People with visual impairment need more access to books and information. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - In Vietnam, books available for people with disabilities remain aslow as one percent, but there is hope for the future.
Expert gathered at aseminar in Hanoi on November 20 co-hosted by the National Committee on Peoplewith Disabilities and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
They discussed how a treatysigned in Marrakesh, Morocco five years ago was implemented to help those whoare visually impaired or struggle to read books could be beneficial in Vietnam.
The Marrakesh Treaty is thelatest addition to the body of international copyright treaties administered byWorld Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
It main goal is to create aset of mandatory limitations and exceptions for the benefit of the blind,visually impaired and otherwise print disabled (VIPs).
People with printdisabilities are those who cannot read texts, hold a book or turn pages becauseof visual, learning or physical disability. These people need books to betransferred to accessible formats including Braille, audio or large print to beable to read.
The treaty enablesproduction, distribution, importation and exportation of accessible formatcopies without having to ask for right holders’ permission.
Meanwhile, it providesreassurances for the publishing industry and the author.
In developed countries, upto 10 percent of published books are made into formats to which print disabledpeople can access, the percentage in developing countries including Vietnam isone percent.
While 70 countries havejoined the treaty, Vietnam is still to sign up.
“The workshop clearlydemonstrates Vietnam’s strong commitment to lift barriers that stand on the wayto realise the full potentials and inclusion for people with disabilities,”said UNDP Deputy Country Director Akiko Fuji.
On behalf of UNDP,Catherine Phuong, Assistant Country Director, also showed expectation on Vietnam’sparticipation in the treaty.
“We hope that Vietnam willbe the new country to join the treaty. More countries need to ratify the treatyto maximise the access to knowledge of people with visual impairment and printdisability,” she said.-VNS/VNA
VNA
