MPs learn about accessibility and assistive technology at RNIB event
Sir Stephen Timms and Ross from RNIB at the assistive technology stall during RNIB's event.
On Monday 25 November, ninety MPs, including Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms, and their staff, joined RNIB in Parliament to learn how to make their offices and communications more accessible for constituents with sight loss, by taking simple steps like adding alt text to images, and making their surgeries inclusive.
The event was hosted by Dr Scott Arthur, MP for Edinburgh South West. Among those dropping in to meet us were Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, Daisy Cooper MP, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader and Treasury Spokesperson, Caroline Nokes MP, Conservative, former chair of Women and Equalities committee, Steve Darling MP, Liberal Democrat Work and Pensions spokesperson, with his guide dog Jennie, and Lord Holmes of Richmond.
MPs attending events like this is always influenced by their constituents, so a massive thanks to all of those who took the time to invite their MP to the event using our online form. This let’s them know that it’s important for you that they take the steps to ensure their services are accessible for you.
MPs had a chance to experience sighted guiding and to take part in a demonstration of the assistive technology that their constituents with sight loss would use to access the information on their website and social media. RNIB also provided information about the services we can offer to support blind and partially sighted constituents in key areas like employment and legal rights, and spoke with MPs about the changes we want to see on vision rehabilitation, eye health and accessible voting. We also had a fun sight loss quiz which was won by Roz Savage MP who scored an impressive 10/10.
All MPs left with a detailed briefing pack which included sight loss data for their constituency.
With half of MPs new to Parliament since the General Election in July, there was a mix of new and returning MPs, from a mixture of parties, regions and nations. It was a good opportunity to build on previously established relationships and to get to know those who were speaking with RNIB for the first time.
Many MPs were really engaged by the activities on offer, with some spending over 20 minutes at the stands.
Our presence at this autumn’s party conferences brought our total number of RNIB Champions to 182, with even more taking the pledge to support their blind and partially sighted constituents on Monday.
We’ll now be working to cement the connections we made, with extensive follow up messages to visitors, including offers of local guided walks, briefings on particular topics and meeting offers.
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Fill out this short form to write to your MP, asking them to become an RNIB Champion. If your MP is already signed up to the scheme, your email will take the form of a thank you note.
