|
Confederation of Transcribed Information Services
To promote the provision of information in alternative formats to print
| Right to Read Article | Right to Read Web Links |
Article published in On Track Issue 45, October 2003.
October 20th sees the launch of Right to Read Charter and a new report highlighting the fact that over three million adults and children in the UK who cannot read standard print are effectively denied the Right to Read as so little is converted into other formats such as audio, braille, large print etc.
The Right to Read Alliance is a partnership of 14 voluntary organisations, including COTIS, who are concerned that, despite all the technological advances, so many people are effectively barred from reading. Over 95% of books published in the UK are NOT available in a format that print disabled people can read.
The Right to Read Alliance believes that this is discrimination and the situation must be improved. Print disabled people risk being isolated from education, work and society through being denied access to reading.
We are calling on government, publishers, booksellers and libraries to play their part and deliver the Right to Read. Right to Read Week, launched at the British Library on Monday 20th October 2003, is part of an ongoing campaign to improve access to books and information for 3 million print disabled people across the UK.
PLEASE SUPPORT THIS CAMPAIGN!
We need you, your work-mates, your customers, and your friends and family all to sign the charter. All libraries have been sent a copy of the Charter and asked to display it near the book issuing desk. Many local libraries around the UK are holding events that you can get involved in. We'll also be asking people to write to their MPs, MSPs and Assembly Members and their local press.
Please use the Charter on the following pages in your work-place, and make the campaign as widely known as you can. The Charter will be presented in Autumn 2004, so you have twelve months to amass signatures. An electronic copy of the Charter is available on our website, (www.cotis.org.uk ) together with links to other organisations who are taking part.
As members of COTIS, you obviously have a strong interest in making information available in non-print formats. So do please take part in this crucial campaign.
Click here to visit RNIB's Right to Read web page
COTIS, Project Office, 67 High Street, Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 0DP, United Kingdom.
Telephone: +44 (0)1829 733351
Email: administrator@cotis.org.uk
COTIS President: Sir John A. Wall - Charity Number 299024
COTIS Web Site last updated 21st November 2008