Government is 'betraying the blind'
Updated on 15 October 2008
The Government will be accused of "betraying" blind people during a protest at Parliament over payment of disability allowances.
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) will stage a demonstration over mobility benefit rules that exclude blind people from claiming a higher allowance claimed by wheelchair users.
Steve Winyard, head of campaigns at RNIB, said: "The Government says it wants fairness, but what's fair about blind people who can't drive only receiving £17.75 per week when other disabled people who can drive receive £46.75 per week?"
He continued: "People with the most severe sight loss are virtual prisoners in their own homes. They suffer fear and anxiety when outdoors from life threatening situations, are missing hospital appointments and employment opportunities and visits to family and friends because they can't afford the cost of a taxi."
The RNIB will accuse the Government of betraying blind people, claiming that ministers had refused to act on a proposal to end the row.
Groups campaigning for deaf people to have equal access to the telephone will also take their case to Parliament.
Spokeswoman Ruth Myers said: "No-one can participate fully in today's fast-moving society without easy and affordable access to the telephone.
"Much better access has been shown to be within grasp, but most of the services that deliver it have folded because they are too expensive for deaf individuals."
These news feeds are provided by an independent third party and Channel 4 is not responsible or liable to you for the same.
