.
  • Sue, Salisbury
    Hello, I have an unusual disability, involving severe muscle weakness. For the last 3 years my sight has been deteriorating, and double vision increasing, not due to an eye problem, but due to the eye muscles and signals to and from the brain. The result is that I am now unable to read even large print without extreme nausea after only a few minutes. I have read all my life and have approximately 600 books in my flat - none of which I am able to read. I have used large print books from my library up until December 2006, when a sudden deterioration meant I am unable to read even large print. I get audiobooks from my library, but there is little selection. Most of my favourite authors are not even available in audiobook format. I am very depressed and anxious about this. I have studied with Open University for 6 years, and they have been great about my vision problems, but there is only so much they can do on tape etc. I am very worried I may have to stop my studies. I believe that there should be many more books produced in audio format (and large print too). I miss my books so much.
  • Zaneb, luton
    My son Junaiad is ten years old and is registered blind. He loves to read and it has been a constant struggle to get enough braille books at our library. Our children have just as many rights as anyone else. Please support this cause.
  • Sara, Belfast
    I have two visually impaired children who are not reading yet but love to interact with books and I find it unbelievable to think that when they enter mainstream education all the books will not be available to them in large print. This makes a mockery of an all inclusive education system which is what I thought it was meant to be.
  • jane, YORK
    My daughter is partially sighted and although she loves to read she has a very limited choice of literature. I beleive that she has the right to read what she likes when she likes and at the same cost as other literature. Not only books but newspapers and magazines are not accessible to someone like my daughter - she misses out on so much. In these days of equality more should be done to help people who are already at a disadvantage.
  • Gavin, St Ives
    Talking books via Calibre or other sources to rent or to buy are good, but Emily my 12 year old daughter can still read and with enlarged print (Arial 24 is best) she has found the special pleasure that reading brings. She now gets very frustrated at the limited selection of books available to her.
  • Sue, Wellington
    My son is registered blind and I am concerned about the limited amount of books available, and the very few outlets you can get them from.
  • Mandy, Colchester
    It is a continual struggle to find books for our partially sighted students. Provision is made by scanning texts to disc and enlarging hand-outs. There is, inevitably, some delay in this process from time-to-time which severely disadvatages the students.
  • Dawn, Cheshire
    In this day and age I find it incredible that partially sighted people are still not being treated equally and I am really disappointed that they are being denied the simple enjoyment of reading.
  • Shari, Northwich
    My husband's gran, who has always been an avid reader, gets immense enjoyment and stimulation from her books on tape. Everyone deserves easy and consistent access resources such as these.
  • Carol, Yeovil
    My daughter is partially sighted and needs larger print books for her schoolwork. We have purchased books to assist her, but there are limited books available. Far too many books are printed in very small writing and are therefore not available to the partially sighted, and those of an age where sight is deteriorating. The option for large print books should be available for the very young to the very old.
  • Wendy, Meopham
    I have a child with dyslexia who has enjoyed listenening to audio books, from Calibre. These books were not available at our local library or his school.
  • jayne, dudley
    my daughter's sight loss delays her reading skills, waiting for enlarged reading books or worksheets delays it further still. If at primary age its this hard, how can she cope at secondary with all the books they need then? Inclusion should also mean accessability to the curriculum.
  • John, Oxted
    I'm not reading enough at the moment because I can't access enough large print and audio books at school . My work is failing as a result. I would love to have audio tapes to revise with instead of ordinary revision books for my exams. John Caillault, aged 15
  • Didier, Oxted
    I have big problems reading small print all the time and am always wishing for large print to be available so that I can read as many books as I want.
  • Lesley, Oxted
    My sight is not as good as it was. I have problems reading small print now. It would benefit me hugely if I had the wide choice of reading large print. Lesley Caillault aged 49
  • Natalie, Oxted
    I am partially sighted and love reading, although not everything is in large print or audio. I'm missing out on so much and want to catch up fast. Please help me. NATALIE CAILLAULT, aged 18
  • Niamh, Edinburgh
    I think that it is shocking that in this day and age only 4% of books are available in large print, audio or braille. Everyone has the right to read the same book, at the same time, at the same price.
  • Derek, Dyffryn Ardudwy
    An excellent project.
  • Caroline, Riddings
    I think that everyone should be given the right to access alternative formats of books without having to wait ages and having to contact numerous places to try and find what they want. Everyone is of equal right to obtain what they want in life.
  • Sarah , Wrexham
    I would like more choice and more up to date braille books for children, including all the modern characters. Many blind children and adults love to read.
  • Vivienne, Alfreton
    As the parent of a visually impaired child who is now studying for A levels, one of which is English Literature I am dismayed at how difficult it is to find the required books for her course in an audio format. After a day at school the last thing she wants is to come home to start reading large amounts of text, even if it is in large print. However when we have been able to get hold of an audio version of the book it has made a huge difference, listening to a book is a much faster way for a visually impaired child to study, they can do it at any time and they can go over the text many times and also use it whilst following the large print format. When we have been able to get this for my daughter it has made the text easier to study and understand, the results she gets from homeworks are much better and she is ale to keep up with her peers better, also she doesn't have to have her Dad or me reading to her like a small child. Our local council and in school support has over the years been brilliant and still we struggle so I dread to think how people who have less support manage. All children are entitled to full access to the curriculum, isn't it time we gave it to them?
  • Linda , potton
    I believe that reading is the key to information, education, personal development and general enjoyment of life. This is a human right which should be available to all.
  • Dawn, Frodsham
    My son was diagnosed with coloboma, nystagmus & microopthalmia at the age of 3 months. He is now 7. He attends an msi unit. He is very lucky as he has been introduced to Moon. I feel every blind or partially sighted person should be given the same chance as a normal sighted person. At the end of the day they are not stupid. They have feelings too. Give them all a chance.
  • Jo, Preston
    Kids like my great niece Jade who is going blind at the tender age of 11 due to a brain tumour she has had for the past 9 years need to be able to have the same books available as her friends in school. I expect the same can be said for many childred like herself. I buy her audio books for xmas and birthday which are getting more popular but the popular titles need to be in audio and Braille so they can keep up with the times and fashions and discuss the characters etc with their "mates". Please help !!!!!!
  • Vanessa, Darwin
    Everyone has a right to read no matter who you are. Give these kids a chance they deserve a chance - just like you and I did at school!
  • Patricia, tunbridge wells
    My son is visually impaired aged 13 and goes to a comprehensive school, all pages have to be enlarged onto A4 or A3 in order for him to read them which are so big to handle and single him out as being different which he hates, so he prefers to struggle with his magnifying glass and get headaches trying to read the normal print instead, which is ridiculous, this is not proper inclusion into mainstream education.
  • Mandy, Durham
    I currently do a lot of reading but as I have got older my sight has got worse. I wear either lenses or glasses. With out those I cannot even read large print. I am lucky in so far my children are able to read 'normal ' books but I hope for those children that can't that special books will be able for every child who needs them. Good luck
  • Andrea, Midhurst
    Everybody has the right to be able to access books in a format in which they can read them easily, albeit braille, large print, moon or audio. Young people in school needing the books in the above formats, are unable to find all the books that their fully sighted peers can get hold of. To have books transcribed takes so long and often the pupils have finished with the books before they have been fully transcribed.
  • Teresa, Poole
    I think that all books should be available to everyone and at reasonable prices.
  • Benjamin, Nottingham
    Reading is the gateway to self education and personal enjoyment.
  • Janet, Fontwell Nr Arundel
    As an advisory teacher of visually impaired children I am appalled at the difficulties faced trying to obtain books in the appropriate font sizes to meet the varied needs of my students. How anyone expects a child to achieve its true potential, when often it has to make do with whatever can be made or borrowed to access texts alongside its peers, is beyond belief. Give a child a text in the appropriately modified font size and they will be able to read much more quickly and make progress according to their academic capabilities - not be classed as a slow learner or poor at literacy because they can't access the print! Also what about reading for pleasure, story tapes are fine but children with visual impairment have the right to be able to access appropriate text copies and learn the joys of reading for pleasure, rather than dreading reading or worrying about being asked to read out loud from inappropriate material. This discrimination should be ended now!! The government are keen on league tables etc, it would be interesting to compare results of children with a visual impairment who have full access to appropriate text format against those who are less fortunate, it wouldn't take Einstein to work out the results. End this discrimination now!
  • Wendy, hornchurch
    I know many of blind/visually-impaired people, and I think this is a very important issue.
  • Brenda, Alresford
    I am a Nanny to a 11 year old boy who is blind and I give this my wholehearted support .
  • Johanne, Tadley
    It's shocking that in the 21st century we disadvantage the partially sighted by depriving them of books they can read.
  • Mark, Horsham
    Reading is recognised as a doorway to experience and knowledge beyond our immediate environment. It's considered a key skill and yet for some people we make it hard for them to use the skill just by not making text available in a way they can read.
  • Kerry, Horsham
    Why does a child of 5 who is in mainstream school since September still not have access to a single braille book? Would it be acceptable to sighted children to go to school and have no books? No, not likely! It is not acceptable, do something about it!
  • Nicola, Braintree
    I have an eight year old visually impaired son and we both get frustrated at the lack of large print books available to him.
  • Patricia, Fleet
    Every child should have the right to be able to read the wonderful array of books available for pleasure and/or education.
  • lorraine, camberley
    I have never struggled to read books. I love reading as it is a pool of knowledge and enjoyment. I think every child should be given every opportunity to read.
  • Paula, Folkestone
    I am a blind mother with a VI daughter. She absolutely loves me reading to her, and listening to audio books, and I feel sad that she will struggle to obtain the same books as her peers.
  • Becky, clearwater
    I can read well with my glasses but know those that can't and I wish to support them.
  • Jean, FARNBOROUGH
    People with sight problems have enough to cope with, children in particular must be able to have the chance to keep up with their peers.
  • Helen, Horsham
    My son is 5yrs old, at the moment he is not being given the opportunity to develop a love of reading as there is just not the appropriate (braille) reading material available. In fact he is not given the opportunity to learn to read full stop....
  • Lucinda, Hartley Wintney
    I have a lot of problems at school and have to have a lot of things enlarged by teachers which takes up a lot of their time. When we did map reading in geography I couldn't read the map the government provides all school children and couldn't even read it with a magnifier. I read large print books from the NBCS library and don't know how I would have coped without the large print library as I love to read. I am 11 with a reading age of 15 and am the first person in my year to have finished the reading rollercoaster, but all the books I read were large print from the NBCS library as all the books in the school library have too small text for me to see.
  • Tony, Farnborough
    My granddaughter has nystagmus and I remember her delight at being able to read a map (much enlarged) for the first time recently.
  • Julie-Anne, Hartley Wintney
    my daughter is partially sighted and has just started senior school which is where the problems get worse as the text books are unavailable in large print and the print is even smaller than in junior school. We have had to get an electronic reader which costs over £500 but this is still not as good as having large print books.
  • marie, Batley
    I have been working in education for 12 years and supporting a boy who is blind for the last 2 years. I am appalled at the lack of books in braille and the general lack of resources.
  • Louisa, Lymington
    As the mother of a partially sighted child and a Connexions Personal Adviser I passionately believe in the right for ALL children to have equal access to written material, both for supporting curriculum work and for pleasure. All we are asking for is EQUALITY.
  • Abduk, Leicester
    My son has lost sight recently and find it very frustating to the limited resouces available on books and articles.
  • Tracey, Stevenage
    My 10 year old daughter has lost 92% of her central and lower vision. She needs N36 bold print books. As parents we order her story books from Custom Eyes for reading at home. All her school books/homework are photocopied onto yellow paper, often this is such a poor quality that my Daughter cannot read it and i have to rewrite it out for her. It would be so nice for her to work/read straight from a text book.
  • Susan, hereford
    It is the right for blind people to have as much privilege as sighted people, and reading is such a huge part of people's lives.
  • Veronica, Maidenhead
    My friend has a blind daughter and I think it is very hard that she has to pay so much for books, for example, the tapes of the final Harry Potter book are expected to cost around £75. As a blind person she depends on audio books (and music) for so much of her entertainment. Being blind she misses out on so much that to deny access to books in any way at all seems totally wrong.
  • Julie, Holbeach
    My 11 year old Grandaughter is registered blind and the school she attends cannot provide large print books for her.
  • Karla , sutton on sea
    I want to help.
  • Stephanie, sutton on sea
    My son has bad eye sight and has been statemented at school since he was 4 he is coming upto 15 now and all he gets if he is lucky is enlarged print on test papers. The school tries to put it onto A3 paper and this is way to big to be useful.
  • Veronica, Bristol
    All children should have unlimited free access to any material that aids their education sighted or unsighted. This is their right.
  • Andrea , Spalding
    My daughter 12 is registered blind and her school are finding it very hard to get copys of books to use in the english lessons. She is very bright and gifted child but i dont want her to be held back or have her not get the grades she can simply because she hasnt got the books. Its 2007, the goverment needs to get a grip and sort this problem out!
  • Anne, Warwick
    I have a partially sighted pupil in yr 9 who desperately needs copies of his Maths and Science books (particularly) in large print format.
  • Mary, Southport
    We support the book campaign.
  • Roz, TAUNTON
    Brilliant campaign, I support wholeheartedly.
  • Kathleen, Middlesex
    My son has dyslexia and he needs to have books provided on audio tapes. Every child should have the right to enjoy books.
  • Julie, southampton
    My husband's niece has many health problems, including blindness, and a short life-expectancy. She is only 13 years old and if she could have access to many more books I believe her quality of life could be greatly improved. Reading books in braille gives her a little independence - something for her to do without anyone's help.
  • Gail, Berkhamsted
    We've been to our local library this morning and struggled to find any books for my 7 year old daughter to read. She is partially sighted and is getting too old now for the large print books that they stock for young children. How are we supposed to encourage her to continue reading?
  • Jennifer, Grange-over-Sands
    My daughter is dyslexic, and can find reading difficult. The availability of audio books has opened up a whole new world to hear.
  • Oliver , Hoddesdon
    My big brother is reg. blind and I would like him to be able to read anything he wants, anywhere he wants.
  • Jay, Hoddesdon
    I am 7 years old and registered blind. I would like to be able to read the books that all my friends read at school.
  • Sarah, Hoddesdon
    My little boy is 7 years old, he attends mainstream school. I modify his Oxford Reading Tree books at home so as his one to one hours are not spent on this as it is very very time consuming. I think it is disgusting that the books are not readily available, how are our children mean't to get a proper education!
  • Sean , Wickford
    It is absolutely disgusting that there is such a small amount of material available.
  • Emma , ripley
    My son is moderately visually impaired and requires text in large print. Recently, at school, he was studying "an inspector calls." Of course the school had no access to a large print copy so we ordered one through our local library. It tooks weeks to be located and delivered and the class had by then moved on. This is a typical senario and I just wish that I had the money to buy either the large print or audio version, but just imagine the huge library I would amass and the money I would need! I am grateful for organisations such as calibre and feel that knowledge and learning should be freely available to all - visually impaired or not!
  • Jeremy, Basingstoke
    I believe that my blind goddaughter and others should not be denied the chance to share in the delight of the written word which I am able to experience so freely.
  • Michele, Bagshot
    I have two daughters, one of whom is visually impaired. I would like them both to have the same opportunities to read all books.
  • Jasmin, Bagshot
    I am visually impaired and have found books that I would love to read but have been too small. I am only eleven and I feel that I miss out on things that normal people don't. If people took the time to think about others and what they can or can't do, I think it will make a big difference.
