Campaign update

Hello Shaun,

Welcome to your Summer e-newsletter from RNIB Campaigns, which updates you on campaign developments and current actions. Campaign update is also available in pdf and accessible word formats from RNIB's campaigns webpages.

The hardest hit - the campaign continues...

Over 5,000 disabled people travelled from across the UK to London on May 11 to support the 'Hardest Hit' campaign and make sure MPs understood the impact welfare reform plans and local cuts will have on them.

The Hardest Hit campaign continues. During October disability groups will be gearing up for regional hardest hit day of protests across the UK. Be part of the Hardest Hit campaign by registering your interest to attend a regional event in October or by sharing your experience.

The future of social care - your priorities

Our social care system is in need of urgent reform. Earlier this month, we welcomed the Dilnot report on the future funding of social care and support in England. The review is widely recognised as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform social care.

We are now calling on the Government to act swiftly with a clear timetable for reform. To ensure reform is both fair and sustainable, any plans must reflect the voices of those with experience of the care system and organisations that represent them.

This is where you come in. Please take a few minutes to answer three questions on your priorities for social care reform - we need to hear from you.

MEP support for accessible labelling smashes record

At the end of June, following a strong campaign by RNIB, Sense and our European Blind Union partners, the European Parliament adopted a written declaration on accessible labelling. A whopping 447 MEPs, including 39 from the UK, signed, which is the highest number of signatures of any written declaration this Parliamentary term.

This is a fantastic campaign success which we will use to show ministers, MPs and industry that we now have the overwhelming support of the European Parliament for more accessible labelling of products. Though the declaration is not a new law, this success will really help with the push for better and more accessible labelling of products in the UK.

Cataracts: Restricting access to surgery puts thousands at risk

Our new campaign report 'Don't turn back the clock' asks the question, 'is cataract surgery an easy target?' and calls on Primary Care Trusts to stop breaching their own policies by cancelling all cataract surgery as part of their 'efficiency savings'.

Help us campaign to end the restrictions on this safe, clinically and cost effective sight saving treatment by telling us your story. If you or anyone you know has had problems getting cataract treatment, please share your story by emailing us at cataract@rnib.org.uk

In your area

Improving accessibility in hospitals in Devon and Scarborough; saving services in Buckinghamshire; tackling A-Boards in Merseyside; challenging discrimination in the minicab services; improving accessible transport in Nottingham - the list goes on.

The energy and commitment of our local campaign volunteers who consistently tackle inequality and injustice where they live - and succeed - is truly inspiring. Find out what's been happening in your region over the last few months.

Best wishes

Sally
RNIB Campaigns team

P.S. Could you be a RNIB volunteer campaigner? We are now recruiting for more campaigns volunteers and may be looking for someone where you live. Contact your regional campaigns officer for more information, or check RNIB volunteer webpages for adverts in your area.

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