http://www.readingsight.org.uk/content/policy_development/ Reading Sight provides information and advice to library staff to help them provide a better service to people with sight loss en Reading Sight Copyright 2011 2011-09-20T11:24:50+00:00 http://www.readingsight.org.uk/policy_development/reading_sight_poster_at_online_services_2011/ http://www.readingsight.org.uk/policy_development/reading_sight_poster_at_online_services_2011/#When:10:25:48Z This is the text from the Reading Sight poster as exhibited at the Vision2020 conference 2011:Statement of our aims and objectivesThere are 2 million blind and partially sighted people in the UK who could need access to library services. The aim of the Reading Sight initiative is to support library staff in providing access to reading services for people with sight loss . The long term aim is that Reading Sight should be recognised as the key resource for information about accessible library services for blind and partially sighted people. Reading Sight is supported by the Society of Chief Librarians and the Ulverscroft Foundation.Description of the main approachThe focus of the project is the Reading Sight website that provides a wide range of advice to library staff wishing to provide an accessible library service, this includes:access to readinghelping the readerstaff training and developmentbuildings and equipmentpolicy and developmentfacts about sight lossYour Reading Choices Your Reading Choices is a tool to help people find places where they can get books, newspapers and magazines in formats other than standard print. It’s easy to use and provides customers with all the key contacts they need to get the widest reading choices. It is also designed to help librarians assess a blind or partially sighted persons reading needs.Young Reading Lives Young Reading Lives is a new resource for blind and partially sighted children, their families and support workers, which will be launched in 2011. The resource features new videos which follow the reading lives of blind and partially sighted children. The children discuss how they get hold of books and explain the value of reading to them. We hope that the videos will help to educate people about the pleasures and difficulties of reading without sight. Most importantly, they will also help blind children to feel that they are not alone and that reading is worth the effort of finding books and learning new skills.  Key results and outcomesThe website receives 500-1000 visitors per month.Future developmentsLater this year the Reading Sight website will be redesigned and relaunched with the new Young Reading Lives resource, also featuring:a more lively blog based homepage with refreshed content throughout the sitemore news and features covering current developments in the accessible reading sectora new set of videos following the reading lives of blind and partially sighted adult readersfocus on the ‘6 Steps’ challenge to librariesa new Facebook page and increased use of Twitter to connect directly with library staff.Discussion: ebooks in public libraries for blind and partially sighted peopleIntroductionThis is an exciting time for us to get involved with ebook accessibility in libraries because things are changing rapidly (to avoid confusion we’ll define an ebook broadly here to mean any book supplied in a digital form, including: text, images and audio).Ebooks have always promised huge potential for blind and partially sighted people. With recent improvements in portable reading devices, text-to-speech and wireless networking, ebooks are finally realising this potential. There is much to praise in the approach of major ebook suppliers such as Apple and Amazon, who have both made significant progress in making ebooks accessible.However, public libraries are lagging behind in terms of accessibility, mainly due to the dominance of Overdrive, the main platform for ebooks in libraries. There are significant problems with the Adobe Digital Editions software that Overdrive relies on. RNIB concluded that the current version of Adobe Digital Editions is not accessible. The next version of the software is due out soon and will hopefully feature improved accessibility after beta testing input from RNIB.ebooks in librariesReading Sight believes that all library books should be accessible to blind and partially sighted people and that ebooks can make this a reality. Ebooks can offer a near universal accessibility solution because they can be adapted easily into the major accessible formats: large print, braille (using a braille interface) and audio (either a pre-recorded audio book or text-to-speech).Reading and borrowing books is particularly important for blind people who can be cut off from other cultural and entertainment activities. Over 95 per cent of publications never become available in large print, audio or braille. It is unacceptable that blind and partially sighted people are missing out. Public libraries should be providing easy and abundant access to ebooks for all, but especially to print disabled people who have so much to gain from them.Existential threats to the library and publishing worlds?The progress of ebooks in libraries can seem frustratingly slow. It is clear that ebooks represent a threat to the business models of publishers and libraries alike: “…free, unrestricted e-book lending by libraries represents a significant, even existential, threat to publisher’s e-book businesses, and arguably to their print book ones as well.” The Bookseller – 29/04/2011 “Lend and be damned”But blind and partially sighted people just want their books and are understandably fed up with waiting for them. For sighted people, ebooks in libraries may initially represent a convenience or novelty, but for many blind people they could be a revelation, offering previously impossible choice and access.What we’re doing to helpUnsurprisingly, a complex picture emerges with publishers, libraries and technology providers negotiating