>I would think that there is therefore no onus on book publishers and retailers
>to provide texts in alternative formats, just as there would be no duty on
>Marks and Spencers to provide clothing which would be suitable for people with
>a range of physical needs, through amputations, e.g.
Yes - part III of the Act does not apply to manufacturers or producers
unless they are direct suppliers of good or services to the public -
although such bodies are requested to comply with the spirit of the
legislation, they are not subject to its letter. M & S is an interesting
case where part of it commissions the production of items and another part
sells them - but their business is largely the sale of 'off the peg' items
- not bespoke commissions.
However - what the frequent occurrence of this topic of debate demonstrates
is the need for a UK version of the USA's Chaffee amendment (part of which
is reproduced below). However, in and of itself - it does not guarantee
timely access. It clears up all the time-lag and fuss about getting
copyright clearance - but it does not mean that the carefully
circumscribed, designated authorities who may take advantage of this,
actually have the money to step up to widespread audio or braille
production.
Clinton Approves Copyright Access
JFA congratulates disability rights advocates who worked with
the publishing industry, Congress and the Clinton Administration
to speed alternative-format access to copyrighted books!
"I have today signed into law H.R. 3754, the "Legislative
Branch Appropriations Act, 1997," said President Clinton.
"The Act provides fiscal year 1997 appropriations for the
Congress, the Congressional Budget Office, the Architect of the
Capitol, the General Accounting Office, the Government Printing
Office, and the Library of Congress.
"I am especially pleased to sign into law a provision that
will allow blind and visually impaired persons to get earlier
access to books and other reading matter. As a result of an
agreement between the publishing industry and advocates for
people with disabilities, books can now be converted into
alternative formats such as Braille as soon as they appear
in print. Prior to this change, the Library of Congress and
other organizations that sought to provide these materials
had to obtain permission from copyright holders on a
case-by-case basis, leading to lengthy delays in access to all
types of reading material. This law will help us reach our goal
of full inclusion of people with disabilities.
[material deleted]
"I urge the Congress to complete action on the remaining
regular FY 1997 appropriations bills and to send them to me in
an acceptable form."
WILLIAM J. CLINTON
THE WHITE HOUSE
September 16, 1996
Stella O'Brien
email: [log in to unmask]
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