“285 million people worldwide will now have greater access to books published in accessible formats such as large print, braille or audio” (Australia Government, Department of Communications and the Arts, 2018).
The Marrakesh Treaty (link opens in new window) is an international agreement destined to unlock the power of storytelling for people living with print disability all over the world. Australia was one of the first 20 countries to sign the Treaty, which came into effect on 30 September 2016.
It means that communities have access to more than 70,000 braille, audio books and large print publications from all over the globe, in library collections just like ours at VisAbility.
Recently, our team member Dinesh Burah Manager of Education and Information Services was invited to speak at the 2018 Australia Digital Alliance Copyright Forum in Canberra. During a panel discussion, Dinesh outlined the life-changing impact of the Marrakesh Treaty to the clients who live with vision impairment and the logistics of the Treaty on the ground in a service approach.
“As a first timer at the ADA forum, it seemed like most stakeholders, especially the organisations supporting People with a Print Disability are pleased that the 2017 Copyright amendments provides greater flexibility to provide material in a person preferred format.” Dinesh said. “Overall, I really enjoyed attending the conference. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet colleagues and chat about the latest innovations in the accessibility and copyright field!”
We are very proud that Dinesh was able to talk about the empowering work that the Accessible Information Services at VisAbility does for West Australians living with a print disability. Our clients have the ability to access their favourite books in a variety of languages and formats including Braille from countries all around the world.
How to get support
Please complete the form below to make an initial enquiry about our library services, low vision services and support or Braille Classes we can provide. Our Client Experience Team will contact you to discuss your individual needs, both now and into the future.
If you are a provider and wish to refer a client, please use our low vision medical certificate (online referral form) to make your referral.