Hanoi (VNA) - A workshop on improving access to accessible format copies of published works for people with print disabilities was held in Hanoi on October 8.
The event was co-organised by the Copyright Office of Vietnam under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Regional Trade for Development (RT4D) initiative funded by the Governments of Australia and New Zealand.
The workshop took place as Vietnam continues to advance the implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty - adopted in Marrakesh, Morocco, on June 27, 2013, under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) - to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled.
Vietnam acceded to the Treaty in December 2022, with its provisions entering into force domestically in March 2023.
As part of its broader international commitments, including under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Vietnam is working to ensure that the Treaty is effectively implemented to promote inclusion, equality, and social participation for persons with print disabilities.
Improving access to accessible format copies of published works for children with print disabilities (Source: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism)
The workshop gathered participants from government institutions, publishers, libraries, universities, and organisations of persons with disabilities.
It provides a platform to review Vietnam’s progress in implementing the Marrakesh Treaty, discuss challenges in converting published works into accessible formats, and explore international good practices that can be applied domestically.
The introduction of two new guidelines, developed under this project, provided practical directions for both individuals with print disabilities seeking access to materials and institutions responsible for ensuring availability.
Applying digital technology can help people with print disabilities to access information more easily. (Illustrative image. Source: United Nations Development Programme in Vietnam)
The workshop also highlighted how digital technologies such as online repositories and digital libraries can help reduce barriers, and ensure that persons with print disabilities have equal access to education, research, and cultural materials.
Stakeholders also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and develop a shared roadmap for inclusive publishing and library systems.
A similar workshop will be held in Ho Chi Minh City on October 9./.