hard on the future of ebooks. The end result has been frustrating stop-start progress for blind and partially sighted people, for example: recent text-to-speech restrictions on the Amazon Kindle ebook readers, poor accessibility of the Overdrive ebook platform, an e-book postcode lottery (partly precipitated by public funding cuts) and a generally restricted choice from libraries who do offer the service.Reading Sight will continue to advocate improved access to ebooks in libraries; standing up for the rights of blind people to get the same book at the same time as everyone else. We will continue to highlight the importance of accessibility in all library services and promote good practice. We hope that one day soon, all library books will be available for blind and partially sighted people to enjoy. At the very least, ebooks in libraries are getting us closer to that goal. 2011-06-15T10:25:48+00:00 http://www.readingsight.org.uk/policy_development/six_steps_to_library_services_for_blind_and_partially_sighted_people/ http://www.readingsight.org.uk/policy_development/six_steps_to_library_services_for_blind_and_partially_sighted_people/#When:11:27:11Z There are almost two million blind and partially sighted people in the UK who need library and information services just like everyone else. Public libraries have an obligation to provide accessible services to people with sight loss as members of the local community.Many libraries are doing an excellent job but standards of provision vary from place to place. Share the Vision and the Society of Chief Librarians call on all public libraries to take the following six steps.Use Your Reading Choices with every blind or partially sighted customer to assess their reading needs and facilitate access to public libraries and other relevant services.Objective: Universal access: signpost all blind and partially sighted people to relevant public library and third sector services.Use Reading Sight for information about accessible reading and reading services.Objective: Knowledge of services and organisations available.Further steps: Put URL on every desktop. Contribute to Reading Sight. Read the STV Bulletin. Provide local collections of large print and audio books.Objective: Offer satisfactory choice of books in accessible formats to meet readers’ needs.Further steps: Adopt RNIB’s accessible ebook guidelinesHave a strategy in place for provision of access technology throughout your library service.Objective: Accessible equipmentOther steps: Provide access technology on at least one computer in every library. Provide staff with relevant training. Accessible library catalogue. Accessible self service. Provide reading equipment and demonstration models including audio book players, Penfriend, scanner.Designate a “champion” for the reading needs of blind and partially sighted people.Objective: Point of contact/expertise for needs of blind and partially sighted people.Participate in Make a Noise in Libraries fortnight, run annually by RNIB.Objective: Community engagement.Other steps: Consult users and non users. Ensure inclusive library governance.These actions will not cost a lot of money but will make a significant improvement to your library service for blind and partially sighted people.Sign up to our ‘six steps’ challenge today. Visit the Society of Chief Librarians website for full details of how to achieve the six steps and to pledge your support.Beyond the six stepsSo what if you’ve taken the six steps and want to go further? Great! Here are some more ideas:Objective: Accessible premises.Action: Ensure compliance with: BS 8300. (2001). Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people. British Standards Institute.Objective: Accessible information.Action: Adopt RNIB See It Right guidelines. Objective: Accessible website.Action: Adapt computers for blind and low vision users http://tinyurl.com/rnib05Objective: Showcase specialist suppliers, equipment and reading formats.Action: Dedicate a display area in larger libraries.Objective: Customer support.Action: Provide visual awareness training for staff. Provide disability awareness training for staff. Provide home delivery. Provide staff or volunteer assistance with choosing books and accessing services.Objective: Inclusive activities.Action: Organise inclusive reading groups.Objective: Promoting your service.Action: Create relationships with local societies for blind and partially sighted people, the Visionary website can help. Use local radio and local talking newspapers.Objective: Strategic planning.Action:Local and regional - Comply with Disability Equality Duty. Forge relationships with other relevant departments. Look at opportunities for shared services. Monitor performance. National - Participate in Share the Vision. 2011-06-07T11:27:11+00:00 http://www.readingsight.org.uk/policy_development/legislation_and_standards/disability_discrimination_act_dda/ http://www.readingsight.org.uk/policy_development/legislation_and_standards/disability_discrimination_act_dda/#When:12:42:40Z Often referred to as the DDA, the Disability Discrimination Act of 1995 has three main parts:Part I covers the scope of the Act and what is meant by disability, and who would and would not be covered by the Act.Part II covers the employment of disabled people, and has been in force since 1996.Part III covers access to goods, facilities and services and came into force in 2004.The DDA defines a disabled person as someone with “physical, sensory or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term effect on ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities”.Duties of service providersThe DDA places a duty on all providers of services to the public not to refuse service, not to provide a worse standard of service and not to offer a service on worst terms to disabled people than to non-disabled. The DDA allows service providers flexibility when planning access for disabled people, including “reasonable adjustments” or