Braille not just about books, says first blind MSP

ROYAL BLIND PRESS RELEASE: Friday October 10, 2014

As National Braille Week draws to a close, the everyday uses of Braille were highlighted by the first blind elected MSP, Dennis Robertson.

The Scottish politician and Braille user, who is a former pupil of The Royal Blind School, spoke of the continued importance of the code in everyday life, such as on medicine labels and food packaging. Despite the welcome advancement in other accessible formats for people with visual impairments, such as screen reading technology, Mr Robertson stressed that the tactile code still had a crucial role to play.

Mr Robertson was speaking in the Scottish Parliament, whose building features Braille signs and information, enabling Braille using visitors and staff to navigate independently.

Mr Robertson said:

“Braille's still a very important medium. Braille, for me, is still there because it helps me identify things, for instance medicines from the medicine cupboard, and packaging as well. In some supermarkets it's great because when I go into the freezer at least I can identify some foods - it's not always a surprise.

“But also things like my CDs and basic filing. It's still a very important part of my life and I'll continue to use it.”

Mr Robertson also stated the importance of raising awareness of Braille:

“Having devoted my career to helping those with visual impairments, first as a social worker and now as the first blind elected MSP, I am extremely passionate about National Braille Week’s mission to promote widespread awareness of Braille. I am continually impressed with the talents, efforts, and work of blind and partially sighted people and our supporters; it has been an inspiring and empowering week.”

Davina Shiell, Marketing Manager at Royal Blind, added:

“National Braille Week is an important way to celebrate the difference Braille has made to so many lives. It's not just used in books – it’s found on buildings – like here in the Scottish Parliament – on bank statements, medicine labels and countless other places where the printed word is used. Braille and the other accessible formats enable visually impaired people to get on with everyday activities that perhaps sighted people take for granted.

“Royal Blind is delighted to have the support of Dennis Robertson MSP in highlighting the continued importance of this truly global code.”

For high resolution images or for more information

Contact Una Purdie una.purdie@royalblind.org

Tel 0131 229 1456

Notes to Editors

ABOUT NATIONAL BRAILLE WEEK

National Braille Week runs from Mon 6 – Sat 12 October 2014, organised by Royal Blind. It runs in the second week of October each year, coinciding with World Sight Day..

National Braille Week aims to raise awareness of the importance of braille and other accessible formats, and their many uses across the UK.

More information on all the events at www.nationalbrailleweek.org

Royal Blind is a registered charity that runs services for blind and visually impaired people throughout the UK. We run the following services:

-       The Royal Blind School offers the highest quality of education and care to meet the needs of young people with a visual impairment. Our two campuses include pre-school, primary and secondary facilities supporting pupils with additional support needs.

-       Braeside House is our home that provides first class services and facilities for older people who are blind or visually impaired, offering both residential and nursing care in purpose built premises.

-       The Scottish Braille Press is a leading provider of high quality alternative formats. The press has years of experience, backed up with continuing investment in technology and skills to ensure we can supply the best that is available for our customer needs.

-       Forward Vision offers young adults aged 18-25 who have a visual impairment disability, care and support with person centred focus on strengths and abilities, encouraging greater independence.

-       Kidscene offers after school care to children attending the Royal Blind School and local schools. The club aims to include a safe, secure and relaxed environment for the children in our care. We endeavour to provide an atmosphere and activities similar to those found within the home

Our sister charity Scottish War Blinded provides an outreach service and day centre facilities for veterans with a visual impairment. Our vision at Royal Blind is to make a significant contribution to building a community in which blind and partially sighted people, including those who also have other disabilities, are fully included and lead fulfilling lives. www.royalblind.org

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