Service providers shouldn't leave residents to struggle with the small print

10.11.02am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 2nd May 2007

Mark supports the work of the RNIB

Cheadle MP Mark Hunter has 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 Cheadle when trying to independently access written information.

At a meeting in Parliament, Mr Hunter 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.

Speaking after the event Mr Hunter 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.

This campaign is extremely important, it is absolutely crucial that people with sight problems aren't sidelined and 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 Cheadle. 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. These relatively small adjustments can meant the difference between inclusion and exclusion".