McInnes backs Right to Read

12.00.00am GMT Thu 27th Mar 2008

Liberal Democrat MSP for North East Scotland Alison McInnes has put her support behind the RNIB's "Right to Read" campaign by tabling a motion today in the Scottish Parliament.

In the motion, Mrs McInnes praises the campaign, which is calling for equal access to textbooks and other educational materials for blind and visually impaired children across the country. They are also aiming for a national transcription service to be established.

Commenting, Mrs McInnes said:

"The Right to Read campaign aims for everyone in the country to be able to read the same book at the same time at the same price. The work that has already been done by the RNIB is fantastic, but I hope that by drawing more attention to the campaign, we can build on it further still.

"Research by the RNIB has shown that a shocking 96% of books are not available in large print, audio or Braille. As an avid reader myself, I can only imagine the frustration that this must cause to the many people who are forced to wait and hope that the book they want will eventually be accessible for them.

"As well as my motion, I am looking to secure a debate on the subject here at Parliament - and I hope that we can gain cross-party support to move forward and realise the campaign's goals."

The motion also highlights the work done by Craigiebarns Primary School in Dundee, and Mrs McInnes added:

"I was absolutely delighted when the RNIB highlighted a school in my region as a shining example of what can be achieved. Craigiebarns have been praised for their highly inclusive approach to supporting pupils with visual impairment, and I am very much looking forward to visiting them so that I can learn first hand how they have achieved such success."