EURO MPs URGE EU ACTION ON TACKLING THE BOOK FAMINE FOR THE BLIND

Europe should be doing more to improve access to books for blind people.

That was the message from Labour Euro MPs this week following a debate in the European Parliament on the issue of access by blind and dyslexic people to books and other printed products. The debate followed a question to the Commission, tabled on behalf of the Parliament’s Petitions Committee, on the same subject.

Labour Euro MPs hit out at the European Commission for being reluctant to support a binding worldwide treaty which would make it legal to send blind accessible books across national borders.

"Blind people and people who are visually impaired across the world are victims of a worldwide book famine. We need to take positive action in tackling it, in full respect of copyright legislation. I do not believe that the creators of these works stand as a barrier to access"

"The potential exists to produce accessible books, but current international law restricts their accessibility, particularly in developing nations” said Local Euro MP, Arlene McCarthy

Last year the European Parliament adopted a report called “Unlocking the potential of the cultural and creative industries” that made clear its support for an international binding “Treaty for the visually impaired and print disabled person”.

Although the Parliament made clear its support for a binding WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organisation) Treaty, the European Commission rejected that view and currently favours non-binding stakeholder agreements in the EU and a non-binding, voluntary “Joint Recommendation” at international level.

Labour Euro MPs believe that the Commission proposals are not sufficient:

"Proposals by the Council and Commission for “soft law” guidelines will be nowhere near as effective as a binding treaty. The European Parliament supports an international binding treaty, organisations for the blind support it and so do most countries. I urge the European Commission and Council to go forward and beyond voluntary agreements. Can we possibly imagine a world without access to the works of Shakespeare, Victor Hugo and countless others who enrich our very lives?" , she asked.

Onthespot - your online reporter

Do you have a story to tell? Please text or phone 07930717137 or email ots@otsnews.co.uk

She and her fellow MEPs could start by withdrawing their claim for an above inflation pay rise and having returned to the real world like the rest of us, suggest instead that money be given to buy these books. I won't hold my breath though. So much for the "We are all in this together." Yer right.

The need for people with sight impairments to accessible format books and publications in the developing world is not really about Victor Hugo and Shakespeare. It will be more about day to day things like newpapers, public documents and in some cases stuff for basic literacy.

In fact, forgive me if I am wrong, but aren't both of those authors out of copyright ? The reason that there are no Braille versions of Les Mis in Bangladesh is a) they dont speak french and b) they aren't interested.

Oh ... and no way has Arlene read Victor Hugo. I wonder if she can even cope with Joyce from her native land ?

Originally Posted by Albion102

The need for people with sight impairments to accessible format books and publications in the developing world is not really about Victor Hugo and Shakespeare. It will be more about day to day things like newpapers, public documents and in some cases stuff for basic literacy.

In fact, forgive me if I am wrong, but aren't both of those authors out of copyright ? The reason that there are no Braille versions of Les Mis in Bangladesh is a) they dont speak french and b) they aren't interested.

Oh ... and no way has Arlene read Victor Hugo. I wonder if she can even cope with Joyce from her native land ?

More likely got free tickets to go and see the musical.