  • hazel, market rasen
    where are the books for my child's future?
  • Steven , Fareham
    No adequate provision for Text books is at present provided
  • COLLEEN ANN, Witham
    My poor sight makes it difficult to read but as an adult I get on with it . However my youngest daughter hates to read, it is too much effort for her and books are too babyish if they are large print. In times of saddness I lose myself in a book, transported to places were life is not a struggle .Sophia does not have that choice and has to wait untill someone reads to her . It makes her other disabilities harder for if she could read more then she could amuse herself. I write little books for her and she draws the pictures to go with what she has just read. At least then I know that she has read them.However if more effort and thought was put into all children attaining literacy not only would their lives be better but the choice of a future would be enhanced.
  • Mark, Salisbury
    As a teacher of visually impaired children who runs a resource base I know what a difference having books avaliable in an appropriately accessible format can make.
  • Susan, Oldham
    I work in a FE college library and we experience many difficulties trying to purchase Large Print book titles, specifically text books for our partially sighted or blind students. We would really appreciate the idea for BOOKS FOR ALL. Everyone should have the same opportunities, definitely in education.
  • Elaine , Sandhurst
    Why should partially sighted people lose the pleasure of reading? The new Harry Potter book costs about £10, the tapes of the book will be £75!
  • Peter, Sandhurst
    I am sighted and read many books. I would be distraught if I lost my sight and discovered I could never read again.
  • Margaret, Oldham
    I support FE students and cannot access text books that will support them getting the qualifications they aim higher to attain.
  • Jackie, Sandhurst
    My daughter has Juvenile Batten's Disease and loves 'reading' - ie listening to audio books. They are always so much more expensive and hard to get! Please make it law that the tapes should be published on the same day as the book and at the SAME PRICE!
  • Denise, Nottingham
    I have a blind daughter and even though she is not yet of schooling age i'd like to think by participating in this campaign there will be better resources for her to read when she is of school age.
  • Chris, Stourport on Severn
    In today's world of advanced technology it's no longer an excuse to exclude visually impaired people from the same readable material that people with vision are fortunate to have access to.
  • James, Bradford
    I think that it is shocking that 96% of books published in the UK are not accessible. I do think, however, that my school's VI base does extremely well with producing resources for us to use in lessons, but I think that it would be very nice to have books professionally made by qualified braille users.
  • Wendy, Romiley
    I work with students who have a visual impairment and know only too well how hard it is to find books in alternative formats! Why??
  • Bernard, Belfast
    my son tiernan is 3 years old.I would like to think he would be treated as a *special needs* child not a second class citizen. we are currently fighting for funding to send him to jordanstown school as he is visually impaired and have been told there is no money available.
  • Sue, Jersey
    I think this is a frightening statistic. I am having problems with my eyesight at 35 years' old and have two friends who are registered blind and partially sighted. They use Talking Books and I am thinking of doing the same. I hope this will make a difference to the audio books available.
  • John-James, Winchester
    I am 11 years of age and blind . I wasn't always blind and could see a little at one time. I think the government should help and make reading availible for ever one to read or hear. I would love to go to parliament but I am waiting for school to say it is ok to go.
  • Alan, Farnborough
    As a rehabilitation officer who has worked with many visually impaired children, I often see the lack of our struggle to get these children curriculum subject material and social reading material in the right formats and at a time when printed material is released for the general public.
  • Susan, Leatherhead
    As a sighted person, it had never occurred to me that I am in such a privileged position with regard to books; it is outrageous that there is such a shortfall in published material accessible to the blind.
  • Margaret, Surbiton
    I cannot imagine not being given the opportunity of not being able to read such a large percentage of books published in the UK and I fully support the Right to Read campaign. I agree that it is shocking to have a situation such as this in our country.
  • Jane, Winchester
    I am a Mum of a blind child who goes to mainstream school with a VI attachment. Before he started this school he attended the local school. He still had some sight at this time and all work was blown up to 36 then onto 48 font. A lot of the S.N.A time was taken up doing this and the quality was sometimes poor. I think this along with other factors helped put my son down a year in school. If there was a central base that teachers / S.N.A's can access this will certainly free up more time to spend with a V.I pupil and the quality of the wording will be there.
  • Moira, dewsbury
    I am a sighted woman but have a brother who is partialy sighted - all children should have access by rights to books.
  • Kyriakos, latsia nicosia
    Greek books are never in large print.
  • emma kate, Cardiff
    I feel it is a disgrace that there is such a lack of adequate reading materials for those of impaired vision. It seems a problem that could easily be solved, and the government should focus on resolving this asap if it wants to honour its promise of education for all.
  • Joyce, Bedlington
    I work with a 6th form partially sighted student.I have been with him through first,middle and high school.I have had to enlarge all of his books and know that the lack of large print books associated with the national curriculum are few and far between.Surely in todays society it makes sense to make available any book in large print format. Visually impaired students have enough obstacles in their way without the added pressure of learning to read with books that are not accessible to them.
  • Kay, Gunnislake
    I work with a registered blind student in a mainstream school who is very bright and works very hard to keep in the upper sets. At exam times the papers have to be modified to 36 font and diagrams either re-drawn or enlarged. The VI team are only allowed to open exam papers ONE HOUR before the exam. At the end of this school year she will be sitting her GCSE's - she will probably still be doing them during her summer holidays Electronic papers would be magnificent.
  • paula, essex
    The goverment says EVERY CHILD MATTERS. It's a shame they don't take into account visually impaired children.
  • hilary, hitchin
    I am a frustated Teacher Assistant in a VI base trying and failling to get a good range of enlarged reading and text books.
  • Carol, Hitchin
    As a Teaching Assistant working in a base for Visually Impaired students I need to spend a huge amount of time enlarging both reading and text books for our students.
  • emma , huddersfeild
    I am 17 and I am registerd blind. At school I couldn't read books. I did not get the help I needed and had to copy off others as I couldnt read the board. I couldn't read the books either so the school I was at blew them up for me. I felt very diffrent from everyone else as I had to lugg a huge bag around with me full of these big papers I couldn't really see because the photocopyer made the whole writting into a smuge. Its very hard for blind people growing up if they could do this one little thing it would make it a tiny bit easier.
  • Oliver, Sutton Coldfield
    I read many books as a child, and still enjoy reading. I think that publishers would make a lot of money if they published their books in electronic format (which could be read aloud by software, or magnified for people with poor sight).
  • Beverley, Glasgow
    While I can see to read, I care for someone that is unable to see, like myself enjoy reading more books in large print, audio or braille would a great help to her.
  • John, Cleethorpes
    I was 61 before I was diagnosed as dyslexic and also needed coloured glasses for reading to make the print clearer, I am sorry but I cannot spell the word for this dysfunction. It is nice knowing that things were not just me being thick or slow.
  • Laura Lee, Leeds
    Reading is one of the many commmunicative keys to life. Society needs to be aware of people who have inmpairments and make life accessable to people of all abilities.
  • Michele, Thornton Cleveleys
    I had just logged on to your site to see if you had any information on how to obtain large print books for my visually impaired 7 year old. I fully support your campaign. Lets hope it gets results soon.
  • Kerry , London
    As an early years librarian I try to make sure our libraries include books suitable for all children but I find it really difficult to find books for that are good for children with visual impairments - but we believe every child needs books.
  • Gordon, Newcastle on Tyne
    Get a known partially sighted author on every book award committee in the uK and abroard, then all the books for nomination will have to be made accessible. QED
  • Glenda, Belfast
    I am thankful that although I had cataracts from birth, I was able to have successful operations to improve my eyesight. I went to a mainstream school and with the help of one particular very understanding teacher and a magnifying glass of enormous proportions (and mgnification) I was able to read along with my classmates. I believe EVERYONE should have the right to 'read' a book / text.
  • Gabriella, London
    I professionally support and have friends with visual impairments. Living in the world today, there is no reason why visually impaired people cannot get reading material in the format that they need to enjoy and obtain information like sighted people. If we can genetically modify cells and send people to space we can do that. It just depends on demand, cost and effort to make it happen.
  • Emma, Bromsgrove
    I work with visually impaired children, and often have to enlarge text books.This is very time consuming and frustrating! It is very discriminating!
  • kim, Garforth
    As a teacher of children with special needs I believe that everyone, sighted or not, should have the opportunity to share in books that are appropriate for their needs. However, I often have difficulty finding books that are big enough or clear enough for my pupils.
  • Michelle, Manningtree
    Everyone should have the opportunity to read a book when it is published and not have to wait until it is in the appropriate format.
  • Antony, Nr Keighley
    It's very frustraiting when you hear a of a new book, having to wait and see when and if an unabridged recording will come out. Abridged recordings are no use, as most of the book is cut out.
  • Sharon, Inverness
    I had two sons who are visually impaired. I think it is shocking that poor access to books and printed materials has been allowed to go on for so long. They have a right to be educated but education doesn't stop at the school gates! Parents want to go into a shop and be able to buy a book that is available in a format that their child can read. What about their rights to read? and in a format that is accessible to them? and at the same price as standard print? and available at the same time? With the new Equality Duty I would expect that the government would have to act on this. it should be compulsory that publishers should make any format available. I feel visually impaired people are very much discriminate against when it comes to accessing printed materials.
  • Stephen, Inverness
    When I go into a shop and look at books it makes me not want to read, because what is the point when I can't see it. No-one seems to care. My reading isn't good. I think it would be better if I there were more large print books available.
  • Andrew , Inverness
    I feel I am discriminated against. It's unfair because all my friends can buy any book and read it. I can't. I don't feel like people really care how I feel!
  • Lauraine, Carnforth
    Small type, reverse printing (pale letters on dark background for example), and the use of too many colours etc. can make it hard to read/decipher lots of modern reading material (eg information leaflets, websites) and this is very irritating to anyone, not only people with sight problems. I think CLARITY should come before trends in design, and in a book it's ESSENTIAL.
  • Stephen, YORK
    I have recently become partially sighted and can't read easily. Books are key to education and if partially sighted people can't access them how can they make the most of education?
  • Lynne, Newcastle upon Tyne
    For students and researchers who have a visual impairment, I feel that electronic copies of all books should be provided as a matter of course, along with print versions. These students are hampered in their studies by the need to scan and braille or otherwise convert text, which is very time consuming, and further disadvantages their ability to study effectively and independently.
  • Richard, Swansea
    Reading is something that we all have a right to do, if by taking some simple steps we can open the door for people to experience the world of imagination and knowledge through books, then this must naturally be done.
  • Angela, Swansea
    I have a very real fear of losing my sight because of my diabetes. At the moment it's fine. I would like to think that, should the worst happen, I would have access to books and be able to enjoy what is for me an essential part of my life.
  • Emmanuele, Hoddesdon
    I agree with the need to have more books in braille, but what about the right to learn braille? My children are refused braille because they still have sight! The right to read, is the right to learn braille too!
  • joanne, dumbarton
    I am a Learning Assistant currently working with a Child with Albinism. He only has a very limited choice of books for leisure reading and has one book available in large print for education purposes (the Bible!) I find it shocking that there is not more resources for him.
  • Melanie, Birmingham
    I work with adults with learning disabilities who are amongst the most marginalised and discriminated people in our society. Many have additional health problems, as well as a learning disability, including communication difficulties like visual impairment. Why should they be denied their right to information/ reading for pleasure just because they are unable to read the 96per cent of books on offer? Much more needs to be done to provide information and material for social/ pleasure purposes in accessible formats eg easy words and pictures but still covering adult issues, large print, jargon free plain english, community languages, CD's, DVD's Videos, talking books, etc
  • Kimberley, Milton Keynes
    I am disabled, but I'm a wheelchair user, so my wheelchair is my legs. There is NO alternative to sight, and I would so hate not being able to read.
  • Adriene, mitcham
    My son who is 29 has had macula dystrophy since he was 9 years old would dearly love to be able to pick up a book or newspaper and read it.
  • Joan , durham
    My Grandmother of 96 years has just died. I would like to say that for the last twenty odd years of her life she was comforted by the Talking Books for the Blind service who filled her days and evenings with wonderful books. For this we will be truely grateful. Please help others to enjoy a richness of life so easily lost by a wide range of illnessess and disabilities. By the end of her life my grandmother was only able to access the talking book machine as everything else e.g. TV remote radio etc had become too complicated for for failing ability and loss of manual dexterity. THANKS, THANKS AND MORE THANKS TO THE RNIB TALKING BOOK SERVICE. We collected in lieu of flowers and this money will be sent to the RNIB to help to enrich someone else's life in her memory.
  • Helen, Fleet
    As a former school librarian I struggled and usually failed to get books and other materials for secondary school pupils - enlarged photocopes were poor quality and unwieldy. Pupils education suffered and they were not able to read for pleasure. Books should be available at the original price so that pupils and schools can afford them. These children have the same right to a good , well resourced education as every other child.
  • Janine, Bristol
    My partially sighted daughter has as much right to school textbooks as her sighted peers. It is heartbreaking that it is always a struggle to find suitable books and help for her.
  • Jane, Morecambe
    I support a severely visually impaired teenager in mainstream secondary education. I have supported him since he was four years old; he is about to sit his GCSEs. All through school it has been a problem getting hold of the appropriate text books and we have had to go to all sorts of lengths to provide this young person with the books he needs to learn and study. I personally have spent countless hours producing materials for him to study, as he is very bright and I feel he deserves every opportunity to have the same access as his peers.
  • Kate, St Osyth
    I am completing this on behalf of my mother in law who has macular degeneration - we are trying to find different ways of helping - she loves reading - hopefully the right to read campaign will be able to help her in the future.
  • Jean, Merseyside
    I am the parent of two visually impaired children who are now adults, and I have witnessed the difficulties they experienced in trying to access what other, fully sighted people take for granted. Reading has always been a struggle for them and the effort required takes away much of the enjoyment and in some cases has stopped them accessing books. Audio tapes are wonderful, but its not the same. Children (and adults) learn so much by seeing the printed word - spelling, grammar etc and children with low vision should have the same opportunities as their sighted peers whenever possible. Books for very young children tend to have larger print, but large print books for older children and young adults are much less available.
  • christopher james, barton le clay
    I am an English / Drama teacher and I feel very strongly about people's right to read. What about a small contribution added to cost of normal books to fund talking books ?
  • Karen, Wanstead
    I feel that the strangle-hold that publishers have over the content of books is appalling given the general accessibility of information in this digital age. My visually impaired students struggle endlessly trying to access textbooks that they need to complete their degrees - to which their sighted peers have full access. Why should blind and partially sighted students have to go through this extra stress when they are already working their hardest to get their degrees in order to enter the world of work. Same books, same time, same price - yes this should be a given.
  • Nancy, Preston
    As a sighted person, since being a little girl I have always read with a passion, not actually realising that not everyone can share in this passion. It is only since my own involvement with the RNIB that my awareness has increased and I personally would like to see everyone being given the opportunity to share the same passions I have.
  • Tamsin, Wotton-Under-Edge
    My six year old daughter has deteriorating sight and she is having trouble seeing the books at school. She doesn't want to be "different" and so pretends she can see. If her school books were available in disc format she is capable of loading + reading them for herself; allowing her to be more independant. She want to be a barrister (!!!) and tells me she can't afford to be "left behind".
  • Claire, Bury
    When it is such a struggle to participate in a lot of activites, the solace of a book is very important, especially for those who live alone. Not being able to do this causes unneccessary isolation.
  • Alys, Cardiff
    I am 12 years old and vi. I think that if every sighted person had to spend the day wearing a blindfold they would appreciate more what it is like to live with a vi. Why should we be forgotten about?