an alternative way to provide the services. DirectGov provides links to the codes of practice related to the DDA Act. The DDA and people with sight lossAnyone who cannot see to use standard print even when wearing corrective spectacles is a disabled person within the terms of the Act.Libraries should consider the following aspects of the DDA in relation to their services to blind and partially sighted people:Physical accessReasonable adjustments or an alternative service must be provided. For example, revolving doors can be as much of an obstacle for people with sight loss as for wheelchair users. It is vital to include compliance with the DDA in the design brief for all new buildings and refurbishments. Equality of serviceInformation about the services, including catalogues should be available in alternative formats appropriate to the nature of the sight loss. Equal terms of serviceIf someone with sight loss can only access the best possible range of reading through audio this service should be provided on the same basis as standard print books (i.e. free of charge). For example, if an A3 photocopy is required to enlarge the same information contained on an A4 page of standard print, the charge should be the same as for an A4 copy. Policies, practice and proceduresIt would be unreasonable to require someone with severe sight loss to:sign a library registration carddeny access for people with their guide dogCommunication with people with sight loss (including overdue notices) should be made in an appropriate format or by telephone/email as agreed with the customer.Reasonable adjustmentsThere is a wide range of equipment, auxiliary aids and adaptive technologies for people with sight loss. With the wide availability of assistive technology it is possible for even the smallest library to make computers accessible to people with sight loss.Legal adviceThe points above are indications of how the DDA could be interpreted and are not professional legal advice. In case of doubt, complaints or dispute, services should seek professional legal advice. 2009-07-08T12:42:40+00:00 http://www.readingsight.org.uk/policy_development/marketing_your_service/ http://www.readingsight.org.uk/policy_development/marketing_your_service/#When:09:48:54Z Public libraries have a commitment to making their services accessible to all. Library marketing strategies will be underpinned by this commitment but will also need specific actions to ensure that the needs of sight impaired people are addressed.Market research - demographicsA profile of sight impaired people can be compiled from national statistics on the demographics of sight impairment. It is important to remember that the numbers of people registered as sight impaired is only one third of the people who need adjustments to standard print in order to access reading. Social services departments (Adult & Community/Children’s Services) have a legal duty to keep and maintain registers of sight impaired and severely sight impaired people for their locality (known formerly as registers of blind and partially sighted people). Names on the register cannot be given out due to medical confidentiality and Data Protection. However the department(s) that hold the register will often be prepared to pass on relevant information to people on the register. Approaches to social service and special service teams may be most effective if made at Director level.In addition to identifying individuals, the market research could map key organisations and agencies that work with people with sight loss. Making links with statutory and voluntary services will increase the effectiveness of reaching people with sight impairment.Market research - consultation and engagementMarket research has always included consultation with user and potential user groups, informing them and getting feedback. Public services today are working to extend this to a deeper engagement with their communities.The government White Paper Communities in control: real people, real power seeks to shift power, influence and responsibility away from existing centres of power into the hands of communities and individual citizens.The National standards for community engagement in Scotland set out best practice principles for the way that government agencies, councils, health boards, police and other public bodies engage with communities.The same principles of consultation and engagement apply to people with sight loss, although the techniques and methods used should take account of their particular needs. 2009-05-29T09:48:54+00:00 http://www.readingsight.org.uk/policy_development/funding/ http://www.readingsight.org.uk/policy_development/funding/#When:09:48:33Z As part of the statutory provision of public library services the provision of services for people with sight loss should be covered within the same funding structure as the general library service i.e. using book funds to purchase large and giant print books, audio etc and equipment funds for magnifiers, adaptive technologies etc.The development of resources for people with sight loss has, by and large, depended on charities and the third sector continues to play an important role as a provider of specialist materials. Contrary to some expectations, many of these services are not free!Talking Books subscriptionsThe RNIB’s Talking Books service is highly valued by many people with sight loss. It complements rather than replaces the general public library service, offering a much wider range of unabridged audio titles. It is a subscription service with an annual fee. Many local authorities pay the subscription for people in their area who are registered as blind or partially sighted. The funds for these subscriptions are usually held either by the library service or by social services (adult and community services and/or children’s services).Public library services or other departments in local government that would like more information or advice about Talking Books and the