Anger at refusal to fund talking books (From Keighley News)

Anger at refusal to fund talking books

9:00am Monday 15th December 2008

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A woman has attacked Bradford Council’s “lack of consideration” for blind people after it refused to renew her subscription to a talking book service.

Trish Nicholson, 50, used to receive free subscription to the talking books service, when she was registered blind 20 years ago, but dropped out of the scheme because she could not operate the tape machine.

But years later, the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) — which runs the talking book service — now has new machines, called Daisy Players, which are far easier to use.

Ms Nicholson, who lives in Wilsden, asked social services if she could get back on the scheme using the new player but they refused, saying it had now disbanded funding and would not pay for any new joiners.

Ms Nicholson was outraged by the attitude and said she felt like Bradford Council did not “care” for blind people.

She said: “It is not fair because the people who live in Craven and Lancashire areas will get it free because their councils pay for it like every council should.

“Bradford Council just doesn’t care about blind people, they are rotten. It spends all its money on things like fireworks and festivals and big wheels and televisions in the city centre, all visual things, but it will not pay for me to enjoy a book at home.

“I thought I was doing the council a favour when I sent the machine back because I couldn’t cope with it, I thought I was saving them money. But I wish I hadn’t bothered now because it has meant I can’t access the service again now technology has changed and get a new machine.

“I used to love sitting down with a book and I just want to be able to do that again. I would get so much enjoyment out of it.”

Ms Nicholson has had to give up work because of her sight and an anxiety illness and cannot afford to pay for the £79 annual subscription herself.

She said that she had contacted her local MP, Philip Davies, about the issue and had also contacted a local council ombudsman but it had found in favour of Bradford Council.

She has also spoken to Keighley and District Association for the Blind to see if it could offer help.

Chief executive of the blind association, Kevin Baldwin, said that it was the council’s responsibility to pay for the service.

He said: “I think it is unfair that the council refuses to pay for the book service because council taxpayers pay for a library service which blind people cannot use because they can’t read print books.

“I think this subscription is something the local authorities should provide.”

Mr Baldwin said that to his knowledge there was a dispute between the social services department and the library services as to which should pay for the talking book service.

Mr Davies agreed the council should pay the fee as it was a large sum for Ms Nicholson but neither “here nor there” for the council.

He wrote to the council on Ms Nicholson’s behalf to support her.

“This is an important service for her and I’m sorry they didn’t change their mind,” he added.

Ms Nicholson said: “All I want for Christmas is a talking book. If anyone out there is kind enough to sponsor the machine for me I would be so grateful.”

In a statement, Peter Kay, assistant director assessment and care management, said that Bradford Council supported registered blind people in obtaining access to talking books but “the way we do this has changed over time”.

He said: “Ms Nicholson wanted to return to a system we ceased using in 1996 and complained to the council when we did not agree to this.

“Her complaint was fully investigated and responded to and she subsequently wrote to the Local Government Ombudsman, who found in favour of the council.

“We have and will continue to try and support Ms Nicholson in whatever way we can.”

A spokesman for the RNIB said: “Many councils across the country pay the subscription fee to enable blind and partially sighted people to receive and enjoy the talking book service. Blind and partially sighted people say talking books are a lifeline, bringing great pleasure and reducing isolation.”

If anyone can help Ms Nicholson fund her talking book service, she can be contacted on 07790 820904.

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