  • Elinor, Cardiff
    I am 14 and my 12 year old sister is VI. Every day I see her struggle to cope with things, which upsets our whole family. I believe she should have the same everyday rights as me, particularly in school which is challenging enough for a sighted person.
  • David, Cardiff
    My 12 year old daughter is VI and also acutely colour blind. Sadly, I am only too aware of the daily problems she encounters and has to deal with - problems which in turn have a huge impact on her family and friends. We worry for her education as the lack of suitable resources leave her exhausted in trying to keep up with her sighted peers. I hope things will change in the not too distant future to enable her to reach her full potential and thereby give her the opportunity to go to university as surely this is her right as a human being.
  • Eleanor, Taunton
    I recently heard about the very low proportion of school books available in alternative formats. With today's technology it should not be too difficult to put this right and so remove an unnecessary obstacle to the education of visually impaired children and a burden from their teachers and classroom assistants.
  • Gwawr, London
    The UK should be campaigning for equality for ALL. I listen to the Radio 4 In touch and I'm always saddened to hear how people are excluded from the simple pleasure reading a good book. I dread to think of how many people are excluded from work or study due to the inequality which persists in the UK in 2007!
  • Louise, London
    Discovering talking books has literally been a revelation to me and has renewed my joy in reading. However, unabridged books are too expensive to buy so I am totally reliant on local libraries with a very limited choice.
  • Carole, London
    Books should be available in large print and Braille as soon as they are published. Why should blind and partially sighted people be denied the pleasure of reading the latest novel, biography, etc.? As a partially sighted person I have a CCTV but you can't take it with you on the Tube!
  • Sara, Yeovil
    As the mother of a visually impaired child, I am appalled at the lack of books available in a format that she can read.I find it difficult to explain to seven year old that she cannot read the same books as her twin sister.
  • Paresh, St Andrews
    I work for St Andrews University, we create talking books for our print-disabled students and staff with the help of volunteers. We appreciate how important it is to provide accessible text for print-disabled people.
  • Jane, London
    I believe everybody should have access to books at the same time whether it be in print, braille, audio tape or audio CD.
  • Steve, Oxford
    It is a disgrace that the Government has failed to provide a clear lead and deliver the right to read to blind and partially sighted people.
  • Abigail, Derby
    I teach students with learning difficulties; be that visual, dyslexic or ESOL. At our level (A-level) it is almost unheard of for texts to be available in large print or alternative format which means when a student enrols in Septmeber it can take until December before we manage to transcribe the first chapter of their textbook. Why should these individuals miss out on their education? They shouldn't and I will be asking every one of my students to sign this petition too.
  • Carol, Warwick
    I fully support this campaign. I would be interested to know whether there are any employment opportunities in working with blind people, in my area.
  • Muriel, Letchworth Garden City
    Although I have books on tape and CD sent to me, I think the central liabrary is having difficulty in finding books that I have not 'read' - I have been registered for more than 10 years. I attend a church which has large print hymn books. When I go to other churches they tend to put the words on a screen (which I cannot read) or else they look at me as if I was mad when I ask for large print books! Some churches and other places seem not to have heard of large print.
  • margaret, awtford
    The right to read is is a most basic human right and I think every effort should be made to make everything published available immediately to those who have problems with their sight. The technology for this is available -just the will to do it, is missing.
  • Lisa, Nottingham
    In the society we live in today, I am shocked to find that partially sighted people cannot read 96% of books in circulation. Whatever happened to equality? My son is partially sighted and as a family, we have yet to experience the many hurdles life will put in front of us. Why make life more unpleasant and difficult for those who need as much independance and normality as society can give? Please let partially sighted people have the same rights as everybody else, above all else let them hold onto their dignity and independance.
  • Gillian, Gosport
    In my opinion access to reading books is absolutely vital for every aspect of personal development. I was lucky enough to study literature at university and enjoy writing poetry now. I have always had books in my life,at home and at work, and cannot imagine how frustrating it must be for people whose sight is impaired when they find that something they want to read is just not available to them. Access to the written word is something that most of us take for granted, it should be available for everyone in the UK as a basic human right.
  • Sylvia, Bristol
    I was diagnosed with dyslexia in my late thirties. I have not been able to access any services to help me becaase of my age it would help me enormously to be able to go in to book shop and find books to help with my enjoyment of story, at present it is really difficult. I would be able also to talk with other people with dyslexia and how it affects them and how they over come their dificulties Yours sincerly Mr S Clarke.
  • andi, bristol
    I have lost the sight in my left eye and have minimal/patchy sight in my right. I love reading books, but am unable to get any decent books to read in large font. I have to struggle with a magnifier to try to read books and this can be very difficult at times. To have the option to buy large print books at the same time as they are released would release me back into my world of books.
  • Carrie, Chilliwack
    Great site found it looking for information on RP. And support.
  • Annette, London
    I love to read and am able to do so with standard print. Nonetheless, to be compassionate is a lifestyle choice, irrespective of one's privileges. It is my privilege to read standard print and to sign up and support RNIB's campaign.
  • M, Blackburn
    In a digital age there are no longer reasons for telling people what they can and cannot read.
  • Lisa, Huntingdon
    In America, there is funding available to provide loan of talking books for FREE, to all eligible persons (physician-documented visual impairment). It's a shame that not only do the British people have little to choose from, but that they also have to pay for the right to read.
  • janet, uxbridge
    Why do we have to wait so long for books to come out in a large print form, if at all. I am in a reading group and when we read new books I either can't get them or they cost alot more than a normal print book and many libraries will never get them in large print.
  • Dickon, Watford
    My son has been assessed to read size 72 print. We have absolutely no hope of finding books in this size. The Disability Discrimination Act say that he is not to be discriminated against, so why does he not have the right to choose what he reads?
  • Nicola, Ashby de la zouch
    My 10 year-old son has recently been diagnosed with Stargardts Maculopathy and is finding reading at school an increasing challenge. Despite this he remains an avid reader, and I am constantly frustrated that he has to work so much harder than his classmates to acheive the same level.
  • Cheryl, Oxford
    My daughter was born totally blind. I still to this day struggle to obtain books in the appropriate format for her. When I am able to it is far later than her sighted friends have obtained them. Things are difficult enough, especially for those who are totally blind, like my daughter is.
  • RUTH, READING
    'INCLUSION' FOR ALL, SHOULD MEAN JUST THAT. UNFORTUNATELY TOO MANY CHILDREN AND ADULTS ARE UNABLE TO PARTICIPATE FULLY IN THEIR ENVIROMENT, BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES OPEN TO THEM. THIS SHOULD CHANGE?!
  • angela, hyde
    I have a friend who loved to read before she lost her sight now she feels she is missing out as she can't find books on tape that she likes or she has already had all that the library has to offer.
  • susan, romford
    My daughter is 12, there are many books she would like to read, but the print is too small, therefore she sometimes ends up reading books for a younger age group, which do not stretch her imagination or interest. Anyone with a visual impairment should be able to choose books that interest them. Children should be able to obtain large print books from schools and libraries in the same way as normal books, without it causing any problem.
  • samila , rawalpindi
    an interesting article about how the low vision patient gets back in to their life
  • Linda, Birmingham
    Recipe books on tape! That's what my Mum could do with.
  • GRAHAM, WITNEY
    AT THE MOMENT I AM STILL ABLE TO READ AS I STILL HAVE A SMALL AMOUNT OF CENTRAL VISION BUT I FIND IT VERY ALARMING THAT THERE ARE SO MANY BOOKS INACCESSABLE TO V.I .PEOPLE ESPECIALLY CHILDREN AT SCHOOL
  • Eirian, Luton
    My mother has macular degenration and is struggling to read - large print books are the only thing she is able to see as newspaper and magazine print is no longer visible. To have a greater source of reading material would be of great value to her.
  • diane, tranent
    I am visually impaired and pay my council tax yet, I can't use the Library.
  • Elle, Chertsey
    My daughter has a severe visual impairement. We joined our local library and they had not one single book available for her!
  • Jacqualin, Gloucester Ma
    My mother is an avid reader. She goes to the library every day. She now has macular degeneration so she is devastated thinking she won't be able to read. So I feel anything that can be done for the blind is wonderful.
  • Shelley , Liverpool
    It is a basic essential to be able to purchase a book the same away as a sighted person does. Why the discrimination?
  • Tracy , Telford
    Why should people who require large print have to keep battling for the basic right of having materials available at the same time as standard print - why is this such a battle?
  • nadia, eysines
    My son is blind and I have so many problems to find interesting books (or just books) in braille. It 's a real shame that in the 21st century a kind of people can feel so alone. I believe that everyone has the right to read the book he wants. It's not so hard ??? But sometimes I think that it's so hard !!
  • Hywel, Cardiff
    Reading is one of, if not THE, main tools a child can use to develop his or her imagination. This tool should be available to ALL children. Good luck to RNIB in this campaign!
  • Ann, Cardiff
    I have a VI child who is not able to read as much as she would like due to the lack of available large print books - even the Radyr and Talbot Green Libraries struggle to get books for her. We usually have to wait a number of weeks for large print, and when the books do arrive they are often in excess of 10 years old. The book she is currently reading was published in large print in 1986 and last used by the Library on 8th November 1996! Also, quite often the so-called large print font in some of the books is not big enough and I would question that they are actually large print even though the spine states that they are. A HUGE PROBLEM for my child is the fact that she is being educated through the medium of Welsh and in two years I have not been able to successfully obtain a Welsh language book for her, either through book shops or the libraries. Having large print Welsh language books is critical for both her education and leisure activities. My daughter is 12 years old and another problem I find is that she is too old for children's books, but too young for the so called teenage books which often contain unsuitable material. Therefore, this fact also restricts the number of suitable large print books currently available to her.
  • Kenneth, Broadway
    My registered blind wife depends entirely upon 'talking books' but, of course, the limited range denies her access to a signifiant amount of published works essential to her keeping pace with the times.
  • donna, sandwich
    My daughter is eight and visually impaired, with the lack of VI books available to her in a range that appeals it makes learning and enjoying reading very hard. She also feels very different to her peers as she can never feel on an even level with her peers, once again she is singled out. In today's advancing technology you would think that all books would be available to all. Look at the laws you need access to get in to places i.e wide doors, lifts etc but whats the point if once in they do not stock any books in large print for visually impaired children to access.
  • Pippa, Exeter
    It wasn´t until I recieved this email that I realised how few books were available for the blind. Literature is an extremely important part of my life and that of so many others and it is both shocking that in a modern world this could be denied to the blind.
  • Sue, Southampton
    I've "signed" your petition on behalf of my husband who is registered blind. Many occasions when I've visited our local library and ordered an audio book for him, I find that it hasn't actually been recorded in that format, so I agree that it's about time that all books are made available on CD, or tape.
  • stacey, london
    I go to my library on a regular basis, its a fabulous place, we should get the councils to supply more large print book. If I can't get a book at my library I request them for a small fee, maybe they can get large print books this way.
  • Val, Birmingham
    My son has Nystagmus (as well as other Special Needs) and although he can't read yet, its awful to think that he will not have the same access to books as children without sight problems. All children and adults should be treated equally.
  • Kenneth John, Stoke-on-Trent
    My mother aged 94 has always enjoyed reading, now she has macular degeneration. The cassette and CD books provided by RNIB and Calibre have been a lifeline to her. Many more books should be available - publishers should be obliged to provide each publication in a suitable format for the partially sighted and blind.
  • Andrew, Bracknell
    I don't actually like reading, but those that do should have the right to read the same book, at the same time, at the same price. I think books are expensive - the publishers can afford to cater for everyone.
  • alyson, gerrards cross
    My son is visually impaired and attends an RNIB school, and although he is unable to use Braille, it has highlighted to me the problems faced by other people with sight problems. This campaign is an excellent idea!
  • Anne, Manchester
    I love reading, however my eldest niece is registered blind and I feel very strongly that she does not have the chance to relax with the latest books her friends and family are enjoying until they finally (if at all) come out in an audio format.
  • Laura, Glasgow
    Being a rehabilitation officer I daily enounter people that are being discrimintated against as a result of there sight loss. Being unable to read print dramatically reduces people's confidence and ability to communicate.
  • Sarah, Oundle
    I am sighted but work at RNIB and fully support the campaign.
  • Lindsay, North Broomhill
    The availability of books is awful. Standard thick books causes pain in my wrists and my eyes. I end up damaging books using a magnifier so I don't want to borrow any from friends. The price of accessible formats is crippling.
  • Sian, Stone
    Its disgusting there are so few books in braille or large print. I'm learning braille and already know Moon. I love reading and just wish there were more books for me to read.
  • Richard, Barking
    I am a website designer and support worker from the University of East London. I have some ideas that may reduce the the number of people affected by educational discrimination. Please contact me to find out more.
  • Donna, Chelmsford
    I'm lucky & have low vision aid for reading and have always read normal sized print books. Perhaps more needs to be done too to make sure that people who have some sight get suitable aids to help them to read.
  • Martyn, Lincoln
    Let us be able to have audio discs of the latest books not just the few now on offer.
  • Reginald, Haywards Heath
    I wish the Right to Read campaign every success. Nobody should be denied the pleasure and knowledge contained in books simply because of a visual impairment.
  • Peter, Watlington
    There needs to be a more diverse range of books available. I enjoy thrillers and crime novels of which there are a reasonable number of titles available, but there are for instance far too few historical and biographical books to choose from. A sighted person can choose from a particular genre as and when they wish to but this option is not one that is open to those unable to read books. The book services provided by RNIB, Calibre etc are extremely good and efficient. But if you wish to own a copy the books on tape or CD from bookstores are usually abridges and very expensive compared to being able to buy a paper or hardback.
  • Wendy, Oxhey
    I have an 8 year old son who needs enlarge print books the school sugests I buy some. How is his education meant to progress?
  • Sarah, Guildford
    I am friends with an elderly lady who is partially sighted who has trouble finding books she is interested in reading - I see her frustration, and hope in by signing this declaration it will help my friend and people like her to access the literature they would dearly like to read.
  • gaynor , st helens
    I enjoy reading and find it one of my most relaxing passtimes. I have just recieved a daisy player through RNIB which is amazing but I am still frustrated at the number of books I would like to read which are not available on talking book format. More authors should demand their books be available on all formats and more publishing houses should make it a priority as this kind of discrimination in this day and age is totally unaceptable.
  • Marion, Brighton and Hove
    I run a mobile library for elderly residents in a residential home, often titles, especially fairly new ones, are not made into large print, and definitely in braille.
  • Peter, Aylesbury
    This is an important campaign, strongly supported by Vision Charity.
  • Tyler, London
    You have my full support!
  • Mandy, Essex
    Reading is a relaxing pastime or for the gathering of knowledge and so should be available to all. We wish you every success with this campaign. Mandy
  • Julie, linlithgow
    Everyone who wants to should have to right to read whatever books they choose. In these days of advanced technology it is shameful that 96 per cent of books are never made avaliable in large print, audio or braille.
  • Derek, Salcombe Regis
    I think you should help publishers recognise that there is a sizeable (profitable) market for large print, as well as their perhaps having a moral and altruistic obligation.
  • caroline, birmingham
    I am a teaching assistant in an inner city primary school. I work closely with a 10 year old who is registered blind.We have absolutely no reading resourses for her and rely on photocopying and enlarging texts. I think this is a disgrace and find it so sad having to watch this little girl miss out on so many things her clasmates get to enjoy.