subscriptions should contact RNIB National Library Service.Other subscription servicesThe following organisations offer services to libraries to help them meet the needs of their customers with sight loss. They also offer their services direct to individuals.ClearVisionNational Blind Children’s Society (giant print)Talking NewspapersFree servicesCalibre’s audio services (cassette and MP3) are available free to individuals. ? Libraries can help people access this by giving their customers information from the Calibre website or helping them subscribe online.Charities that support library servicesSome charities will make grants or donations to public libraries to help provide enhancements for disabled people or to support special programmes or events. For example, local Rotary or Lions clubs have helped to provide specialist equipment. Some businesses have a community fund to support special projects. National charities, such as the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation have supported projects in public libraries. Public library authorities have a duty to provide library services for all and to comply with DDA. ? Grants from charitable organisations usually require the project to go beyond the statutory service - to experiment with a new way of doing things rather than make up for a shortfall due to other budget pressures. 2009-05-29T09:48:33+00:00 http://www.readingsight.org.uk/policy_development/legislation_and_standards/ http://www.readingsight.org.uk/policy_development/legislation_and_standards/#When:09:47:52Z The key legislation relating to access to services and employment for all disabled people is the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA).  This makes it unlawful to discriminate against disabled people in employment or in access to goods and services, whether they are paid for or free of charge.  See the left hand navigation bar for further information on the DDA. Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 (England and Wales) The Act requires local authorities with library responsibilities to provide a “comprehensive and efficient” service for ALL people who live, work or study in their area.  The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) provide policy guidance and support to local authorities in relation to their library responsibilities. Public Libraries (Scotland) Act 1955 The Act and subsequent initiatives, most recently the Public Library Quality Improvement Matrix (PLQIM), aim to ensure that all people have access to public library services that meet their educational and leisure needs. The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) is the independent advisory body to the Scottish Government on library matters, including access and equity in relation to library services.Copyright legislation The DDA is subsidiary to the laws relating to copyright.  In other words, although it might be possible to meet the needs of someone with sight loss by replicating a standard print book in another format (say, by an enlarged photocopy or scanning the whole text to a computer file) this could infringe copyright and intellectual property legislation. The? Copyright (Visually Impaired Person Act) 2002? provides for the creation of accessible copies under certain conditions. ? It is? important that you understand your responsibilities under this regulation, as well as your right to create accessible versions. 2009-05-29T09:47:52+00:00 http://www.readingsight.org.uk/policy_development/policy/ http://www.readingsight.org.uk/policy_development/policy/#When:09:47:33Z The development of an explicit policy in relation to people with sight loss will help libraries and other organisations ensure that people with sight loss have their legal entitlement to equal access to services.  The policy will also support the development of an organisational and service culture where all staff are confident in dealing with people with sight loss and customers with sight loss will feel welcome and valued.The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) Access for All Toolkit (PDF) provides a guide to developing a policy for access for disabled people including:EthosPolicy and planningCollections and stockUsers and potential usersMarketing and publicityStaffing and trainingPartnerships and networking 2009-05-29T09:47:33+00:00 http://www.readingsight.org.uk/policy_development/ http://www.readingsight.org.uk/policy_development/#When:10:32:42Z Legislation in the UK makes it unlawful to discriminate against disabled people in employment or in access to goods and services, whether they are paid for or free of charge.  Adherence to the legislative requirements is a given, but best practice goes beyond compliance; it takes the spirit of the laws and develops policies and plans that make libraries and places of learning a joy to use for disabled people, including those with sight loss.  The needs of people with sight loss should be addressed explicitly at the policy level and followed through in the delivery of services to all customers.Legislation and standards - the current legislation and standards relating to access to reading for people with sight loss for Elected Members, Trustees,  Board Members and senior officers in public services and the third sector Policy - good practice and examples of policies that guide staff serving people with sight loss Funding - the challenge of funding services for people with sight loss and possible sources of support Marketing your services - establishing the need and developing a marketing plan to ensure that people with sight loss are aware of the services you provide and make use of them 2009-03-26T10:32:42+00:00 http://www.readingsight.org.uk/policy_development/marketing_your_service/guidance_on_marketing_library_activities_to_people_with_sight_loss/ http://www.readingsight.org.uk/policy_development/marketing_your_service/guidance_on_marketing_library_activities_to_people_with_sight_loss/#When:18:10:11Z IntroductionThis