[gui-talk] coordinated approach to access to text books

[David Andrews]

Allen:

For whatever reason, you are choosing to believe that the only thing 
that NFB is doing on book accessibility is to bring lawsuits.  This 
is not true.  We were  involved with the NIMAS efforts on a variety 
of levels, have proposed Fede3ral legislation, and in some ways 
started this whole thing with talks with publishers and others back 
in 90's.  I would guess there are efforts of which I know nothing 
going on right now.  Litigation is sometimes necessary, and when it 
is, we don't hesitate, but change is brought about on a number of 
fronts and we are working in other areas as well as litigation.

Dave

At 12:30 PM 9/3/2009, you wrote:
>The recent item in GUI-talk related to Wayne State's response to the
>Kindle 2 is a great example of reaction to an industry ignoring
>accessibility.  however, I can't strongly urge NFB decision makers to
>organize more strategically to resolve the access to textbooks issue,
>not just litigate it.  As the National Instructional materials
>Accessibility legislation shows, steps can be taken to work with all
>stakeholders to improve accessibility and take advantage of technology.
>this is way over due folks, this should be a priority, and I'd say a
>very high priority.  We need to stop reacting, and start more proactive
>efforts to ensure access to textbooks, or we will continue to have
>enormous obstacles to receiving an equal education.
>
>I'm certain I am not familiar with all the appropriate pieces that need
>to be put in place to accomplish this change, but one that seems clear
>is a copyrights amendment to clearly state that text-to-speech via
>automated mechanisms is not equivalent to an audio book with human
>performer, and no such associated audio performance copyrights are
>applicable.  Additionally, a requirement for colleges to require
>availability of accessible electronic textbooks if mandated for use
>seems like the right approach, as was kind of done for NIMAS.
>
>What's holding this strategic work back?
>
>
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