  • Yolanda, London
    Everyone deserves to broaden their horizons and educate their thinking. We have a social responsibility to allow blind and partially sighted people to access the same books and information that sighted people access. Let us not be ignorant, and let blind and partially sighted people not be ignored.
  • Jonathan, Banstead
    The option to read what you want, when you want to is something most of us tke for granted - whether on the train or tube or just before we fall asleep at night or on holiday on a lilo.....it is staggering that in this day and age it is not widely available to all.
  • Dave, Enfield
    I was temporarily blinded in a chemical accident this year. It was without a doubt terrifying. Reading is one of my great pleasures in life and the thought that I would have to give this up is a disgrace. All books should have to be published in an accessible format for all!!
  • Daniel, Cardiff
    Daisy books are a great way of getting access to books but I would like more to be available at the same time as they are available to the general public.
  • Charles, Essex
    Talking books have been a lifeline. At 90 years of age I find it very sad that so many will not get the pleasue from books that I have had in my lifetime. Anything that can be done to help these people I support.
  • Ena, Catford
    I am now blind, but had an extra few years of reading thanks to large print books.
  • Bronwyn, Stroud
    Not only is the availability of books in alternative formats like large print or braille shocking but also the availability of current publications, which is what I also find most frustrating. We have the right to read just as anyone else does!!
  • Lesley, Higham Ferrers
    As a teacher who has spent her career trying to improve children and young people's mind it is appaling that there are so few 'readable' books for people with sight difficulties.
  • Julie, Chelmsford
    It is fantastic that RNIB are fighting to give people the right to read in this way - I would be totally lost if I could not read a book - it is my favourite hobby.
  • Craig, Higham Ferrers
    The blind and partially sighted children throughout the UK are losing out on their education because they can't always get hold of textbooks they can read and thus has a severe knock-on effect to their future.
  • jimmy, manchester
    the government shoud help all of us.
  • J. Rosemary, Cleveland
    I have just finished the second year of an Open University course for which there were audio tapes provided for the set books. The third year course does not have audio format for the text books so I may not be albe to finish the degree. The text books are available from most booksellers in printed format.
  • TRUDY , PETERBOROUGH
    As a short-sighted person I find it very daughting when I cannot find my glasses. In turn it makes me seriously think of people with poorer eye sight than myself and the everyday hurdles they have too face. A simple process to print books in large print should be a common thing not a subject for debate.
  • Jennifer , Wimbledon
    I think it is shocking that only 4% of books published are in an accessible format for blind and partially sighted people. Surely there shoud be equal reading rights for everyone?
  • Jeanette, London
    The lack of accessible books in the UK - particularly text books required for the national cirriculum - in the 21st century is an unacceptable disgrace. The Right to Read Alliance needs all our help to change this.
  • SUSAN, HIGHAM FERRERS
    Please could you let me know how to put a book onto tape for a blind child to hear? Many ex teachers would probably be willing to do this.
  • Jacqueline, Higham Ferrers
    I had no idea such a small percentage of books published in the UK could be read by people with sight problems. A member of my own family suffers with macular degeneration and we shall offer our enduring commitment to your campaign. Well done RNIB.
  • Robert, Wells
    What would we read if we could only see 4 words in every 100?
  • Anne, RAUNDS
    As an MS sufferer, I can have difficulties with my sight that has me dashing to find my magnifying glass to be able to access the simplist of information. This has given me a very small insight into the difficulties experienced by others. I give my heartfelt support to this campaign.
  • Alan, Higham Ferrers
    I support this campaign very strongly. I know people in my family and friends who have derived great benefit from having books available in large type, Braille and from Talking Books.
  • Rosemary, Horsham
    It would make a tremendous difference to my life if I were able to obtain the books that I want to read in large print. One of my favourite activities is cooking but it is virtually impossible to find recipe books in this medium. Severe difficulties in reading cook books really does take away my enthusiam to create new dishes and I find the whole experience extremely frustrating.
  • Alf, Nuneaton
    My 33 yewar old son is an avid reader. He has less than 1/60 vision. Reading makes him articulate and able to communicate well. He can also develop argument and discussion through reading as well as appreciate the arts (he has an Arts degree). He should have the widest possible selection of books available to him to allow these important skills to be developed and used in a world where he cannot see and therefore is "cut off" from part of it.
  • Donna, Borehamwood
    I think that it is intolerable in this day and age that this basic right is unavailable to all people regardless of their sight.
  • Rosanna, Salisbury
    I find it appalling that people with sight problems are missing out on something as enjoyable and vital as reading. Furthermore, they may not be able to find information on their rights, or read the news and therefore are unintentionally missing information.
  • Helen, Horsham
    I am a parent of a totally blind child, trying to find suitable books has been a nightmare. Reading should start as early as possible, appropriate tactile, braille books just aren't available in the shops.
  • Tajinder, Southall
    I think everyone should have the right to read. I started reading as a child, loved it and haven't stopped since. I don't know what I would do without this gift so cannot imagine what it's like for people with sight problems. I think many advances need to be made in this area as with other issues that affect people with disabilities. Please keep up the good work you do and push for more changes in legislation as far as employment, goods and service provision and other issues concerning people with disabilities are advanced, just as they are for other areas where discrimination is rife. thank you
  • Eleanor, New Barnet
    I FIND IT QUITE UNBELIEVABLE THAT SUCH A HIGH PERCENTAGE ARE EXCLUDED, ESPECIALLY WHEN WE HAVE THE ABILTY TO MAKE THE WORLD OF BOOKS ACCESSABLE TO EVERYONE!
  • Tasneem, Preston
    After attending my local library and becoming frustrated and disheartened at the limited selection of books available in audio format, I was made aware of the RNIB Talking Book Service. After 12 months membership I feel I have been granted a real opportunity to read. This incredible service has allowed me and others the opportunity to access material until now only available to those with sight. I would like to thank all those involved in this embryonic but substantial project. Although I have studied for and gained a degree, I feel that I have now the ability to converse on an equal level, in any subject I choose with my sighted friends.
  • Helen, Solihull
    I am a manager of a support team and we support adults to stay independant in their own homes. We have a service user who is registered blind yet he does not have his tenancy agreement in braille. He is a tenant with the local authority and they do not have tenancies in other formats. I feel this urgently needs to change to enable more people to be supported to live independantly and have the same equal choice and opportunity to do so as others by having important information and their own legal documents in a format that they can understand.
  • Meriel, Barnet
    I think that the most popular educational books should be made available online in a format that can be converted for use by individuals with sight problems and in a format that can be converted to braille, with restrictions for use by registered persons to prevent copyright law being broken and to be acceptable to publishers and authors.
  • Helen, Newcastle under Lyme
    I am a primary teacher and have taught various children throughout my career with visual problems. However, there is very little information as to where you can get hold of materials to support visually impaired children in the classroom. A greater awareness is needed! I am very happy to support your campaign.
  • Sandra, Hove
    I know several elderly people who have been unable to read due to loss of sight. This has taken away one of their pleasures in life.
  • Sonia, Vienna
    I think this campaign is necessary although I wish it wasn't. I hope this brings more attention to this issue. With all the modern technology available nowadays it is very sad that only 4% of books are available in large print, audio or braille. More so considering the money being spent in fashion, computer games, music, films etc etc. The computer technology could definitely make audio books available and cheap I would think.
  • Frances, Grantham
    In common with other disabled people, visually impaired people are denied fundamental rights to access information that able bodied people take for granted. This denial of access contributes to poorer outcomes in all areas of life chances, such as employment and social interaction. As a country once known as the home of the Welfare State, it is a national disgrace that visually impaired people are discriminated against in this way.
  • Angela, Scarborough
    I am 25 and have had M.E. for 6 years. Due to extreme fatigue, I am often unable to read books, as the physical and cognitive effort required is too much for me. I love literature and find audiobooks an indispensable means of accessing it! Everyone should be able to access literature, not just those who can read by conventional means, as it is the key to our language and cuture, and is a major contributory factor in learning and development.
  • David , Kettering
    I do not have problems with vision to this extent myself, but being disabled I am aware of the lack of equal opportunities and social exclusion that frequently takes place in todays modern world. Living in a contemporary society, with the advancements in technology, there should be no excuse for ignorance or lack of awareness. Which is why I sign my name to this petition.
  • Craig, Chichester
    The fact that 96 per cent of book are unavailable in other formats is apalling.
  • Elisabeth, East Ham, London
    The Disability Discrimination Act dates back to 1995. Despite the campaign lead by the RNIB to fight against discrimination and the law which is one of the best in the world, nothing much has happened. Most websites are still inaccessible to the blind which is horrendous. We have not had a proper legal case in this country like Australia or the USA had. It's about time that somebody took the people who produce inaccessible websites to court. It needs to happen in order to change things.
  • William, East Ham, London
    I am really shocked that so little material is available in Braille format or that so many websites are still not complying to the laws of this country. Could the Government do something about it ? It's about time!
  • Eleanor, Notts
    Books are something to be treasured. Everyone should have the same opportunity to enjoy loosing themselves in a fiction book or gaining new knowledge from an insighful reference book.
  • Helen , Chessington
    What books I read has to be governed by the size of the print.
  • Brian, Peterborough
    Good campaign
  • kate, COVENTRY
    All books should be available in alternative format under the rights of the DDA. Reading is part of access to learning for abled and disabled.For partially sighted people the size of print and colour of page are also important i.e glossy paper causes reflective glare which distorts the print.
  • CHRISTINE, CRAWLEY
    I absolutely love reading and have done so since I can remember. I am disabled and a wheelchir user, for me having a visual impairement and no access to books would be like taking my wheelchair away - I would be completely lost and my quality of life would be seriously diminished.
  • sarah christine, leicester
    Our local specialist teachers for the Visually Impaired come into school and get books enlarged for us ready for when we need them and also give specialist teaching. The difference this makes to the children is amazing - the availability of books should not stop when they leave school!
  • Marie, Oldham
    I am 23 years old and totally blind. I love to read and I know how hard it is to obtain the titles I want to read. I am a huge Harry Potter fan and hate the fact that on 07/07/07 I will be listening to all my friends talking about the book and I will have to wait around 2 to 3 weeks for it to be transcribed into braille or recorded onto audio. I'm also a student and I believe its not just about the lack of resources but the lack of understanding. I am contemplating dropping out because of the sheer lack of material presented to the other students that I do not receive or receive after the lectures which by that point I am incredibly confused and lectures seem quite pointless. Text books have always been a struggle. I watched my classroom assistant type book after book out so I had the material during secondary school and think its high tide the government should step in and uphold the discrimination act. We're discriminated enough don't let reading be another to add to the long list. If I can help, please let me know!
  • sarah, Ashford
    Publishers are discriminating and they should open THEIR eyes and focus on the Disability Discrimination Act, giving those with partial or no sight a choice to experience and be seeing and experiencing the 'bigger picture' promoting equality for all disabilities, and embracing the untapped diversity of our world.
  • Rob, Scotland
    Everyone should be allowed to experience the world of books - it's so relaxing to e able to sit down and read a book. It takes you to a whole other world, and will describe the world in ways that the person may never have heard or thought of before.
  • jillian, pentre
    I agree that it is shocking that 96% of books are inaccessible to visually impaired children and adults. Especially in these days of equity and fairness to all. Where's the fairness in that!
  • Cindy,
    I use Talking books and DAISY formats mostly but if not I use documents in at least 18 point for ease.- thanks, Cindy - RNIB Trustee
  • susan , London
    it is unacceptable that in this day and age for problems like these to still exist.
  • Richard, Crowborough
    Some subsidisation should take place so that every book published in the UK can be made available in the required format for visually impaired people.
  • William, Abergavenny
    I am visually impaired myself and I think that one of the most important things is to be able to teach children in a format that is sutible for them. I am in my second year of university and training to become a rehabilitation worker. It is sad to see that even people within rehab do not now how to produce braille or teach it
  • Hilary, Surbiton
    I believe passionately that reading opens up the world to an individual and is part of everyone's birthright. I have friends who are registered blind and who use Talking Books avidly and I would like them to have access to many more books.
  • Howard, East Grinstead
    Seems a sensible idea. Why are there so few books in Braille? Cost ,which books to select, competition from audio taped books. What have the book publishers to say?
  • Christopher, Ashbourne
    5 years ago we got rid of our television. We have 5 children who all enjoy reading. Our quality of life has improved dramatically. It is unforgivable that publishers are denying people an inalienable right.
  • Aileen, Linlithgow
    I think it shocking that because of either visual or hearing impairments, individuals cannot recieve the same teachings as others.
  • Susan, Leicester
    I am a teacher of the visually impaired and know just how important it is for young people who have a visual impairment to have equal access to materials at school. People are lucky in the authority where I work we have a team of technicians who will transcribe text books into braille or large print. They work extremely hard and do a good job under difficult conditions. The young people who have access to books do appreciate the service and as a result receive a better education and make good progress, without being made feel different.
  • Rosemary , South Godstone
    I teach blind/VI children and we constanly have difficulty quickly gettinghold of Braille and LP resources.
  • David, Peterborough
    Reports from V.I. friends around the country are very discouraging whenever I recommend books to them. In short, they cannot be bothered requesting them because they seem to think it will be too much hassle and take so long to receive that they will have lost interest by the time they arrive.You heard it from the horse's mouth!
  • Jane, Cleethorpes
    Books should be available to all. By not publishing them in all forms it denies some of the only pleasure that may be left to them.
  • Hilary, Croydon
    Every child/adult should have the right to be able to read books. There should be much more help given to partially sighted and blind people. It is an essential part of one's life to be able to read. Its how we learn. Its how we escape from reality. No one should be denied it.
  • Andy, Derby
    With the advent of various items of modern technology, there is no reason why more books shouldn't be made available in PDF format which can be zoomed, audio mp3, podcasts, listen "live" on an internet radio station, etc etc. It is a digrace that people who have visual impairments or comprehension problems are denied access to these essential resources.
  • Jennifer, Belper
    I can't conceive of a life without the joy of reading and I'm horrified that in the 21st Century people with impaired sight, including children, are being denied a basic right.
  • Suzanne, London
    It is not fair that a blind person's library be limited to 4% of all the books published. Who gets to choose which books a blind person can experience?
  • chiyvonne, blackley
    Please help VI children have a better education.
  • Sara , Liss Forest
    I had no idea that this was the case. I have always encouraged my children to read and knowing that the same rights are not given to those with sight problems is shocking. Thank goodness there are people who will fight for equal rights for all.
  • Elaine, Derby
    Equal access means just that, equal. It is discriminatory that visually impaired people cannot access books when the means to make them more accessible is available.
  • Janet, Nr Arundel
    As an advisory teacher of visually impaired students and someone who has always loved reading, it appalls me that all children haven't got equal access to appropriate text size/brailled books by law. I see first hand, every day the effect that not having the same reading opportunities can have. This is discrimination and should NOT be allowed. ALL books should be available freely in the appropriate medium, if children with a visual impairment are to have the same reading opportunities as their peers. They should not be dependent on lengthy modification processes.
  • Tina, Derby
    Although I can read smaller print, I find it very tiring.
