Campaigns

Access to information events

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

• The campaign
• One day events in 2008
• Stoke on Trent event 14 May 2008
• Further information

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The campaign

Improving access to information was RNIB's overarching campaign for 2007.

Lots of blind and partially sighted people have told us that they still find it difficult to get the everyday information they need including: confidential test results from the GP or hospital, personal account statements from the bank and information about changes to services, like refuse collection, from their local authorities. RNIB focused on improving access to information as the main campaign for 2007 to raise awareness of these problems and to help service providers find solutions to give you what you need.

RNIB is going out on the road with a series of improving access to information events where service providers like local authorities and businesses can come face to face with people with sight loss.

One day events in 2008

We will be running a number of one-day events throughout 2008. Come and join us to:

• Find out about your rights
• Speak with people from local councils and business - the people who supply you with information
• Tell us your main concerns to help us campaign for your rights
• Socialise and share experiences about how you can campaign to get information in a format you use.

Event dates

• Stoke on Trent - Wednesday 14 May at the North Stafford Hotel
• Derry/Londonderry - Thursday 29 May at the City Hotel
• Bournemouth - Wednesday 11 June at the Best Western Connaught Hotel
• Aberdeen - Wednesday 3 September at the Grampian Society for the Blind

Places are limited so to book your place or find out more please call 020 7391 2123 or email campaign@rnib.org.uk

Stoke on Trent event 14 May 2008

Our West Midlands Access to Info event was held in Stoke on Trent on 14 May. Over 20 blind and partially sighted people and their companions were joined by around representatives from 20 local service providers.

Blind and partially sighted people

During the morning local blind and partially sighted people shared their experience of trying to get information they can read. Many of the group were able to read large print so much of the conversation focused on the problems of small and poorly designed print. The group also explored their rights under the Disability Discrimination Act and settled down to watch some TV - a demonstration of audio description - followed by an explanation of digital TV switchover.

When we asked for feedback about the event Margaret of Stoke on Trent told us:

"It was very good. And interesting to hear other people's opinions and that they're having the same problems as you. I'd definitely recommend it to others"

Service providers

Representatives of 20 local service providers including local authorities, health providers, fire and police, the local theatre and Alton Towers spent their morning thinking about the information needs of blind and partially sighted people and finding out more about their DDA obligations.

Hannah from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue service commented:

"The day was very helpful from my perspective although I was a disappointed to be the only designer present. Designers are always wishing to add artistic flair to the work they do, however if they were more aware of the difficulties that some members of our community face then documents might be made more accessible"

And when we asked what changes organisations would make following attending the event John from the Regent Theatre said:

"It was really useful hearing how small changes we make can have a positive impact. I have already information with all staff and have informed them of the correct procedures that we need to follow when we write letters, leaflets, signage etc."

Afternoon session

The afternoon session was an opportunity for blind and partially sighted people and organizations to discuss what they'd been doing in the morning and ask each other questions. The group also considered whether it would be useful if a local authority were able to share the details of people who are registered as blind or partially sighted with other organizations to help them reach blind and partially sighted people. At present this is only possible in the context of digital TV switchover.

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.

Find at what happened at previous events

• Cardiff - 14 May 2008
• Nottingham - 27 November 2007
• Chester - 26 July 2007

Further information

If you would like to find out more about the improving access to information campaign and events, call the Campaigns team on 020 7391 2123 or email campaign@rnib.org.uk

Tell us about your experiences of getting information you can read. Positive or negative we want to hear from you. You can also read other people's comments

On 25 April 2007, RNIB launched a series of leaflets called 'Information is Power'. The leaflets look at a number of key areas that show how society can empower blind and partially sighted people and each leaflet identifies five priorities for action.

Back to Access to Information home page

Content author: campaign@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 02/07/2008 10:06