Scottish author says it with Braille
Royal Blind Press Release: Monday October 6, 2014
Trailblazing author Sue Reid Sexton – whose latest work was published in Braille at the same time as general release – will join Royal Blind pupils today (Monday) to celebrate the start of National Braille Week 2014.
Sue will read from her first novel Mavis's Shoe – about a child's experiences of the Clydebank Blitz - to a class of English and History students at the school. Wartime-themed snacks will be provided by the Home Economics team. The event is part of a mini literacy festival at the school this autumn, the 'Falling Words Festival'.
Sue will also visit the Scottish Braille Press, who produce the Braille versions of her work. A member of staff with visual impairment will read from a Braille embossed copy of Rue End Street.
Speaking before the event, Sue said:
“I am delighted to be involved with National Braille Week.
“Royal Blind organise this week to celebrate the life-changing impact of Braille. If you can imagine a world without books, then that is the reality for many – or would be, without Braille and other accessible formats. Braille is a code that helps over 120 million people worldwide.
“I'm looking forward to a tour of the Scottish Braille Press and the Royal Blind School and to meeting the staff and pupils there. I'm going to read from my novels Rue End Street and Mavis’s Shoe - I'm very pleased that both books are available in Braille and thank you to the Scottish Braille Press for their hard, excellent work.”
Davina Shiell, Marketing Manager at Royal Blind said:
“Sue has been a huge supporter of Braille and other accessible formats so we are delighted that she's here to help us celebrate National Braille Week. This is an important way to raise awareness of the difference Braille has made to so many lives.
“We hope that many people will be able to join us in celebrating National Braille Week this year by organising their own activities, taking part in our social media campaigns or viewing our exhibitions online.”
National Braille Week is organised by Royal Blind and runs from 6 – 12 October this year.
It aims to raise awareness of the importance of Braille and other accessible formats, and their many uses across the UK.
To find out more visit www.nationalbrailleweek.org
For more information or photographs, 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. 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
ABOUT ROYAL BLIND
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