  • Lynsey, Alvaston
    My daughter Harmony is registered blind through glaucoma and other secondary conditions. She is learning both print and braille and also uses audio. I am absolutely shocked that in this day and age, I cannot go into a bookshop and buy books in large print or braille. Library's do not stock large print books for young kids either. They simply say that all picture books are large print but this is not true. Often the print is very small because it for the parent, not the child. Also print is unclear and often written on top of the picture and impossible to read for a child with low vision. For older children, large print is still pretty tiny and some libraries will not even group large print books together for children which is ridiculous. I cannot find a high street bookstore which sells children's large print books aimed at any age. Libraries will also not put braille books out on shelves, you have to order them. My daughter is home educated, but I hear from other parents that schools say they cannot afford to pay someone to adapt school text books and cannot find anywhere to buy large print copies. Blind and visually impaired people need access to books in the format they require and at the same time as everyone else. these shoudl also be easy to obtain otherwise they may just decide to give up reading for leisure etc.
  • marlene, Salisbury
    I do not have a visual impairment but I work for Action for Blind People and fully support your campaign.
  • Sarah, Wrexham
    My daughter who is totally blind but very clever gets very frustrated at the lack of reading material in braille. The availability of modern books in braille is very limited.
  • judith, barnoldswick
    I am a teacher with a child in my class who has been diagnosed with Stargarts disease. I do enlarge texts for him and I have followed advice from a Visually Impaired teacher but despite many requests for more advice I have been let down by a lack of human resoucres at county Level, I shall continue to push a statement through or an application for funding. I have even managed to get the child consultant appointments quicker than normal. I feel really frustrated that this child isn't being provided for in my class. He is a clever child and the last thing I want for him is to fall back with his learning. If anyone can advise then please let me know the help that is out there.
  • Glyn, Newmarket
    I am able to see but I still love listening to audio books. Perhaps it is a bit like your parents reading to you as a child. More spoken books please. Everybody should have access to the written word.
  • Rachel, Walsall
    I think it's appalling that so few books are available in audio or braille format - especially in an era of cheap, protable gadgetry. Literature has always been a really important part of my life and I don't know what I would do if that was denied me. Everyone should have access to words!
  • Stephanie, Preston
    As an avid lover of books who is lost when I haven't got one to read I can not even pretend to understand what people with sight problems are going through. The lack of books is disgraceful and I am appalled that the government is not backing your campaign.
  • Tracy, Leicester
    I work with visually impaired chldren. I fully agree that children are losing out compared to their peers when they have to rely on support staff to transcribe and modify their reading materials, a lengthy and inefficient process. There is so little choice for children who need the freedom to read widely and be able to express themselves. The more we can increase children's (and adults) independence the better.
  • storm, wantage
    I believe everyone no matter what their disablility should have the same chances to read books.
  • Helen, Scunthorpe
    I am registered blind and work in a shool with secondary age children. I find it very difficult and frustrating that I have to enlarge print in books so i can read or support sighted children who struggle reading anyway, it really is the blind leading the blind! What is the problem with publishing books with very large print for all levels ages and races? Why should we have to miss out? It is cruel when you hear others talking about new books that are out in the shops, it makes me want to cry because I am being punished for not being able to read an ordinary book.
  • Alison, Biggleswade
    I am shocked that as much as 96% of books published are not translated into braille or made into audio books. This has to change.
  • christopher, London
    Without reading the thoughts of others, we can never learn to articulate our own. Communication is a basic right, and the loss of sight should be no barrier to the appreciation of books.
  • Nick, london
    I am registered as blind but am able to read with a magnifier. This causes me eyestrain and it is quite uncomfortable, physically, to read like this. If books were available in large print, life would be so much easier for me. I would also hope that there would be no extra cost, as there is in most large print publications now.
  • Marlene, George
    I have a VIP son who lives in the UK and it would be wonderful if he had access to more reading material in large print.
  • Sharon, Lincoln
    My nephew was born blind. As a child I found magic in the world of books and it breaks my heart that David may not be able to find that magic.
  • Maureen, Basingstoke
    I think that in this day of technological improvements that it is totally unacceptable that people are denied the pleasure of reading!
  • Louise, Bishop's Stortford
    Audio books and radio serialisations have been a lifeline for my elderly great-aunt who is unable to read or watch television due to cataracts, but the choice is limited. It would be wonderful if she had access to a full range of titles.
  • David, London
    I think that as many books as possible should be made accessible to Visually Impaired people, this makes business sense for the publishers as it makes their products available to a market of over 3 million people. As it stands, they are discriminating against Visually Impaired people. Discrimination is illegal.
  • Jemma, Southampton
    I can't believe how small the audio books section of our big city library is. And I have recieved no information on any kind of audio text book to help me with my medical course. It would be so great if these were more readily available, as not being able to read can feel really isolating.
  • Leanne, pencoed
    I am a teacher for the visually impaired and it is often difficult to locate large print books for our pupils - we usually end up modifying them ourselves which is extremely time cosuming.
  • Holly, Lincoln
    I'm partially sighted and would love to read romance novels but don't even bother to ask the library nowadays if they have any in large print becsause one library I went to didn't, so I always think that the library of the city I now live in won't have any either - I just hope they do, especially now this campaign's up and running!
  • Gill, Carlisle
    I read constantly and I feel that it is a vital part of my life - I can't imagine being cut off from reading and this makes me feel extremely annoyed that people with sight loss have to put up with this every day - if this was an issue that affected the general sighted population, this situation would have been addressed long ago - it is unfair, unjust and a scandal in a modern society.
  • Marsha, London
    Being Visualy Impaired I struggle to find books produced in large print particularly speicalist books i.e Christian books.
  • Sharon, Norwich
    I have good sight but do find it quite shocking that such a high percentage of books are unavailable in large print. I love to read and could not imagine having such a limited supply of reading material.
  • Phil, Harow Weald
    I am partially sighted myself, and attend AFBP in London, with a 14 yr old son who has a bind school mate, I am aware of how the education system is failing children with sight difficulties as well as other disabilities.
  • Helen Anne, Dursley
    I am partially sighted and would like to have more selection of books in large print or audio formats. I also think it is appalling that children and university students cannot have access to the textbooks they need.
  • janine, bradford
    I think Right To Read is a fantastic campaign. It is appauling that in this day in age when there is so much up to date technology around us, that a lot of people are missing out on things so basic but yet so important as baing able to just pick up a book. Whether it is for educational needs or for enjoyment EVERYBODY should have the choice and resources to read whatever they like.
  • Shenagh, Torquay
    Everybody has the right to read and therefore all books should be available in alternative formats at the same time as the print version is available.
  • Louise, Chatham
    After teaching myself Braille three years ago, find it difficult to gain access to braille books as I'm not visually impaired, but still wanting to keep my practice up so I can one day go back to work with VI people.
  • Nichola, London
    I believe all books should be totally accessable to all people. I am very fortunate to have the internet, and a talking book player, but even so I am so restricted in what I can read. It must be even worse for those who don't have the internet!
  • beverley, birmingham
    As my three year old daughter is blind I was shocked to find out that so few books are printed in braille, I think the right to read is a fantastic idea as I want my daughter to be able to have the same reading oppotunities I have had growing up.
  • Pauline, Cambridge
    Not being able to be au fait with knowledge, news and gossip restricts one from full participation in the social world. This creates a feeling of inadequacy and loss of confidence resulting in loss of morale and intention to communicate. Also to be denied access to the pleasure of reading is again denying an opportunity of self-worth and appreciation of the aspects that make people 'tick'.
  • Anthony, London
    I have learnt so much in my life by reading. Everybody should have that same opportunity to develop themselves and broaden their minds.
  • Gawain, Woodbridge
    I am not blind but I do listen to a lot of audio books whilst driving. In fact some of my books I have in both audio and printed versions so the publisher effectively makes a double profit from me. I get my books through a subscription to the US audible.com. I signed up with them before the UK version became available, but I would highly recommend them.
  • Alex, Cambridge
    I think it's shocking that such a high percventage of books are not available to those with sight loss.
  • Rob, Stilton
    The current situation is a disgrace in an age where instant access to information is taken for granted for the majority of people.
  • Judith, St Albans
    Books are such a central part of my life I cannot imagine what it would be like not to be able to access most of them. Surely us the general public could be used to help - how about people undertaking to record a chapter or more of their favourite book?
  • sarah, warks.
    My elderly uncle can access audio books at his library in Chester but I hadn't realised that there is such a limited choice. Good luck with your campaign!
  • louise, chandlers ford
    I love to read and fortunately can do so without a problem. If I ever lost my sight my life would be devistated if I could not read. Books should be available to everyone, no ifs or buts!
  • Sara , Stafford
    My daughter is 5 and was registered blind 2 years ago. She is progressing really well with braille but her Communication Support Worker at school is having to type out all the Oxford Learning Tree books which the school are using as they can't be obtained. If this is a problem now, how is she going to cope when in the future when the books get bigger?
  • Zoe-Elise, Edinburgh
    I work with blind and visually impared young people and know what joy books can bring to them, it is such a pity that their choice is so limited compared those with sight.
  • Yvonne, Basildon
    My husband is registered blind and has had a very poor reception at our local library with a member of staff talking to me rather than him, and querying why he would have a book!
  • Gregory, Leicester
    Whenever I needed to read books, I've always used the National library for the blind and I find it hard to believe that so many blind and partially sighted people are without books today.
  • Linda, Brighton
    Sorry, I'm not registered, but I have sight problems in that one lazy eye from birth now has no useful vision and my remaining 'good' eye is presbyiopic now I'm in my fifties, but even I find it a struggle and have to put many books back on the shelf because the print is just too small and difficult to read. I think registered visually impaired people have every right to have literature easily accessible to them, and at a price that they can afford. I am very happy to sign your declaration.
  • Claire, Cambridge
    As a braille reader, I want to read books when everyone else does - not after they've lost interest and moved on.
  • Michael, London
    Since I have lost most of my sight, it has become apparent to me how hard if not impossible it is for me to get the latest titles, also how hard it is to get unabridged titles, I find this totally fustrating.
  • Philippa, Pershore
    It's absolutely appalling that children especially don't have access to reading materials. It is a proven fact that children who read more, learn more. It is such an achievement for a child to learn to read and is a talent that needs to be harnessed and encouraged not brought to a sudden stop due to the lack of books!
  • Brenda, Skegness
    My daughter is registered blind and although she is now 24 & graduated from University last year-she experienced the 'book famine' all the way through from primary school age right up to University and it was a nightmare trying to get large print text books at every stage! However she somehow managed to muddle through with the help of ZOOMTEXT on her computer, however this programme is not very user friendly and does not recognise the English accent too well as it is an American program! As a result of this I am very much in support of this campaign for future generations of children with who are either blind or partially sighted!
  • Lynn, London
    I'm lucky enough to have the choice to read what I like - and I'm angry on behalf of those who don't.
  • Hazel, Bristol
    I support the campaign whole-heartedly.
  • Laura, Steventon
    I'm touched that the RNIB have taken up this campaign on behalf of dyslexic people like me as well as blind people like my gran - thankyou!
  • Stephen, Ormskirk
    Every child and adult should be able to read books. To share books together should be a fundamental right not a privilege.
  • Catherine, Bishop's Stortford
    I agree it is exceedingly unfair for visually impaired children (and adults) to be denied the majority of books and have to wait years after publication for a few selected books.
  • Joan, Coalburn
    I consider myself very lucky to have my full vision and take for granted the ability to pick up and read a book, magazine, newspaper, etc. I would like to think that if anything ever happened to my sight, I would not be excluded from continuing to enjoy this passtime. We encourage children to read from an early age, reading is learning - there should be no-one excluded from this form of personal development, at any time in their life.
  • Neil, Chorley
    My brother used to read to me. My brother taught me to read. My brother encouraged has my love of reading throughout my life. My brother is now blind. He can't read the books we grew up reading any more. I want to help him enjoy books the way he used to. Help me to help him.
  • Sheridan, Bristol
    My husband is registered blind and relies on the talking book service to gain access to what books are available. Reading was his main pastime before losing his sight and not being able to read books has caused him a great deal of upset. I know the RNIB do their very best, which I will be eternally grateful to them for, but it is diabolical that so few books are available in this format.
  • Daniel, Bromsgrove
    The right to read enhances the right to life in its fullness.
  • John, East Grinstead
    It is everybody's right to be able to read - this Government has to listen and act.
  • Valerie, Nr Hull
    If all books and information in general were produced in large print this would allow me to be included in all aspects of life. At the moment it is not only books that are inaccessible but also information from service providers such as banks - this means that people with vision impairment are denied freedom of choice and are excluded in all aspecs of society.
  • Elizabeth, Lagos
    My 18 month old daughter is blind and I am always thinking ahead about her education. The thought that she would not get access to 96% of books in the UK worries me greatly.
  • Dave, Cowes
    As a teacher with a pupil who needs big print whilst learning to read - banded book levels - why can't publishers have these books either at hand, a stock that can be borrowed and returned (LEA or school) OR print to order. We spend hours ensuring that this lad gets the same books as everyone else and they look the same, with colour, not photocopied enlarged and black and white - It's called inclusion - something the govenrment has asked for.
  • Francesca-Anna, Bury St Edmunds
    My partner is a University Student studying an MA in Literature who has equal problems with obtaining accessible texts, particularly anything written in the last 20 years! I think it's shocking and I wholeheartedly support this campaign.
  • Sally, London
    DISC firmly believes that everybody has the right to read, and that people with a visual impairment should not be disadvantaged by lack of provision for them.
  • Philip, Leicester
    People unable to read printed books miss-out socially as they are unable to share their experiences with other people. It is also very difficult to get technical books in other formats which puts disabled people seeking employment progression at a disadvantage. Teaching material is limited to what is available, rather than being driven by latest techniques and resources. Education later in life has to be planned and carefully researched to ensure adequate resourcing prior to commencement.
  • Judith, Stockport
    As parents, with a child with a visual impairment, whose access to literatire is limited by the availability of books in electronic and/or giant print we support this campaign wholeheartedly.
  • Samantha, leicester
    My 6 month old son has recently been diagnosed with Nystagmus. This means he will probably only be able to read books if they are in large print. I never realised until reading the information on this site that all books are not printed in large print. I thought it was a person's right to be able to get a book in large print. My son deserves every right to have the same education as every other child. Reading is an extremely important part of education. Surely every child in Britain in this day and age deserves the chance to read!
  • Stephen, Saffron Walden
    Reading is the absolute right of every citizen in a civilised society. No one should have to wait longer, or pay more, than anyone else for their reading be it for education, research or pleasure.
  • Karen, crawley
    Everyone has the right to read.
  • LUZVIMINDA, REIGATE
    My eyesight is not perfect anymore and I need to wear glasses, is quite expensive especially I need to change my lenses twice a year. I am single person and cannot afford. I hope the Government will support people having a eyesight problem especially those who are blind.
  • cherrie, leicester
    I work as a teacher for students with a visual impairment and often have to have books enlarged or made into a different layout. In these days of technological miracles it seems archaic that we cannot have access to the online version of a book in order to reproduce the text more easily in the correct font/size etc.
  • Rebecca, Witney
    I have a visually impaired 7year old and it is almost impossible to get large enough print books for him to read in bed like his sisters.
  • Sylvie, Stoke Gifford
    Could we bring cook books into this as well?
  • halim, London
    I think all people should have the right to read and the government should do more to help with this objective.
  • martha , sligo, Ireland
    I am the parent of a visually impaired twelve year old. Here in Ireland its almost impossible to buy a book or magazine suitable for a child/teenager in large print and only a very limited amount are available in large print through the NCBI. It is a grave injustice to these children and adults. Because there are not so many affected they are forgotten and marginalised.
  • Huw, London
    A law requiring publishers to produce books in accessible formats, at the same time and price as normal print, should have been introduced years ago. Please support this vital campaign and let's move things forwards!
