For immediate release
3rd April 2007
 
John Healey MP supports the Right to Read for local children who are blind or partially sighted
 
John Healey MP met with campaigners and blind and partially sighted children at a meeting in Parliament this week to find out about the problems they face getting books they can read.
 
The children who had earlier been to a lobby of Parliament explained that they were missing out at home and at school because they often can't get hold of books in a format they can read, such as large print, audio, braille and electronically. At the event hosted by the Right to Read Alliance teachers spoke about the amount of time they spend photocopying, enlarging and sometimes retyping books just so they convert them into large print and braille.
 
John Healey MP said:
 
"Reading is the key to children learning. Children who are blind or partially sighted miss out on their education when they can't read their textbooks or leisure books. 2008 has been designated as the National Year of Reading and I hope we can see more textbooks and other books made available in large print and braille. I will discuss this concern with Education Ministers."
 
"With publishers and the RNIB looking to help - it's vital that the Government does its bit to make more books available to children with sight problems."
 
 - ENDS -
 
Notes to Editors:
 
The Right to Read Alliance comprises 20 organisations. For more information visit: www.rnib.org.uk/righttoread
 
For more information please contact: Joanne Wilson, Researcher to John Healey MP on Tel: (01709) 512463

For more news items, please click here