BLIND SA, a National Disable People’s Organisation (DPO) has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to sign the Copyright Bill which was approved by the National Assembly and NCOP so that it can be enacted. In addition, Blind SA called upon Parliament to ratify the Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate access to published works for blind, visually impaired and otherwise print disable persons.
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CEO of Blind SA, Jace Nair explained that current copyrights exclude visually impaired people from enjoying books.
“Mr President, blind and visually impaired persons have been denied exceptions and limitations in the copyright law which has resulted in a book famine. Less than 0.5 per cent of published works are in an accessible format such as braille, audio, daisy or large print resulting in blind and visually impaired persons having very limited access to information and knowledge,” he said.
According to Nair, section 19 D of the Copyright Bill provides the exception and limitations which is in accordance with the basic provisions of the Marrakesh Treaty.
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“Gaining access to information and knowledge with having access to published works in braille, daisy, audio and large print will enable blind and visually impaired persons to obtain education, and skills so that they may be gainfully employed and contribute to the economy of the country and build self-esteem with blind and visually impaired persons,” said Nair.
Blind SA is a member of SA Right 2 Read Coalition and SA Disability Alliance.
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