  • Eileen, Nr Lydney
    I think this is a shocking indictment of the way we seem to prioritise things in this country. We can spend bilions on wiping out life in war, but we cannot make sure that ALL our citizens have the fundamental right to read about it or anything else for that matter.
  • Daniel, Bristol
    I think that every person has the right to read.
  • Tom, UK
    TEXTBOOK DESIGN OFFER Textbooks should be available/up-to-standard for the readers/learners requirements. It is a great report/campaign and things like this raise awareness. The problem is about book producers not supplying textbooks in large/giant print, but this problem also adds to a larger issue; in that the majority of textbooks are not designed well enough or thought about to aid people using the books. A large amount of textbooks (information packages) available today, need a complete rethink. As a textbook designer, there does not have to be such a divide between a standard textbook and a large print textbook. It is possible to have the best of both worlds. Giant print does require a larger presentation and has to be produced differently than say a standard/large print textbook. Then for individual requirements; this again is quite different to a standard/large print textbook. But it does not have to cost more money or take up a lot more time. Supply for demand… For my final project at university I redesigned sections of a GCSE mathematics textbook, producing 5 booklets. The design does adhere to clear/large print guidelines. If anybody is interested in seeing work samples from this project, please contact me via www.tbohm.info I have tried quite hard and for quite a while to get educational publishers to take an interest; either in my project or through employment. But as one finds out, and as people have found out in the report “Surely the books are on disk somewhere?’ (Where’s my book?, p14) it is not a straightforward process, contacting/liasing with these people? I have read and know about clear/large/giant print design guidelines. I ordered RNIB’s See it right design guidelines book a long time ago, and they still have not got it back into print? Obviously, when it is finally released; it will serve as an important guide and design quality benchmark. I am a graphic communication designer and illustrator; if anybody/organisations/publishers need help or a designer for possible textbook projects, please feel free to contact me. I would be happy to help and discuss a project. I work across print, web and interactive medias. If you would like to see work examples/my portfolio please contact me through www.tbohm.info Great report!
  • Karren, Dundee
    I am signing this for three reasons. Firstly, I have a blind partner who is very literate and would love to be able to pick up a book from a bookshop or library, without having to go to a great deal of trouble, either scanning books or ordering them specially. Secondly, I am a QTVI, working with pupils who have diffficulty accessing both school texts and books for leisure reading.I am therefore delighted about the recent move by Jacqueline Wilson to have her book published in all formats on the same day. Thirdly, as a socialist, I believe that access to education and information should be equally available to everyone and this is clearly not the situation at the moment.
  • Sanja, London
    I am against censorship. The two most dangerous forms of censorship are political censorship and economic. One can work around political censorship, words can be grasped differently at different levels and sometimes the rigid minds of censors don't sense the dangers lurking beyond traditional meaning of the words... so it is possible to beat political censorship. Economic - that is a different matter. This type of censorship is much more dangerous simply because those who create also dictate public taste - to generate money, naturally. Money doesn't work against itself, it conforms to public taste. Catch 22.... So not only that people with sight problems cannot read 96 per cent of the books but the 4 per cent they can read is decided by the taste of general public. General public is generally not blind. Senses of general public differ from the senses of blind people which means their views of the world must differ. Who are we to assume that blind people would like the same books as we, general public, do? Who are we to decide that our best seller, whatever it is, will mean the same to an average blind person. In their world our best seller might be just worthless trash (most is anyway)... So, not only that we must give them more choice of books to read - we must publish much more of their own writings regardless of weather it is profitable or not, regardless of weather we like it or not... we must do it even when we don't understand it and we must do it for all people with disabilities. Not as a charitable act but in order to explore and understand the world around us and people we live with. So not only that we need Right to Read Campaign - we need Right to Publish Campaign and we need it badly.
  • Louise, Doncaster
    i can read perfectly normaly and i wouldn't live without books. i think that if you want to read the chance should be there
  • Stuart, Bristol
    Having made use of spoken word books for several years, I continue to find that I am disadvantaged by the lack of popular titles and the considerable delay of availablilty. My local authority library service does not invest sufficient funding to this element of service.
  • Sarah, Chelmsford
    Although I agree that more books should be made acessible to those with VI, that is sadly only the beginning of the struggle. Although, with assistance from the NLB I have managed to aquire accessible resources, I have often struggled to get my sighted classmates and teachers to understand and support me in using them. For example, although I managed to find a Giant Print copy of the novel I am currently studying for my English Literature A-Level I was prevented from using it because my teacher insisted on studying the book using page references. I am currently using an ordinary print copy which I can only read at a snail's pace with my eyes an inch from the page. Finding acessable resources is one thing - getting the sighted world to deal with the inconveniance of letting you use them is quite another.
  • Melissa, London
    Reading is one of the ways we experience and understand the world and our place in it. It shouldn't be denied to anyone.
  • Saliha , Bradford
    I am a visually impaired person and struggle to find books that can read. I totally agree with the Right to Read campaign. I think it is sad that people with a sight problem or disability can't read the same books as sighted people.
  • Sarwar, London
    Reading is a joy to me. I think it is unacceptable that so many people are being denied this right. We need to make sure that everyone has the same access to books as I do!
  • sharon, huddersfield
    All children and adults with sight impairment deserve the same amount of reading pleasure as sighted people.
  • georgina, parisot
    As a life time reader in the last few years have become friends with someone who cannot see, I was shocked to discover that she is simply unable to read virtually any of the books I can.
  • Ann, Arundel
    Where I live there are several visually impaired pensioners. This has made me realise the difficulty they have in not being able to read food boxes and confined to indoors. I had heard the problem with lack of books Thank you for what you do. Yours ann c
  • LLINOS, AMLWCH
    My son is blind and therefore is educated in braille. I think it's disgraceful that only 4% of published books would be suitable for my son to read because of his disability. The goverment say that they want to better education and so forth, are they planning on only educating the able? should everyone else suffer? is my son not entitled to the same education, the same oppotunities as other abled children? There is enough stigma about the blind and partially sighted. Exluding them from reading important books as part of their education and in their independant lives is just making it worse. The goverment must do something to change this for the sake of my 5 year old son and for every other blind or partially sighted child/person!
  • Fiona, Irby
    I think everyone should have the enjoyment of a good book to read. Our literature is part of our heritage and should be accessable to everyone!
  • Susannah, Ruislip
    It's staggering to think we can send a probe to mars but not to ensure ALL people can get a book in a preferred format.
  • Sarah, Glasgow
    Is it much more difficult to transcribe two copies of a book rather than just one? The second copy could be held in a central library, logically run by the RNIB, from which further copies could be run off from.
  • abigail, isle of wight
    We found it fairly easy when our daughter was younger because childrens books usually are available in large size, but now she is 9 it is getting harder as most books for her age are small paperbacks which are totally inappropriate for her sight problems.
  • Keith, kirkcaldy
    I have had a sight problem from the age of 7 years and at primary school they thought I was backward, and got no help, just told to move closer to the blackboard.
  • Kayleigh , Cinderford
    Everyone deserves the right to read. Books should be made in a format to allow everyone to be able to read them.
  • Martin, Buckingham
    Whilst supporting the full scope of the Right to Read Campaign, I am personally focused on the challenge of helping my son who is visually impaired access the full school curriculum. My concern is that to require a multitude of different publishers to act will take an extremely long time to produce benefits. Time that people who need access now haven't got! Whilst it's only addressing a small part of the problem, I feel that there is massive resource being wasted every day that could be better coordinated: How many hours are hundreds of TA's and Senco's and the like spending scanning or enlarging the very same text book up and down the country? And every one of those TA's and Senco's etc have to be paid - its a valuable resource. If the same book was scanned once only and the electronic file made available to everyone, the same resource could work together to scan a much much wider range of titles directly or indirectly related to the curriculum. The massive potential time saving means part of the same resource could then be used to fully re-key the core curriculum titles such that they could be output locally or centrally in any number of formats (electronic editable - for variable print size/colour ouputs -, braille or even converted to audio). I don't claim to have a solution for all access types or the whole curriculum but I'm going to do what I can to get the ball rolling on at least a part of the curriculum and part of the access requirements. If I have any luck I'll post the results!
  • Sarah, Wellingborough
    I am working as VI LSA with an 11 year old boy who at the moment can only read Grade 1 braille. The school and myself are finding it near impossible to find age appropriate, inspiring books for his age group that are also aimed at the male reader. It seems to be at the moment, an on going, frustrating experience.
  • Frances, East Twickenham
    My daughter has Nystagmus and has to have a lot of her school work enlarged for her - as text in books gets smaller I worry that she will struggle.
  • Peter, Grantham
    It is shocking that 96% of books published in the UK can't be read by people with sight problems. The message conveyed is still that they are disabled and no good and we know that that is not true.
  • Nicola, Plymouth
    I feel the support and amount of reading aids for the blind and partially sighted in our country is disgusting, I hope this campaign is enough to kick government into making more of a positive contribution.
  • kattie, bracknell
    Everybody should have the right to do what they are capable of no matter what disability they may have.
  • VALERIE, Nr HULL
    I am an author of twelve published books and also a volunteer with The Hull & District Talking Magazine for the Blind, so have a dual interest in supporting the Right to Read Campaign. I consider it an injustice that people with a sight disability should have to wait longer than anyone else in order to access their reading material. It's rather like someone in a wheelchair having to wait for a ramp to be fitted before they are allowed to enter a building. Keep campaigning. This is the 21st century!
  • sheila, London
    I am registered blind. I love reading and want to access the books my friends are reading when they read them - which is usually when they are first published. Many of the books I want to read are not available in audio format for many years after publication if at all. I find this very frustrating. I also get very angry at having to pay about £15 for a cd of an abridged vrersion of a book I want to read. I pay about 3 times as much as my friends pay for a paperback and if I'm very lucky get about 1/3 of the content. That does not seem to me to be a very good deal!
  • hazel, Armagh
    It is great to see that RNIB is highlighting this short fall in the education system! Everyone should be given the opportunity to read and write!
  • Norman, Featherstone
    As a totally blind person I find Braille books invaluable. I would very much welcome books in electronic format which I could download on my computer.
  • Anmol , Greenford
    Children with visual impairment can do as good as any other child with normal vision, provided they are provided with large print books. Because of the non-availability of this service, the future of these children is jeopardised.
  • Robert Huw, Sheffield
    As a lecturer in the Sensory Impaired Service in the local FE College I am aware on a daily basis the problrems people with a visual impairment have in accessing books etc that others take for granted.
  • JOANNE, ROTHERHAM
    My 6-year-old daughter is registered blind and is in mainstream education. I cannot thank Rotherham Visual Impaired Services enough for the effort they put in to obtaining large print books for key stage 1 curriculum. If they are not available we do have to make do with photocopies!
  • Marie, Malvern
    My son is partially sighted and loves reading, but large print books are difficult to come by, and very expensive. School books are enlarged on a photocopier and are not available in large print. This makes life difficult for the student and the teacher. Being partially sighted does not make my son any less of a person, yet he is treated differently to other students. Why should he be singled out??
  • Tammy, Ramona, California
    This is an appalling situation. It is discriminatory and ablistic. It needs to be remedied; it's the Twenty First Century!
  • Thelma, Cowes
    It is hard to believe that in this 21st century in an educational climate where inclusion is promoted as being a right not an option, that children are still unable to access learning materials because of a disability.This is simply a matter of profit,or lack of it in the case of provision for partially sighted children.Fine words are meaningless without practical support and materials. This issue needs resolving as all the comments here bear testimony. Let's put some money where our mouths too often are! Thelma Howland
  • Judith, Chorley
    Books should be produced in all formats especially Talking Books as soon as the print version is published and that is EVERY book. I want to be able to access all the books I am interested in. It is so discriminating and I feel like a third class citizen pushed to the fringes of society not able to take part.
  • Carole, Bristol
    No matter how trivial or serious the reading matter, each person should have equal access to that written word.
  • Andy, Bolton
    I suffer from Epilepsy and struggle to concentrate on the written word. The talking books have been a godsend, but am dismayed at the little content there is. Surely in today's society - this cannot be allowed to continue.
  • heather, chingford
    Thanks for giving me the opportunity to add my name to such a worthwhile cause. I'm frankly shocked that this is the case, in this new century of innovation and design? Disgusting.
  • Fiona, Ayr
    Having worked with students who have visual impairments I know that having books in suitable formats would be an invaluable benefit to them.
  • Jennifer, London
    I have a degenerative sight problem and dread the day when my choice of books will shrink because only 4% of published books will be available to me.
  • Isabel, London
    I am shocked at your findings and think that it should be part of education and library policy to cater equally for people with impaired vision, young or old.
  • Mari G, LLANRWST
    I ADAPT WORK FOR VI AT THE SCHOOL AND M OVERLOADED WITH WORK SO WHEN I GET A REQUEST FOR A BOOK IT IS VITAL TO GET ONE THAT IS ALREADY ADAPTED TO MAKE SURE THE PUPIL STAYS IN MAINSTREAM.
  • Anne, Cheadle Hulme
    As a QTVI working with children in mainstream schools I am well aware of the difficulties faced by VI pupils when trying to access printed curriculum materials. The time and effort made by numerous individuals around the country in producing large/modified printed materials is incredible. A co-ordinated approach is long overdue.
  • John, Runcorn
    Everyone should have the right to read, irrespective of who they are.
  • Sally, Isle of Wight
    It is very difficult to get large print reading books for children at school.
  • caroline, nottingham
    I have always wanted to read books all my life and I have always had sight problems. Now a days I like reading large print at font size 48 and audio books but I dont often get the books I would like to read and if I do it not at the same time as my sighted friends so please sign the Right to Read Declaration and let people with sight loss be able to read! what they like when they like!
  • Christine, Keighley
    My ten year old niece is extremely intelligent, but has been held back with her reading because of the lack of large print books suitable for her age - if fully sighted, we believe she would have been far more advanced for her age. Reading is so important to help develop and encourage all the other academic subjects to enable partially sighted people to succeed in life.
  • Karen, Ruislip
    I am a SENCo in a secondary school and am fully behind this campaign. I think it is amazing that most educational publishers have an SEN section and yet do not make their text books available for visually impaired students.
  • Lynne, Northampton
    My mother in law is partially sighted and unfortunatly it is getting worse, she is 92 and spends all of her time reading, I order her books from the library in large print all the time and I find it harder all the time to get different titles that she wants in large print. I have got a whole list of books that I am waiting for to come out in large print but it seems that the wait goes on for ever and ever. Why should some one who enjoys reading so much and spends 80% of their day reading have to wait so long for a book to be made available by an author they like because they have not been printed in large print. You can buy bottles of spirits in every concievable size that you can think of and sweets come in small medium and large packets, clothes come in different sizes so lets have all books no matter what their subject be printed automatically in Normal and Large print, braille & talking books all on the same publication date not 6 months later as it is now or not all in some cases.
  • Rachel, Bolton
    Everyone should have the right to enjoy books, as the written word is such a powerful form of communication, and can be a wonderful source of enjoyment. Learning to read is pushed so much in schools now, so it is grossly unfair to deny this right to so many UK citizens.
  • Harpreet, Gravesend
    I work with visually impaired children at a secondary school and find it very frustrating when my students cannot find suitable books to read due to the shortage of enlarged books.
  • Margaret, Tunbridge Wells
    I help a visually impaired child to read in school. She finds the books available out-dated and mostly unrelated to the National Curriculum work she does in school.
  • william, woking
    I know Emily very well and fully understand her problems with reading. Without big print books the libraries are no benefit to her and to continue her progress through life will be very difficult for her. Everybody should have an equal chance in life despite any disabilities.