document gives practical advice about communicating with, and catering for, blind and partially sighted people. These guidance notes have been produced in consultation with the Right to Read Alliance, a group of 19 charities campaigning together for better access to books for people with sight loss.The guiding principle – equal accessCommitment to the principle of equal access to information and reading services for all must be the starting point for all events. Specifically, this should underpin any marketing strategy or events aimed at blind and partially sighted people and their families and carers. People with sight loss have particular needs in accessing print which need to be borne in mind when deciding on your activities and promoting them.When planning your marketing information, consider the following:The number of people registered as blind or partially sighted reflects only a third of those eligible to be registered. Mobility is a vital issue for blind and partially sighted people and the quality of transport available will vary so information about transport should be always be included in marketing information.Mobile, home delivery and postal services are important marketing tools.Direct and personal contact is vital - so contact relevant local voluntary groups and council departments and use them as intermediaries to get in touch with your potential audiences.Find out about your local society for blind people through NALSVI, the National Association of Local Societies for Visually Impaired People. (www.nalsvi.cswebsites.org)Make good use of talking newspapers and local radio to report on successful events.People with sight loss receive a lot of their information from sighted people including colleagues, other service providers, parents, teachers, carers and friends. However, it is always best to be able to deliver your message directly to blind and partially sighted people themselves. With regard to school-aged children, ensure you inform and involve SEN coordinators in your authority/schools.RNIB National Library Service is happy to help promote your activities through its web pages and members’ magazine. Contact Megan Gilks on 0161 355 2080 or email megan.gilks@rnib.org.uk with details of your event.Practical guidance1. Getting your message out externallyIt is important to ensure that all promotion and publicity is widely targeted. You should consider marketing:directly to blind and partially sighted people themselves.to SEN Coordinators and Access Officers in education institutions.to intermediaries such as friends, relatives, carers or partners of blind and partially sighted people.to people who may be future users of accessible services if they lose their sight with age or through other circumstances.to people providing local services for blind and partially sighted people, or working directly with them. to community organisations of disabled and/or blind people people. These groups operate at grass roots level and can be particularly valuable in terms of getting information directly to and from blind and partially sighted people. They may also provide tape and braille transcription services at competitive rates. to other voluntary and community groups such as tenants associations, social clubs and day centres. Why not set up a users group of people with sight loss as part of your strategy? Or develop a list of local contacts. 2. Getting your message across to internal partnersBelow is a list of local authority partners you should link up with if you want to extend your reach to blind and partially sighted people. Inviting representatives from these service areas to join your NYR Steering Group is a good way to get their input into planning at an early stage.Health servicesBlind and partially sighted people use both general and specific health care services. Providing information about NYR activities and events to GP surgeries, eye hospitals and ophthalmic practitioners is a potential communication channel. Social ServicesSocial Services departments have a legal duty to keep and maintain the blind and partially sighted registers for their locality. This requires Social Services to assess and support blind and partially sighted people as they come onto the register. Names on the register cannot be given out due to medical confidentiality and Data Protection. However Social Services departments will often be prepared to pass on relevant information to people on the register. Approaches to social service and special service teams may be most effective if made at Director level. Low vision services committeesThese are being set up following a report by the Low Vision Services Consensus Group in 1999. Their overall aim is to enable the development of less fragmented and more multi-disciplinary services, by working with local people to address local need.There are currently 26 such committees in England and Wales, but others are being established. The committee membership may include the local Health Authority, a wide range of general and specialist health care providers, social services, individual blind and partially sighted people from a range of communities, voluntary organisations of blind and partially sighted people and specialist sector workers in the fields of education, employment, care of older people, hearing impairment, learning difficulties and multiple disabilities.Committees with such a wide representation of interest could provide useful channels of communication with local blind and partially sighted people. For further information on Low Vision Services Committees, contact the Low Vision Implementation Office via RNIB London, Tel: 020 7391 2347.Education servicesAll students enrolling in FE Colleges should have an assessment of their learning support needs, including resources and support required. In higher education also, there will be a process in place to identify special support needs, and education establishments will increasingly have specialist staff/units