LOVE LARGE PRINT is a campaign to raise awareness and improve accessibility for users of large print books, who need them due to disability and vision impairment.
We want to provide a healthy and positive conversation about how to improve access to large print books, dissemination of suitable resources for low vision readers, and provide networking opportunities for writers and readers whilst combating prejudice and lack of understanding.
Over 25% of the UK population are registered blind or have severe vision impairment; 1.5 million people are affected by macular disease alone - just one of many eyesight conditions that make reading small print difficult or impossible.
The Love Large Print Project team will be holding community service events - (free to the public) around access and availability of large print publications i.e. books - fiction and non-fiction, festival information and other public service information brochures.
Our free live events will create opportunities for local and regional artists, writers and poets to read their work to vision impaired audiences as well as to editors, agents and publishers. Our goal is to help grow an industry responsive to vision impaired readers, writers and book lovers across the UK.
We will also be creating resources to assist stockists in ways to respond to large print publication requests without reminding disabled people of their disability or making them feel like a problem.
The Love Large Print Project is led by a visually impaired Writer (Wendy Imashev) who has lived experience of these issues and is informed by vision impaired and disabled readers across the UK.
Wendy and her team of community support partners will be responding to the needs of readers, writers, and the literary community by creating opportunities for everyone to come together at live events.
Our community partners are an integral part of the Love Large Print campaign, helping us to reach diverse audiences and create meaningful connections across the UK. They include local writers, poets, performance artists, musicians, libraries, bookshops, and accessibility-focused organizations. Together, we aim to enhance the literary experience for vision-impaired individuals, advocate for the availability of large print publications, and support creative talent in all its forms.
To broaden our projectand to explore artistic opportunities in depth we are developing some new initiatives.
Reaching out to a wider population who may need support and encouragement to reach potential and fulfillment in their lives.
for young and new emerging talent in the arena of Literature, Performing Arts, Artists and illustrators.
Supporting young creative people via their schools and arts curriculum by addressing students at School and via Art and Literary Competitions.
Partnering with other like-minded organizations to ensure the success and sustainability of our Project and to create further opportunities for creative talent.
Friday 28th February 2025
From 1.00pm to 5pm
Lighthouse Arts & Entertainment Centre (Opposite the Poole Bus Station) There will be food, beverages, and live entertainment, as well as displays and talks about large print publications. Open to all – Free public service event!
Come find us at The London Book Fair
Olympia London,
11th - 13th March 2025
https://www.londonbookfair.co.uk/
Come find us at Hay Festival
Hay-on-Wye
22nd May - 1st June 2025
hayfestival.com/hay-on-wye/home
Come find us at International Literature Festival Dublin
16th - 25th May 2025
ilfdublin.com