  • Sue, Horsmonden
    I work with a blind girl in Yr 5 ALL her reading books are supplied by the Teacher of Children with Sensory Impairment. She doesn't go to the school library with rest of class because it has no books for her to choose. I think she misses out on the experience that other children take for granted.
  • Rory, Dumfries
    This is an extremely good campaign
  • Gail, Bournemouth
    Working in the Service Sector, I deal with disabled people every day. Whilst recently taking part in a disability awareness course, I was amazed to learn that a large multinational hotel company like the one I work for, will not fork out for the simple and inexpensive equipment that I'd consider essential for a deaf or blind person's safety in the event of a fire! Having two highly intelligent cousins who are blind, I most definitely support this latest campaign, so that they and others like them can lead life to the full, as is their right.
  • Pat, Huntingdon
    I think it is disgraceful that 96% of books are not available for people with sight difficulties. If the government saved money by cutting down on costly publcations for their educational interventions, I am sure the savings would pay for more braille and large print books.
  • Malcolm, Carnoustie
    My experience of this problem comes from trying to get current audio books at not only affordable prices, but actually findind them in print(CD or Tape). I am particularly annoyed at finding paperbacks on offer for a few pounds but the equivalent in audio at several times the price. I welcome this initiative and thoroughly endorse the campaign. Both my wife and I love to read. Malcolm Morrison. 10.11.2006
  • Mary, Cowes
    Wouldn't the time spent photocopying material for children with visual imparment be better spent making original materials to support and extend their experiences.
  • Jo, Ryton
    I work in a mainstream primary school. One of our pupils is a gifted mathematician and is blind. I have witnessed the hours spent by his specialist teaching assistant brailling maths books often on a Perkins as the computer will not convert simple primary level Maths to braille. This is an outrage in 2006.
  • Jane, Basildon
    if we are to ensure that all people in society have a fair and equal chance in life making books available to all at the same time is an obvious necessity.
  • robin, norfolk
    Great Campaign fully behind it. My son is partially sighted and has little access to books other than struggling on or audio books Come on, lets work together to get something done!
  • claire, attleborough
    Please get some help for my brother then me and my mum won't have to read to him every night for him to be up to date with his friends all the time. He nags if we do not have time and why should he have to ..if he could see the writing he would not have to be read to, but could read the books himself and then be proud.
  • robin, norfolk
    Great Campaign. I'm fully behind it. My son is partially sighted and has little access to books other than struggling on or audio books. Come on, lets work together to get something done
  • Dave, Cowes
    I am a teacher (year !/2) with a young lad of 7 years old - we have had no joy of finding books with large print for him (font size 36) while he is learning to read. I therefore make sure that I either photocopy and enlarge the text and blu-tack it under the pictures (e.g. Oxford Reading Tree books) or scan all the pictures and type the text up and print out a book, one or two a week for him to take home. Needless to say, if he reads more then this amount or I forget to print him a book, he and his mum feel let down, not by me neccesarily but by the lack of suitable books available.
  • David, Bingley
    I am sighted and resonably fit. A friend age 55 is virtually blind and I have full sympathy with anyone in his condition - he has been a great reader all his life, until now.
  • Beverly, Southampton
    Large print books are also a benefit to those who may not be visually impaired but have other minor disabilities making it difficult to read for long periods.
  • Helen, Cambridge
    My niece is registered blind and she finds it hard not to be able to read the same books as her 11 year old friends!
  • Anne, Bracknell
    We have an 11 year old daughter with Albinism. Books for younger children usually have quite big text but the "older" books have not and it has been a real problem finding books that she can access as she has grown older. The libraries and the bookshops do of course have "talking" books but most "commercially" available "talking" books are abridged which I think again disadvantages the VI reader.
  • Tina , Heathfield
    I think books should be available to everyone whatever their sight ability. I enjoy reading but my son enjoys listening to audio tapes due to needing larger print, and these are not always available in the type of story he would like to read or listen to!
  • Mark, Wakefield
    I think its very important being blind myelf. Why should I have to pay more and wait just because my eyes don't work!
  • Elvira, Leeds
    I am a Braille user and find it really difficult to get books I want or need to read. My friends and collegues, most of whom are sighted, often discuss books they have read. Some of them I've never even heard of, or I've heard of them, wanted to read them but couldn't get them in Braille or audio. I can't get involved in those conversations and it makes me feel really left out and annoyed. I love reading, so you can imagin the frustration.
  • karen, keighley
    Everyone should have access to books, regardless of whether they have or haven't sight problems. Those with sight difficulties should be entitled to be able to read any book just as accessibly as people who take sight for granted.
  • DERRICK, SEVENOAKS
    I love travel writing and humourous fictional tales. I go to Amazon or other online bookstores and read the synopsis's of various books and decide I must buy this! I have stacks of books now, mostly unread or part read. I struggle with a magnifying glass and then fall asleep after a few pages. I know that I can probably finish one book in about 6-9 months like this! I wish I could read more of the books I desire.
  • Wendy, Stroud
    I love reading books, it's one of the great pleasures in my life, not to mention the enormous help in learning - and one thing we sighted people take entirely for granted. I can't imagine how frustrating it must be to have such a limited choice...I wish you all the best of luck with this campaign.
  • Kristy, London
    My aunt has worked for her education authority translating books to braille. I also heard 'In Touch' on Radio 4 the other night and am shocked at the lack of recources available for children in school if they have sight problems. This needs to be addressed urgently.
  • Colin, London
    As a totally blind person less leisure activities are open to me so it is even more important that blind people have access to as many books as possible. Also, the description of scenes and people, gestures and landscapes contained in literature are a wonderful "window on the visual world" - audio description on life. I'm not a campaigner by nature but I do believe in access to books and information. So good luck!
  • Philip John, London
    Nobody ever made a bigger mistake then to do nothing because they could only do a little.
  • Jacqueline, London
    I am an LSA working in a sixth form college and constantly fighting to ensure that the visually impaired student who I support has material presented to him in an accessible form. I had previously thought how much easier it would be if could obtain an electronic version of publications, so I am delighted to hear of this campaign and support it wholeheartedly.
  • Ruth, London
    As a sighted person who was able to study English Literature at Univerity, I think it is appalling that people are missing out on the incredible enjoyment and fulfillment that comes from reading simply because suitable materials are not available. I fully support the campaign to ensure everyone has the right to read all books, in whatever form they need.
  • Magdalene, Peterborough
    I work at RNIB in Peterborough and find it lamentable that there is such a shortage of readable mediums widely available for partially sighted and blind people.
  • Fionnuala, Aghadowey
    I grew up in a family who have a great love for books and all things literary. From being read bedtime stories as young children to staying up reading in bed well past our bedtimes as we got older, books, reading and literature were colourfully woven ino the taperstries of our childhood. Reading was a source of entertainment, an emotional journey, a means of escape. This family loves books. This family also has two partially sighted members, who have never had the ease of access to books which I and other siblings of mine enjoyed, and I have never understood why. Why should some of our family have the right to read while others don't. Why should some of the UK's population have the right to enjoy a good book while others have a heavily constricted choice of reading materials in even fewer formats, much later than the date of publication. Why should it be that one little girl can turn to her sister and ask "Have you finished the Lord of the Rings yet?" for her sister to have to reply "No, my eyes and neck are sore from reading it with the magnifier, I'll have to leave it for a while." Would you deny your children the ability to join Frodo and his friends in his adventure to triumph over evil? No? Nor would I. Give my family the book. Give it to them at the same time, and in the right format, as other people receive it. To quote Shane Logan of RNIB Northern Ireland "To do anything less would be a disgrace."
  • Barbara, Wakefield
    I can't begin to imagine a world without sight, a world without reading. I hope I never have to live in that world.
  • Kerrie, Poole
    My grandad has limited hearing and his sight is detoriating to such a degree that he can only read large print books. However, due to the limited amount of large books available to him, he refuses to use them and struggles to read normal print as he is scared that one day he will simply run out of things to read.
  • Jill, Coventry
    I love books and have always. Everybody should have access to read all books.
  • Pauline, Horley
    it is essential that books get turned into more accessible formats.
  • Jonathan E, Crawley
    The right to read is a good campaign to get behind as there are not enough books for people blind and partially sighted people.....
  • Kathryn, Lancaster
    I think that people with sight problems should be given the same rights as everyone else to read.
  • David, Keighley
    I am signing this because I have a ten year old, partially sighted, granddaughter. Her future will depend on having access to a full range of reading matter both in her education and in adult life.
  • Karen, Hornchurch
    My daughter Lucy has visual impairment, she has great difficulty getting hold of large print books for her age group (7). This problem needs to be addressed for many people as every person despite their own disabilities, should be given equal opportunities to obtain all books and study material in large print, audio or braille. Blind and visually impaired people are quite often overlooked and this should be recognized. Thank you.
  • Sarah, Attleborough
    Fantastic..we will always support your campaigns this one is close to our hearts. Toby has to struggle on with only enlargements (photocopied). So pleased to be part of this campaign keep up the great work and lets join together to get something done..NOW!
  • Ann, Ashford
    It's scandalous! The Disability Discrimination Act was meant to end discrimination. The reality is very different.
  • Margaret, Carnoustie
    I am blind. I want to listen to new books when they are published. It's so frustrating hearing a book review and desperately wanting to read it but know you can't. You feel excluded from society.
  • Viv, Tunbridge Wells
    I find it hard to believe that in these days of technology 96% of books published in the UK are still not accessible to people with sight problems.
  • Janine Blecker, Birmingham

    A Mother’s Plea

    Can I ask you all to hear a mother’s plea,
    and join the “Right to Read” campaign from the RNIB.
    Please help us deal with our children's plight,
    cos they can’t read the same as kids with full sight.

    Our youngsters need textbooks in large print and Braille
    But all our efforts will be to no avail
    Twenty thousand children’s education is suffering,
    While the powers that be sit about and do nothing.

    These kids can’t pick up a book like the rest of their peers
    I’ve seen my own daughter in tears.
    How hard can it be in this electronic age
    to give our kids access to the written page.

    They are just the same as me and you
    Don’t these kids have the “Right to Read” too?

    By Janine Blecker Davis
    8th November 2006
  • Sallyanne, Wimbledon
    Fantastic idea! Have just started work as a learning assistant for a blind student and would welcome a greater pool of Brailled resources.
  • Joy, Chatham
    As a teaching assistant to a student who requires large print books at A-level standard, I find it frustrating that so little is available, to put her on an equal standing with other people.
  • Carmel, Leeds
    I have been borrowing or buying talking books for my daughter since her early childhood, as she loves books and stories but has reading difficulties owing to her general learning disability. It's her bedtime relaxation every night. It is so unfair that I have to pay £60+ to get her the new Harry Potter audiobooks when they are available in paperback for about £7.00. Why should people already disadvantaged by society have to suffer a double whammy just to access print -and pay VAT for the privilege.
  • Steve, Wirral
    Personally, my wish is for recenlty published titles in DAISY book format, especially non-fiction titles related to sport. Professionally, my need is for electroinc versions of school text books, so that these can be produced in suitable formats for blind and partially sighted chidren, particularly of secondary school age.
  • lesley, SLOUGH
    As a specialist assistant who supports a blind child in mainstream school I think it is appalling. Please let me know if I can help at all.
  • Elizabeth , Birchington
    I work in a VI provision in a mainstream secondary school where we have to find ways of providing work in formats our pupils can access, as required by the exam boards.
  • Cheryl, Elrick
    Being fully sighted and fortunate to have good sight, until I met and befriended a lovely girl who has been blind since birth, it never crossed my mind that simple things like having access to read books, whether it be in braille or listening to audio books was so difficult. It has really opened my mind to the difficulties experienced and I feel guilty I took it for granted.
  • Debbie, Hassocks
    Everyone has the right to read but need the choice of books to be available.
  • Diane, Brighton
    I am totally blind and have always struggled to obtain books that I want to read. As a partially sighted child I used to have three or four different books each term to read and that was it. Even now as an adult doing a degree I am struggling to find the books I really need to be able to complete my studies. Why can't we have books that we want in an accessible format, now. Not just for our children or children's children but now. The technology is out there most if not all books are produced on computers why can't they allow services like the RNIB to have access to these files so that we can read what everyone else is reading and when they want to. I am fed up with my friends telling me about wonderful books they have read that I will never have the chance to read. Please make this change and now not in the future.
  • Paul, London
    As a blind person I find it frustrating that I am not able to access the same books as my sighted friends and colleagues. Some publishers (Pearson) are starting to offer their books in an electronic format, maybe the government should enforce a legislation to force more publishers to do the same, or should it not have been written into the DDA? After all is not offering your material in an accessible format not discriminating?
  • Melvyn, Derby
    As a blind person I strongly support this campaign. I love to read (widely) for pleasure and need to read (specialist) books for the business I run. I can read the things I need through the lifeline of scan-reading technology and buying the books I need. However, how much more efficiently and effectively I could acquire the information I need if all books were made available in a form that I could access directly through my technology? And how much valuable time would I save?
  • Mandy, Arnlod
    My son is 7 is partially sighted. His school try to do their upmost to help Lewis.They cannot get the books needed to help him in large print. I feel this holds him back in his learning ie spelling, writing and reading. He uses a machine to read with and this makes him feel different to all the other children. This is so fustrating for him and take twice as long to read. I only hope the goverment can put this right for these children. There is also a buyer's market for these types of books. So why so few resouces?
  • Brigitte, Southampton
    We love books!
  • Catherine, Peterborough
    I'm losing my eyesight and am devouring all the books I can while I can. When I can't read normal print any more, what am I going to do without all those 3 for 2 offers that sighted people take for granted? And what will I do without all the special interest books I love, that a charity like RNIB can never afford to convert into Talking Books for me?
  • Elanor, Derbyshire
    I love reading but find it really difficult to get the books I would like to read in large print. When I do find them they are so much more expensive than standard books. I have an MA in History despite being unable to read any of the books I needed myself. I had all the books read to me and completed all my work from memory. It would have been so much easier if I had been able to access books myself.
  • Bill, Nottingham
    The Government so far has completely failed to engage with this crisis. My message to the government is: parents of blind and partially sighted children, the children, teachers, charities, other organisations and the general public are still calling for your help. They have heard your rhetoric on social inclusion and children's education. It means nothing to any of them and will continue to have no relevance until you decide to engage with those affected. Please act now and play your part in helping to solve the problem.
  • IAN, Newcastle under Lyme
    My son is partially sighted and loves to read and has a very keen interest in computers.He is frustrated that large print books on this subject and many many more are near to impossible to find and on the rare occasion he finds a suitable book the price is extortionate.
  • Jennifer, Stone
    It is a constant struggle to get the right books in time - getting the teacher to let us know in time, checking our own resources, RevealWeb & vi forum, but still not finding just the right book.
  • Cassandra, London
    I'm the Commissioning Editor for Maths and Science school books at HarperCollins publishers, and for some time now we have been looking at ways to make our resources accessible to visually impaired children. Following the RNIB's recent report, I am looking forward to working more closely with them to ensure that as educational publishers we can meet all of our customers' requirements. If any parents or teachers would like further information on obtaining large print or CD versions of Collins' books, please feel free to contact me directly.
  • Sarah , Bridport
    There are charitable projects that transcribe into Large Print and Braille, these could be more widely used.
  • Susan, Northampton
    My Grandmother was blind and used talking books as obviously she couldn't read. She would have been so bored without these. My Aunt is also partially blind and will eventually need these. At the moment she needs very large print to be able to read.
