The RNIB See Differently Awards, alongside headline sponsor Amazon Alexa, recognise and celebrate outstanding work to support people with sight loss.
A visually impaired woman in Leicestershire has won an RNIB See Differently Award in recognition of her campaigning work on behalf of the charity.
Sarah Leadbetter (46) from Narborough has a rare genetic condition called Bardet-Biedel syndrome and is registered blind. She has won the Campaigner of the Year category. Sponsored by Mastercard, this award recognises individuals who have shown great commitment and courage in campaigning to improve the world for blind and partially sighted people.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Sarah who is classified as clinically extremely vulnerable, was unable to read any of the government’s letters containing health information regarding shielding herself because none of it was in an accessible format. Arguing that this inaccessibility was in contravention of the 2010 Equalities Act and in breach of her human rights, Sarah challenged the government by way of judicial review and secured fundamental promises of change.
As a result of Sarah’s efforts, the government is now currently considering how it can ensure all health information is sent in a person’s preferred format, and whether this can be extended to other government health related communications.
Sarah’s not done yet. She plans to continue campaigning until all government and NHS communications are sent out by email as well as post.
The RNIB See Differently Awards, alongside headline sponsor Amazon Alexa, recognise and celebrate outstanding work to support people with sight loss.
A visually impaired woman in Leicestershire has won an RNIB See Differently Award in recognition of her campaigning work on behalf of the charity.
Sarah Leadbetter (46) from Narborough has a rare genetic condition called Bardet-Biedel syndrome and is registered blind. She has won the Campaigner of the Year category. Sponsored by Mastercard, this award recognises individuals who have shown great commitment and courage in campaigning to improve the world for blind and partially sighted people.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Sarah who is classified as clinically extremely vulnerable, was unable to read any of the government’s letters containing health information regarding shielding herself because none of it was in an accessible format. Arguing that this inaccessibility was in contravention of the 2010 Equalities Act and in breach of her human rights, Sarah challenged the government by way of judicial review and secured fundamental promises of change.
As a result of Sarah’s efforts, the government is now currently considering how it can ensure all health information is sent in a person’s preferred format, and whether this can be extended to other government health related communications.
Sarah’s not done yet. She plans to continue campaigning until all government and NHS communications are sent out by email as well as post.