Blind and visually-impaired children are to benefit from an £80,000 modernisation of a book production department at a charity based in Highbridge.
The revamped, digitalised ‘CustomEyes’ equipment has expanded at the National Blind Children’s Society’s HQ in Market Street.
It will enable more large print books to be produced for blind and visually impaired youngsters by using up-to-date printing and binding technology.
The books can be customised to suit an individual’s conditions and are essential to aid blind and visually impaired children’s education and socialising.
The department was officially opened last Thursday (July 2nd) after funding came from private and corporate parties and NBCS fundraisers. Present at the unveiling was Samantha Anderson, of Liverpool, and her guide dog Greg.
Samantha said: “CustomEyes books changed my life. They are an irreplaceable resource for young people with visual impairment, not only for school texts but especially because they make reading for leisure possible.”
CustomEyes grew dramatically in 2008, producing 8,825 large print books in 12,500 volumes. Since January 2008 more than 350 titles have been added to the catalogue, but 216 are still on a members’ wish list including the latest popular fiction, classics, textbooks and study aids.
Charity chief executive Carolyn Fullard said: “To fulfil demand CustomEyes has moved to a larger office which will enable NBCS to expand and upgrade its publishing operations. Production costs are about £50 per book, but they are sold at the recommended retail price, so are heavily subsidised.”
Other attendees at the unveiling included MP David Heathcoat-Amory, High Sheriff of Somerset John Alvis, town mayor and mayoress Derick and Christine Cooper, and Sedgemoor District Council chairman Cllr Jane Moreton.
