People with Sight Problems Face “Book Famine” Claims RNIB

 

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The report reveals that over 95 per cent of books are never made available in formats like large print, audio and braille which people with sight problems can 'read'.

RNIB estimates that most of the 2 million people in the UK with sight problems cannot read a standard print book, which is usually published in size 10 font. This means that people with sight problems have no choice but to read using other formats. David Mann, who leads RNIB's involvement in the Right to Read Campaign, said: "Being denied the right to read cuts you off from the social and cultural life of the world around you. It stops you getting a good education or job as well as enjoying the simple pleasure of curling up with a good book. We believe the Right to Read for people with sight problems is overdue and the government must act now to address this issue.".

The publication of the report coincided with the Right to Read Week (20-26 October). Fourteen organisations have joined together – including RNIB, the National Library for the Blind, the National Association of Local Societies for Visually Impaired People and Calibre - to form the Right to Read Alliance and to call on the Government to establish an Access to Reading Fund to enable significantly more books to be published in different formats.

A public charter was launched which will call on publishers, booksellers and libraries to increase the number of books, magazines and papers available. It will also call on the Government to establish the Access to Reading Fund and to remove VAT on the sale of audio books to come in line with print books. The Alliance is urging members of the public to sign the charter, which will be presented to government next year.

- Members of the public can sign the charter online here:

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