Bishopbriggs 'Haggeye' welcomed to Westminster

5.05.00pm GMT Wed 22nd Oct 2008

The group attended Prime Ministers Questions before meeting Jo

SEVEN young Scots who are blind or partially sighted were welcomed to Westminster by Jo Swinson today.

Among the group was 17 year old Jonathon Miller, from Bishopbriggs.

The group are members of a new youth forum for young people with sight loss, 'Haggeye'. As the youngest MP in the Commons, Jo was particularly interested to hear of the group's experiences of what it is like to be young and have sight loss in Scotland today. Commenting on the visit, she said:

"This meeting was useful to help understanding the particular challenges faced by young people who are blind or partially sighted. The new youth forum is an important and positive means of giving a voice to young people affected by these issues."

The group also enjoyed a tour of Parliament and attended Prime Minister's question-time.

"This was a great opportunity to get a feel of what it's like at the very heart of decision-making," said Jonathon Miller.

"For our part, we want to raise awareness of what it's like to be a young person with sight loss in Scotland today, and how campaigning can make a difference and enable us to participate more fully in a sighted world."

The forum is campaigning on a number of issues, including accessible transport and amenities and the provision of more schoolbooks and other educational materials in formats such as braille, large-print or audio.

Related Link:

RNIB - Haggeye