RESOLUTION 2011-01

Copyright Treaty

AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND
RESOLUTION 2011-01

SUMMARY:

1. The officers, directors and members of this organization hereby confirm their support for an international treaty on copyright exceptions and limitations that will allow producers of books for people with print reading disabilities to share them with individuals in other countries.

2. This resolution shall be sent to the World Blind Union to be distributed by them to such individuals and entities as may be appropriate to support their efforts on behalf of an international copyright treaty.

WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind has a long history of advocacy in support of increased access to any and all books and other print materials in alternate formats that are accessible to people with print-reading disabilities; and

WHEREAS, there continues to be a worldwide shortage of books in formats that are accessible to people with visual impairments and other print-reading disabilities; and

WHEREAS, the World Blind Union has identified a “book famine” which adversely impacts many people, especially in developing countries, who have print-reading disabilities; and

WHEREAS, in an effort to address this deplorable lack of access, the World Blind Union has been working for some time to convince the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to endorse the creation of an international treaty on copyright law that would remove barriers to the sharing of books in accessible formats across borders; and

WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind has supported this effort since its inception and has sent representatives to meetings of the World Intellectual Property Organization's Standing Committee on Copyright to assist the World Blind Union in its efforts to convince delegates of the need for this treaty;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at the John Ascuaga Nugget Hotel Resort and Casino in Sparks, Nev. on the 14th day of July, 2011, that the officers, directors and members of this organization hereby confirm their support for an international treaty on copyright exceptions and limitations that will allow producers of books for people with print-reading disabilities to share them with individuals in other countries; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall be sent to the World Blind Union to be distributed by them to such individuals and entities as may be appropriate to support their efforts on behalf of an international copyright treaty.

Adopted.

Marlaina Lieberg, Secretary