Campaigns

Right to Read Charter presented to 10 Downing Street

Summary: After a year of collecting signatures, the Right to Read Charter is presented to No 10 Downing Street.

• 32,000 signatures for Right to Read Charter!
• About the Charter

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32,000 signatures for Right to Read Charter!

The heavy boxes full of Charters were handed in on 28 February, the same week as World Book Day – the annual celebration of books and reading. One of the eleven people at the door of Number 10 was David Mann, campaigns officer at RNIB. David wanted to know; “How am I meant to celebrate the joys of reading on World Book Day when over 95 per cent of books aren’t available to me and the three million people with sight problems and other reading disabilities.”

Chamandeep, aged 13 from Linden Lodge School, was also part of the presentation party. He told us, “I would love to go to my local library and choose a book like sighted people do. I would also love to be able get hold of a book that I have heard about on the radio.”

Students also face problems getting the books they need. Lara Green is doing her A-levels. She told us, "I have to research all my projects twice - first I have to research the availability of the books and get them, then do the work. Everyone else expects to go to the college library and just get the book."

About the Charter

The Right to Read Charter called for Government to put money into providing books in audio, large print and braille as well as abolishing VAT on audio books, bringing them into line with print books. Publishers, booksellers and librarians were also called upon to play their part to deliver the Right to Read.

Thank you to everyone who added their name to the Right to Read Charter. There has been a great response to this issue which should show the Government that we’re serious!

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Content author: campaign@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 20/11/2008 11:13