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Two million people in the UK denied the right to read
Two million people with sight problems in the UK risk exclusion from the Government's National Year of Reading (2008) because they can't read the 96 percent of books only available in standard print, warns the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) at the start of Right to Read Week (5-11 November). 96 per cent of books published in the UK never make it into a format that a blind, partially sighted, dyslexic or other print disabled person can read - such as large print, audio, braille or electronic. The charity warns that the "book famine" already faced by millions across the country will be particularly acute in 2008 when we will all be encouraged to enjoy the opportunities reading creates. RNIB, as part of the Right to Read Alliance, is urging Government to take steps to ensure that more books are published that people with sight problems can read. The charity welcomes the National Year of Reading and is also calling on those running events and initiatives to work with us to make them as inspiring and engaging for blind, partially sighted and dyslexic people as for everyone else. 17 year old twins, Clio and Kaitlin from Marldon, love reading and sharing ideas about the books they have both enjoyed. What they hate is when only one of them is able to read a particular book. Unfortunately this happens often, as Clio is partially sighted and cannot read standard print books. For mum, Tracey it is a struggle to find large print books or audio versions. She says, "Both my daughters love the Harry Potter books, but while Kaitlin once finished one in a weekend, Clio's progress was dependent on the time I had to read it to her. When audio versions are released, it is months after the print release, they are often abridged plus they cost a fortune." "Large print books are just as difficult to find. There have also been lots of occasions where both girls have enjoyed the first book in a series, but then only Kaitlin has been able to get the following books, because only one of a series is produced in audio or large print. It's so frustrating, because I want both my girls to have the same opportunities." RNIB Campaigner Julianne Marriott said: "Reading opens up a world of adventure and enjoyment; it's also the gateway to a good education and employment opportunities, so RNIB very much welcomes the National Year of Reading." "What we want, however, is for blind and partially sighted people across the country to be able to take part alongside everyone else. How wonderful it would be if the legacy of the National Year of Reading was to have unlocked a world of reading for millions of people who can't read standard print!" Most books available in large print, audio or braille continue to be produced by charities dependent on public donations. This effectively leaves blind and partially sighted people relying on charity to provide their right to read. In addition, the few books that are available in alternative formats are produced long after they're available in bookshops, while the cost of most full-length audio books is often five or six times that of a paperback! RNIB's Julianne Marriott continued: "RNIB believes that people with sight problems have the right to read the same book, at the same time, at the same price as everyone else. We need Government and publishers to work together to end this book famine. We're also asking everyone who loves reading to add their voices to our campaign by signing up to our Right to Read Declaration." Anna Tylor, Chair of the Right to Read Alliance and Trustee of Dyslexia Action, says: "It is very important that people who are print disabled because of dyslexia or sight loss have equal access to printed materials. We are lobbying for all books to be available in alternative formats, providing equal access to opportunity and progression." Over 40 high-profile authors and celebrities have signed up to the Right to Read Declaration, including; Sir Trevor McDonald OBE, Ruth Rendell, Frederick Forsyth, Joanna Trollope, Jacqueline Wilson, Fay Weldon, Joanne Harris, Alan Titchmarsh, Julian Fellowes and AS Byatt. If you believe that blind and partially sighted people have the right to read the same books, at the same time as their sighted peers, please add your name to the Right to Read Declaration and tell us why reading is important to you at www.rnib.org.uk/righttoread.
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