From ALA’s Washington Office:
Don’t let big companies deny the print disabled access to books. The American Library Association supports a copyright exception to a World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) international treaty to increase access to information for people with print disabilities – those who are blind, have low vision, are dyslexic, have a learning disability or other disability that prevents them from accessing print.
The exception would ask WIPO member nations to establish a national exception that authorizes the making of accessible copies. This exception would be similar to the Chafee Amendment (17 USC §121) in US copyright law. In addition, the exception would allow countries to share accessible copies (Braille, large print, digital formats like accessible e-books) across borders.
Negotiations are reaching a fever pitch with many powerful corporations, including General Electric, Exxon, and the motion picture and publishing industries opposing the treaty. We need your help now. Sign this petition and let the Obama Administration and the US delegation to WIPO know that you support the right to read for all.
















