Channel 4 news presenter Jon Snow has recorded audio versions of crucial information around the ongoing coronavirus pandemic for people living with sight loss.
Access to the news and accurate information has never been more pertinent, but since the outbreak of coronavirus the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has found that not all government information is accessible.
As part of RNIB’s campaign for accessible information, the charity has been working with the Cabinet Office Disability Unit to create audio recordings of the latest information, and they are now available on RNIB’s Helpline.
ACCESS
In order to combat isolation and misinformation for the visually impaired community, much-loved and respected anchor Jon Snow and RNIB is working to combat the issues faced by those with sight loss when attempting to get information.
Additionally, RNIB findings suggest that 26 per cent of people aged 75 and over who are blind or partially sighted do not have access to the internet, where much of the information about coronavirus is found.
Jon Snow said: “The coronavirus pandemic has changed life for all of us.
“With guidelines on how people can keep themselves and their communities safe, it’s of the utmost importance that everyone has access to this information.”
DISABILITY UNIT
A list of frequently asked questions about the coronavirus pandemic, as well as information on staying healthy, exercise, accessing food and medicine, financial support and statutory sick pay are amongst the recordings that are available.
“At a time when public health information is more important than ever, it’s essential that all of the two million people living with sight loss have access to these guidelines,” added Jamie Dormandy, head of advice and customer service at RNIB
“We’re pleased to have worked with the Cabinet Office Disability Unit and Jon Snow on providing audio versions of this information and for their help in supporting blind and partially sighted people during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.”
To access the recordings on RNIB’s Helpline, call 0303 123 9999 and press 5.
As well as the recordings, callers can speak to RNIB’s advisers about anything related to sight loss, including advice and support related to coronavirus, access to information and shopping, and how to stay connected during this time.
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