John Leech MP struggles with the small print

3.14.26pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 26th Apr 2007

John Leech MP has helped to raise the profile of visual impairment in Parliament

Today, John Leech MP joined with the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) and Royal Mail Group to find out more about the daily problems facing 3,000 people with sight loss in south Manchester when trying to access written information independently.

At a reception in Parliament, John Leech MP took the "access to information challenge," by trying to read everyday information, such as hospital appointment letters, local government and financial information. But the information was distorted to simulate how someone might see it if they had a common eye condition, such as diabetic retinopathy.

John Leech MP said " RNIB's access to information challenge provided a very useful opportunity to really think about just how much printed information we encounter every day and just how much of it cannot be read by people with sight loss. I am supporting the access to information campaign because I believe it is absolutely crucial that people with sight problems are able to get the information they need about their about finances, health and many other areas of their daily lives without having to rely on others. I will be working with local service providers to improve the amount of information that is accessible for people with sight loss in Manchester."

Steve Winyard, RNIB Head of Public Policy and Campaigns, said:

"With at least 3,000 constituents who are unable to read standard print, John Leech MP has joined with RNIB to challenge local service providers to make their information available in large print, audio and braille.

"Blind and partially sighted people are being sidelined when it comes to accessing information. For many of the two million people in the UK with a sight problem, obtaining information in a form they can read remains an every day challenge. Although laws are in place saying they should be able to receive information in a format they can access, all too often this doesn't happen. And yet, relatively small adjustments can mean the difference between inclusion and exclusion."