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3 December 2004

 

CAL provides funding for print disability access

On this 2004 International Day of People with a Disability, CAL is proud to announce its funding for research into access to copyright materials for people with a print disability.

CAL 's board has approved funding from its Research and Development Cultural Fund for the Australian Copyright Council to undertake research into the issues surrounding access to literary and artistic works for people with a print disability.

The projected outcome is a set of guidelines:

  • for copyright users with a print disability about access to copyright works in formats appropriate to their particular needs; and
  • for publishers and authors who want to provide digital works for the print disabled about the formats in which they could offer materials which would be beneficial for this sector of the community.

The Australian Copyright Council (ACC) will consult with peak bodies working in this area – including institutions assisting people with a print disability, and other institutions representing people with a print disability, and copyright owner groups, such as the Australian Society of Authors and the Australian Publishers Association.

The ACC will undertake research into the Australian law relating to this area, and review the legislative framework in other countries.

The National Information Library Service (NILS) is one of the organisations to be consulted about the proposed guidelines. NILS provides access to published material for people with a print disability (see www.nils.org.au ).

NILS' National Manager Information and Library Services, Libby Sturrock said, “ CAL have been wonderful partners to the National Information and Library service and we are delighted to hear of this initiative.”

“CAL 's funding of the development of these guidelines will greatly enhance our ability to manage some of the implications of new technology and changes in the law, which may have had the unfortunate result of restricting access to information even more for our client base.

“The review of relevant laws in other jurisdictions will also assist NILS in furthering equitable access to global information for Australians with a print disability."

The project is expected to be completed by September 2005.

Media contact:

Public Affairs Manager
Tel: 02 9394 7600

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