New toolkit to help blind and partially sighted students fight for their rights
The Legal Rights Service at sight loss charity the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) have created a new further and higher education toolkit to aid students with sight loss in knowing their rights. The toolkit comes in response to the number of students who contact the charity about being let down by their universities around barriers in their education, including course material not being provided in an accessible format.
The toolkit has been designed to be a practical guide for further and higher education students. It includes information about their rights under the Equality Act 2010, tips and what action they can take in the face of issues or potential discrimination, as well as a template complaint letter and an advocacy letter from RNIB.
With an increasing number of enquiries coming through to RNIB’s Legal Rights team about discrimination in further and higher education from students with sight loss, the charity has responded by creating the toolkit that is specifically tailored to help blind and partially sighted students who are experiencing difficulties or facing discrimination at college or university.
Jenna Vivian, Solicitor – Equality Act Adviser at RNIB, said: “We’re very proud of this new resource available to students in higher or further education who experience discrimination and barriers that impact on their studies.
“Everyone has the right to be educated and have access to study materials in formats that are accessible to them. RNIB and our Legal Rights Service is here for anyone who needs support in this area, and we urge anyone experiencing challenges to make the most of the toolkit and make contact with us.”
Paul Goddard from Crowborough, East Sussex was referred to RNIB’s Legal Rights Team by Thomas Pocklington Trust after experiencing accessibility issues whilst at university. Paul, who has the sight conditions nystagmus, photophobia and ocular albinism, was unable to obtain certain course materials in accessible formats, and despite submitting a formal complaint to the university he was attending, he did not feel his concerns were taken seriously. His case resulted in compensation and a formal written apology from Paul’s university, with them acknowledging they had learnt from this experience which would help future students with sight loss.
He said: “Since receiving support from RNIB with my own case, I have been passionate about making sure similar situations don’t happen to other students who are blind and partially sighted. From my own experience, I know how challenging it can be when provisions are not in place to make course materials accessible, and the implications this can have on completing your studies.
“I’m delighted to hear about RNIB’s new further and higher education toolkit, which I am sure will prove extremely valuable for other students with sight loss who face barriers during their learnings.”
To access the toolkit, please visit www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/equality-and-employment/the-equality-act-2010/challenging-discrimination-using-the-equality-act/.
Notes to editors
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About RNIB
We are the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
Every six minutes, someone in the UK begins to lose their sight. RNIB is taking a stand against exclusion, inequality and isolation to create a world without barriers where people with sight loss can lead full lives. A different world where society values blind and partially sighted people not for the disabilities they’ve overcome, but for the people they are.
RNIB. See differently.
Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk