Blackboys Primary School Helps Bring Print To Life For Blind People

Fundraising efforts by Blackboys CE Primary School will help blind and partially
sighted people keep in touch with news and information.

Pupils have raised more than £235 in support of National Talking Newspapers and
Magazines (NTNM), a national charity based in Heathfield, which brings print to
life for blind and partially sighted people locally and across the UK by
providing more than 200 popular newspaper and magazine titles in a range of
accessible formats.

The school decided to support the charity after volunteer NTN M reader, Nicola
Begg gave a talk to pupils about what the charity does. The school raised the
money by holding collections at the school's weekly assembly and a collection at
the Christmas nativity play.

 "We are an inclusive school and wanted to raise awareness among our children
about people with sensory difficulties. We also like to support charities that
have a local connection as well as the more well-known ones," says headteacher
Jonquil King.

A group of pupils recently visited NTNM's recording studios in Browning Road to
hand over a 'big' cheque and find out first-hand how the charity records the
publications and sends these out on audio tape, CD or via the internet to
listeners and readers across the country.

There are around two million adults and children in the UK who are denied the
opportunity to read because they have a sight problem or other reading
disability.  As Nicola Begg, explains. 

"This invaluable service provides the same access to newspapers and magazines
enjoyed by sighted people and helps blind and partially sighted people achieve a
level of independence and choice that most of us take for granted. Being able to
read is not only vital for keeping up to date with what's going on in the
outside world but is also one of life's great pleasures, so for most of us, not
being able to pick up a newspaper and read the latest newspaper or enjoy our
favourite magazine is unimaginable.

"On behalf of NTNM, I'd like to say a big thank you to Blackboys CE Primary
School for their fantastic fundraising efforts. Every donation really does make
a difference and their support will help us maintain a service that enriches the
lives of so many people."


Further Information

National Talking Newspapers and Magazines is a registered charity offering a
wide variety of popular newspapers and magazines in a range of accessible
formats for blind, partially sighted print disabled people.

200 volunteer readers record more than 200 popular publicaitons covering the
world of news, politics, entertainment, music, sorts, the arts and many more.
These are made available in a range of audio and dital formats including tape 
CD, MP3 downloads and full text via email or the internet.

The service is available for a modest annual subscription. The charity receives
no government funding and relies heavily on donations and grants from charitable
trusts.

Registered Charity No. 293656


Contact:
Cheryl Johnson, Communications Manager
National Talking Newspapers and Magazines
National Recording Centre
Heathfield
East Sussex
TN21 8DB

T: 01435 866102
F: 01435 865422

E: Cheryl.johnson@tnauk.org.uk