to provide support to disabled students.A good example of this approach is the Manchester Visual Impairment Forum. This is a collaboration between FE, HE, the public library service, social services, RNIB and the Employment Service, which aims to improve access to information and resources for students with sight loss.The Open University has a Disabled Students’ Association – Tel: 01908 653273. Reading Sight ChampionsYour authority could have a reading Sight (formerly Gateway) Champion, someone whose role is to promote the access of library services to blind and partially sighted people. Specific activities of the Champion will include:Acting as a channel of communication between the Reading Sight, voluntary sector and library service, Sharing best practice and information through the reading Sight, Informing and supporting public library staff by promoting Reading Sight to them and other organisations as appropriate, Identifying local training needs to support staff in providing services to blind and partially sighted peopleFor more information on becoming a Reading Sight Champion or to find out if your authority please contact us through the Forum on this site.3. Promotional toolsEventsSpecial events, taster sessions and launches can be extremely effective ways of promoting services. Experience has shown that a significant factor in the success of local events is working in partnership with local societies for blind people. These partnerships also have longer term benefits and have helped promote services, reach wider audiences and develop ongoing dialogue with local blind and partially sighted people. National MediaRelating your existing local services and events to a national story or campaign may be an effective way to raise their profile to blind and partially sighted people in general and generate extra coverage for local service developments.National initiativesYou could tie your events in with relevant national initiatives. For example:World Sight Day - 8 October 2009 (www.v2020.org)Celebrations to mark the bi-centenary of the birth of Louis Braille - throughout 2009 (www.rnib.org.uk/louisbraille)Radio and televisionAccording to the RNIB Needs Survey (1991) In excess of 90% of blind and partially sighted people were radio and television owners70% of blind and partially sighted people under 55 owned video cassette recorders as did 49% over 55About 20% of blind and partially sighted people listened regularly or occasionally to BBC Radio 4’s programme ‘In Touch’Local BBC and community radio stations are also popular. It is also worth considering specialist community radio stations serving minority ethnic communities. Talking newspapers and magazinesMany blind and partially sighted people subscribe to national newspapers and magazines in audio or electronic formats. These are provided by a charity called National Talking Newspapers and Magazines (www.tnauk.org.uk). Local newspapers are produced by teams of volunteers across the country. The coordinating national body is the Talking News Federation. (www.tnf.org.uk). These are a good channel for promoting your activities.Disability pressThere are a range of journals and periodicals about disability in general and visual impairment in particular. The website http://www.tiresias.org/publications/serials/index.htm lists a range of periodicals concerned with visual impairment, but many of them are very specialised. RNIB publishes several magazines for sight loss and eye health professionals, teachers and parents of blind and partially sighted children. For more details, visit the RNIB website at www.rnib.org.uk/magazines Printed publicity materialMake sure that your posters and other printed publicity material are accessible to people with sight loss. RNIB’s Clear Print Guidelines (www.rnib.org.uk/seeitright) will help you achieve good design which everyone can read. Creating a ‘clear print’ document is straightforward and inexpensive, focusing on basic design elements such as font, type size, contrast and page navigation. Not only will partially sighted people benefit, but your sighted audience will find the information easier to read too. Consider transcribing your materials into alternative formats such as braille and audio - your local blind society may be able to help (www.nalsvi.cswebsites.org) or visit the RNIB’s website at www.rnib.org.uk/transcriptionThe internet and digital mediaApproximately 60% of the UK population are internet users. The National Year of Reading website is a key element in our campaign, both for marketing what is happening and providing a platform for people to participate.Many blind and partially sighted people use computers at home and work but access to the internet can be severely limited if websites are not designed properly. Here are 10 top tips to help make sure your website is accessible to people using speech or braille output or screen magnification. Further advice is available on the RNIB’s Web Access Centre at www.rnib.org.uk/wac1. Use the ALT attribute to describe graphics and other non-text items2. Ensure good contrast between text and background3. Use style sheets to control screen appearance4. Ensure text associated with links makes sense out of context5. Provide a text site map6. Ensure that the size of all text can be altered with browser controls7. Give frames meaningful titles. Ideally do not use frames.8. Avoid absolute positioning.9. Warn users about new windows or pop-ups10. Make sure all multimedia elements optional and provide a text alternative.Accessible presentationsIf you will be making a Powerpoint or slide presentation as part of your NYR event, please make sure that blind and partially sighted people in your audience do not miss out on visual information. The World Blind Union has produced some excellent guidelines on how to ensure your presentation is accessible. A copy can be obtained from Megan Gilks on 0161 355 2080 or email megan.gilks@rnib.org.uk for a copy. 2009-03-12T18:10:11+00:00