Campaigns

Access to information events - Nottingham

Summary: Find out about your rights to access to information.

• Nottingham event - 27 November 2007

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Nottingham event - 27 November 2007

We had a massive turnout for our second event in Nottingham on 27 November, organised in partnership with Nottingham Royal Society for the Blind. Over 50 blind and partially sighted people and their companions were joined by around 25 local service providers to discuss the importance of accessible information.

Blind and partially sighted people

During the morning local blind and partially sighted people talked about problems they face getting information they can read. The group also explored their rights under the Disability Discrimination Act, followed by a demonstration of audio description and an explanation of digital TV switchover.

Roy, 74, from Nottingham, is partially sighted and finds it difficult to get information on his rights and the services available. We asked him what he thought of the day:

"It was very informative and there was a very good discussion. It's nice talking to others in same boat and you get to hear other people's point of view. I would recommend others to go".

Violet from Nottinghamshire added:

"Everything was very informative, and delivered in a friendly way so you didn't feel stupid."

Service providers

Around 25 local service providers spent their morning exploring their DDA obligations and found out more about the information needs of blind and partially sighted people. In particular the group talked about how to make people aware of the services they provide.

Hazel from Nottingham University Hospital said:

"I honestly thought it was one of the best patient and public involvements events I have been to for ages."

And Lisa from Nottingham based Experian told us:

"The morning session was very useful. It was good to see how other companies are interested in making themselves better."

Afternoon session

Both groups came together in the afternoon to spend time talking to each other about the issues. Everyone agreed on the importance of staff training and the need for local companies and organisations to stay in touch with their blind and partially sighted customers.

This event was one in a series of access to information events and will be included in a report we will be producing during Summer 2008.

Back to Access to Information events page

Content author: campaign@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 08/04/2008 18:38