Euro-MP presents acting principal with manifesto in Braille on visit to RNIB New College in Worcester

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 27th May 2004

West Midlands Euro-MP Liz Lynne, and Liberal Democrat PPC for West Worcestershire Tom Wells today presented the acting principal of RNIB New College in Worcester Mrs Mardy Smith with copies of the Liberal Democrats European Manifesto in Braille, and on tape for the students.

The College is a co-educational secondary school for blind and partially sighted pupils with academic ability. The school can accommodate up to 115 students aged between 11 to 19.

Speaking following the visit the Liberal Democrat MEP said:

"The College offers a wide range of subjects for students, with many of them progressing to higher degrees and professional training once they have left the college. Indeed 95% of the students move on to higher and further education.

"They do not just teach subjects but also seek to develop pupil's skills as well as encouraging a high level of independence and confidence, enabling students to be more independent later in life.

"I recently signed a written declaration in the European Parliament urging all governments to guarantee active participation of disabled people in the election. There are an estimated 50million disabled people in Europe who are eligible to vote in these elections most of whom are forgotten about in the political process.

"Some of the students at New College are over 18 and therefore will be entitled to vote in the European Elections. It is important that they are able to fully take part in the political process. That is why I have presented copies of our manifesto today in Braille and on tape so the students there can have the same opportunity as the rest of the West Midlands in analysing our policies. "

PPC for West Worcestershire Tom Wells said:

"It was a pleasure to meet the dedicated staff at the college and I know many of the students are interested in current affairs."

ENDS

For further information, comment or to book an interview, please telephone Press Officer Stuart Ritchie on 01789 266354 or 07833668158

Notes To Editors

Liz Lynne's Business cards are printed by the RNIB with my contact details in print and Braille.

As well as being the rapporteur for the European Year of People with Disabilities 2003, Liz Lynne MEP also drafted the European Parliament's report supporting a UN Convention on Disabled People's Rights.