RNIB Statement: Blindness Is No Barrier To Being A Housemate

Main Category: Eye Health / Blindness
Article Date: 09 Sep 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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RNIB, the UK's leading sight loss charity, said: "By making it to the final of Big Brother, Mikey has proved that his blindness is no barrier to being a housemate. He has demanded to be treated equally, with the same opportunities as his fellow contestants and provided viewers with a unique opportunity to watch a blind person living their day-to-day life.

"Both Mikey, and Darnell, who is partially sighted, have dispelled myths and increased understanding of the challenges blind and partially sighted people experience, as well as what they can achieve.

"No one person can be expected to represent all blind and partially sighted people and we hope that audiences and housemates have come to know Mikey as an individual first and foremost, not defined by his blindness.

"While Mikey and Darnell will be very busy after leaving the Big Brother house, many blind and partially sighted people live in isolation and are unable to leave their homes. RNIB wants all blind and partially sighted people to be able to get the support they need to deal with the emotional and practical implications of losing their sight, and enjoy life's opportunities too."

Every day another 100 people will start to lose their sight. There are around two million people in the UK with sight problems. RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with sight difficulties. If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem, RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0845 766 9999.

Insight Radio the radio station of RNIB is Europe's first radio station dedicated to the blind and partially sighted community. The station is broadcast on SKY channel 0188 on 101FM for listeners in Glasgow and the surrounding areas. The station broadcasts to the world via the website at http://www.insightradio.co.uk.

RNIB

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