  • Mike, Preston
    Seems there is a similar situation in higher education as well - with many recommended recently published text books not being available in electronic formats.
  • Peggy, Melbourne
    I think it is appaling that the government are not doing anything to provide books in an alternative format. I know from experience that it is very expensive procedure. It is worse in mainstream schools. A student who is blind or vision impaired have every right to access the same material as their sighted peers. The government need to pick up their game.
  • JACQUI, ROYSTON
    My 13 year old son has ocular albinism and has struggled throughout all his schooling, the school have been great with supplying CCTVs and photocopying things for him, but he has to stay longer and after school for things to be done for him, It would really improve his chances if he could have the larger text books when all the other children get their 'normal' size text books. Life is hard enough for them without all this extra hassle!
  • Deborah, Surrey
    It is very hard to keep interested in reading when every word is a struggle. I loved reading until recently once my eyesight has got worse and now miss out on so much information and enjoyment.
  • Jane, Crowborough
    I was shocked to learn that in a developed country like ours so many people are denied the right to read which most take for granted.
  • michael, waltham abbey
    Reading is one of my greatest pleasures and it distresses me to think that such an easily provided thing as adapted books seems so difficult to organise! I wish you luck with your campaign!!!!
  • Beth, Altrincham
    I believe publishers have an obligation to provide their material in an accessible way for each and every person, blind or otherwise.
  • Estelle, Rayleigh
    As a teacher of children with VI I find it unacceptable to have to give them second best, when, in this electronic age, better alternatives are available.
  • Pamela, Barnet
    As a SENCo in school I am saddened that visually impaired children, who struggle to read sometimes, are denied a choice in their reading material. We spend a great deal of time searching for books which are suitable from a content and print point of view. Braille readers are given choice which is denied to those who require a large print format.I feel sure that many children will be denied the joy of reading because the struggle is too great.
  • Kelly, London
    My boyfriend Paul is registered blind and is currently in his first year at University of Greenwich. So far he has had no help with his study books and is now on the verge of deferring for another year. I think it is a shame that he is not classed as an urgent disabled student.
  • James, Peterborough
    Increasingly dear to my heart as I discover what I haven't yet read, and what I'd like to read.
  • Margaret, Wirral
    I have macular degeneration and found it so depressing not to be able to read for pleasure. Since I have had a Talking Books reader my life has changed, but while many books are available, there are very many more that aren't. All books should be available to all who want to read them. Thank you for the campaign
  • Una, Bexley
    My children with visual impairment should have the same access to books, especially educational text as their peers, they should be allowed to reach there potential, after all the government have decided "Every Child Matters".
  • James D, Wirral
    Thankfully I have no sight problems, but both my wife and our son have. I'm aware of how limited their reading enjoyment is, especially when books are not available in a format they can manage.
  • James H, Wirral
    I am partially-sighted and struggled with Braille at school. I wish we had had talking books at the time because I would probably have enjoyed reading more.
  • chantel, london
    People who have sight problem have the right to read a book just like any other person. We're all the same!
  • Yvonne, Chelwood Gate
    I can't believe in this day and age that a library of braille books is not available for people with sight problems. It should be automatic that all books are translated into braille. We are depriving the visually impaired children of their right to a full education, we are discriminating against them.
  • Jacob, Evanston
    I think it is absolutely shocking that 96% of people with a visual impairment living in the UK cannot find accessible books.
  • Lauren, Horsham
    I have been in full time education for twenty years. Since leaving the school system and attending university and law school I have had massive problems getting the textbooks I need to complete my studies successfully. I do not read braile and rely on large print. Whilst some textbooks seem to be available in braille they are rarely available in large print. This makes it much harder for me to complete my work than it is for my peers because I have to spend weeks scanning my textbooks in to my computer myself before I can even start reading! If publishers were prepared to make books available in large print this would be a massive help. Alternatively if they would make them available in an editable electronic format this would be of significant help. Some publishers have sent me books in PDF format but the usefulness of this is limited by the fact that I can't increase the text size to print them out. If they were prepared to provide them in an editable format such as Word it would be so much easier for me to print the books in a suitable font size and to complete my work as easily as my peers can.
  • Amanda, Attleborough
    I work at a local primary school supporting a partially sighted child. I feel it is important that he has the same opportunities as his friends for reading books when they are first published. At the moment he is unable to read the current stories for himself when they first appear on sale, therefore he is unable to compare the book with his friends. By the time he has a suitable copy (mostly at a higher cost) and can read the book for himself his friends have long forgotten the book. Also with the technology we have today, school resourse books should also come on disc for PC use; this way the user has the choice to either view the materials on screen or the article/page can be set at the correct font size and simply printed off for use in the classroom. Presently A4 copies have to be enlarged onto A3 paper, this does enlarge the text, but also increases the scanning process from side to side whilst reading, which can sometimes make reading harder for the user.
  • Steven, Kilwinning
    I am TRYING to study for a degree in Psychology. It's almost impossible to get course books; those you can get are generally out of date; by the time those hard working people at RNIB have converted them it is often too late to be of any real use. Why can't they be published in a print disabled format at the same time as the \"Normal\" Edition? Why, in a course that is hard enough without any other confounding issues, am I further made to feel like a lesser student by this practice? Let me read for God's sake! Allow me the opportunity to take that level of access for-granted the way other students do!
  • Sandy, Liverpool
    I am a SENCO at a primary school. I have been photocopying whole text books for a VI child, now aged 11, for the whole of her school career. The SATs papers are discriminatory in that the large format papers are greyscale, not colour (the Key Stage 1 papers the year our pupil was tested). Also, it is not a case of simply just enlarging text - the text often has to be re-organised on the page, particularly on "busy" pages with lots of information, diagrams, etc. Many large print books are simply a larger copy of the original, without consideration made for layout.
  • Faye, Nottingham
    I think that everyone should be entitled to the joy of books and reading.
  • sarah, Manchester
    I would have thought that this would all fall under the Disability Discrimination Act where any person with any disability would have access to everything that other able bodied people have. Lets get this sorted, this is the twenty first century!
  • Tracey, Bolton
    I have been finding it quite hard to get books in audio formats, which I would like to read. I do like family sagas but have also gotten to like some crime. I've found the authors which I would like to read are not available where ever I look even though I have also tried to buy them off other outlets. I have even tried to buy some on Ebay, but not been successful.
  • Susan, Glasgow
    I am registered blind myself although partially sighted. I lost full sight as a result of a car accident and my aquired brain injury. I used to love reading so much, but now I find it very difficult. I used to love getting lost in other world or experiences I could only get through books. I fully support any moves to get better support for youngsters.
  • Steve, Cheltenham
    Because I grew up at a time when very few contemporary books were available in braille I have become used to not being able to read them. Of course, this is an undesirable state of affairs and I welcome the move to change things.
  • andrea, leicester
    Access to literature, information and publications, either for pleasure, work or education - should be an automatic right for everyone. This needs to change now!
  • Laura, Wolverhampton
    As a trainee teacher I find it shocking how many books are inaccessible to those with visual impairments or dyslexia. I feel that it is vitally important for children, especially, to have access to a wide range of books from an early age to nurture their developing language and literacy skills. I am sure that when I discuss this with my fellow students you will have a few more names to add to your petition!!
  • Darren, London
    I am an author and would like to know who it is I need to speak to in order to get my published work translated into Braille.
  • Lawson, Falkirk
    While I am very happy that I receive RNIB Talking Books, how good it would be to be able to read the new bestseller when it hits the shops.
  • mandy, barnsley
    Blind people should have the same choice in things to read and it should cost the same too. It is disability discrimination if school children are not getting to read the same books as children without sight problems.
  • Karen, Finchley
    My son is an avid and very able reader but needs to access large print. These large print books are never available at the same time as the launch of 'normal' print book, particularly the more popular children's books and he is not able to read them at the same time as his friends - putting my son at a distinct disadvantage. This is not inclusion but exclusion on a grand scale!
  • Tim, Portsmouth
    I am a Braille Instructor working for HM Prison Service. I am surprised at this campaign as I mailshot many schools offering our Braille and Large Text services. Only two schools in my area have made use of this service. There are a number of Braille workshops in Prisons across the country. Surely the prison service could centrally co-ordinated these to produce relevant school text books. I would be more than happy to work with the RNIB on this subject.
  • Antoinette, Ulverston
    I have taught students with sight problems and appreciate how hard it is to obtain texts and textbooks in a readable format. Remember, too, that younger people can be taught to read in electroic form, using a computer, a programme such as Jaws, and a "braille line". Readable electronic texts should be made widely available.
  • Louisa, Wokingham
    I can never read the same book as my husband at the same time. We hear of a great book and he dives in and reads it and I'm stuck as it's never available in my choice of format. I can't just go into a book store and buy a book off the shelf and in my local library I've gone through many of the books available to me. Why don't I have the right to read any book I choose? Why does someone else get to make this choice for me?
  • Darren, Bury St. Edmunds
    Although I myself have no problem with reading standard books, I find it appauling that virtually all books in schools are not avaliable in a format which blind or partially sighted people can use. This has to change.
  • Paul, Goxhill
    Of course it is shocking that not enough books are available in accessible formats. As a company that produces accessible media, we know how easy it is to do, given the text files of the books. We have just completed a local author's book, but the basic costs of modification, transcription and then printing or embossing mean that the price will be higher than any standard version, even without our profit margin. (We have to eat!). The same issue arises with EU documents. It appears that anyone is welcome to have these transcribed locally by braille producers, BUT the end user has to fund it! Why cannot we adopt some kind of principle where any print production has a percentage of the cost of the print run allocated to reimbursing people who have had the document transcribed (or the approved transcribers). I don't know what the figures would be, but the population of modified large print and braille readers can be guestimated and a suitable percentage of the print cost placed in a holding account somewhere for drawing down. Sorry for the simplistic approach, but something really need doing about it. As for curriculum materials - don't get me started. I've been there, and am very aware that work done in preparation of files for modified versions is officially "lost" once used. A database of these "lost" files would save a dramatic amount of resource workers' time and effort which could be better used.
  • Simon, Guildford
    I absolutely love reading books, it brings me great pleasure. I never knew so many people in the UK could not share this experience. I fully support the Right to Read campaign
  • bernadette, Tarbet
    My issue is with stroke victims that lose sight in one eye - the print is always very small and very close together.
  • Terri, Farnborough
    Due to this problem I don't read read often. Its not just books that need to be accessible its print in general.
  • Lin, Rainham
    I do think it shocking and didn't realise. However, I would like to know more of this plight and the result of this campaign.
  • elaine, Notts
    I worked in a library for years and the one problem was titles for readers with sight problems. Libraries can't supply what isn't written. Classics are few and far between. Mens stories too.
  • James, London
    I am not blind or partially sighted but I have poor eyesight when I am not wearing glasses or contact lenses, so I can appreciate what it is like not being able to see properly. However, I cannot imagine being a blind or partially sighted child and not being able to use school text books. I hope your campaign encourages the Government, publishers and book shops to work together to achieve the aims set in the Declaration.
  • Anthony, Glasgow
    It is essential, particularly for school children, that books and other reading materials are made fully accessible to all. The availability of accessible education materials cannot be avoided by Government. Their duty to provide this is unconditional.
  • Tracy, Uckfield
    Everyone should have material available to them to read.
  • Gavin, Holmfirtrh
    Books are the most important form of communication, even in the age of electronics.
  • Geoffrey Michael, Dewsbury
    It is essential that blind and partially sighted people should have automatic equal rights to accessible formats of books in the format of their choice. Put an end to this blatent discrimination now!!
  • damien, worcester
    I am visually impaired myself, therefore feel very strongly on this subject, being perfectly aware that hardly any of the books I'd like to read aren't available.
  • Denise, Northampton
    I don't have any sight problems but I do love to listen to audio books which I borrow from my local libary. I find that the choices are very limited and from a personal point of view think that there should be more options. This can only benefit the entire community as a whole. Also when I've looked in shops to buy audio books it seems to be impossible to find any and when you do find them they're not from the bestseller list and are extremly expensive. Surely it's discriminatary to charge so much for something that a person with difficulties needs, wants or desires. Where is the freedom of choice?
  • Zoe, Chelmsford
    I think is is disgusting that the percentage of books printed in braille or large print is so small. These people are already discriminated against, why make things worse?. Also, how can they justify charging more money for essentially the same thing? Not impressed.
  • Helen, Paisley
    Our 12-year-old son is blind. He loves audio books but these are very expensive and a very limited choice. We are happy to support RNIB to improve everyone's right to read in a format which is suitable for them.
  • Ann, London
    I think its completely shocking that so many children can't access school textbooks in an appropriate format.
  • Richard, Havant
    The right to read is a civil right everyone should have.
  • Gill, Norwich
    I am 26 years old and partially sighted to a degree where I can function perfectly normally on a day to day basis and only require visual aids for reading. Whilst I am completely capable of independant living I cannot read standard print books and newspapers may as well be in heiroglyphics. I am an avid reader and very much enjoy reading new bestsellers and new publications by favourite authors. This is extremely difficult as large print editions are seldom available in standard bookshops and my local library can take several months to obtain copies. Whilst I do enjoy reading a wide selection of books, both modern and old, I am constantly surprised that the majority of large print books available to me are not new publications but classic novels, romance stories and, with no offence intended, seemed aimed at older readers.I wholeheartedly offer my support to the Right to Read campaign.
  • Adam, Dagenham
    I can read print but find it frustrating that since, given the choice, I'd now use audio. Much of the stuff I like, contemporary lad-lit type and suchlike, is rarely, if ever, available other than in standard print.
  • Anthony, High Wycombe
    It really is impossible to imagine how it must be to be blind or partially sighted when your sight is intact. However, it's very easy to imagine how frustrating it must be to be deprived of choice - something must be done.
  • Nickki, Elland
    My son is 18 now, but as a child we could never get braille books from anywhere. Every week we would walk down to the local library and ask if they had any braille books, and every week she would reply "you know we don't have any" and I would reply "but we are going to come and ask every week until we can get a book out of the library just like every other child in this borough." Eventually we got a "Spot the Dog" book, and every week we would take it back and ask if there were any more, we must have read that book until my son was about 8 years old when they finally got a few more in. We use NLB now, which is far easier.
  • Manurita , Bradford
    Everyone has a right to read.
  • Deborah, Wakefield
    EVERYONE deserves the opportunity to read, regardless of any disability they may have, after all reading is knowledge!
  • Deborah, London
    I take it too much for granted. I can't imagine a life without books.
  • Ryan, Nottingham
    I for one fully support this campaign. I work in a Resource Centre re-producing books for children in mainstream schools into Large Print and Braille formats. On average it takes around 40 - 50 hours to completely re-produce a whole textbook. If these books were already available we could focus our time on helping the children learn, instead of our time being used up on making the learning materials.
  • Paul, Birmingham
    My daughter Alice is 13. Although the school are doing their best to help we are still having many occasions when we have to manually re-type things for her to be able to see. Add to this any large print books (18pt Arial typically) are not light to carry - for example her English French dictionary runs to 2 large A4 sized volumes! In addition she also has to carry around a laptop as she is unable to read her own hand writing and you begin to see just what a struggle it can be in a busy school environment. However, to be fair to the school, they are doing all they can with the limited funds and help they have to improve the situation. Also Alice is doing reasonably well BUT the question is would she truely be able to fulfill her true potential if she had all the right materials and textbooks available in a format she could easily access for herself!

Sign the declaration and share your experiences

Last Updated: 23/11/2006 10:11:27