RNIB comment on inaccessible tweet from Matt Hancock re lockdown restrictions

Sarah Lambert, Head of Social Change at RNIB, said: “It is unacceptable that the announcement of new lockdown restrictions in parts of the North of England was made in an inaccessible tweet by the Health Secretary. Matt Hancock put the most important details of his announcement in an image, without an image description, meaning those who rely on screen readers could not read what it said. Twitter offers simple steps that allow image descriptions to be added which ensure that people with sight loss have access to the same information as everyone else.

“Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, we have been campaigning to make sure that blind and partially sighted people can access the information they need and the Government recently developed guidance for civil servants on making communications accessible, including on using images on social media.

“We urge Mr Hancock to consider the Government’s guidance carefully and make sure his tweets are accessible to all.”

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