Demystifying Print Disabilities & Copyright: An Overview for Libraries & Alternate Format Producers

Presented by Laurie Davidson, Executive Director, CELA and Daniella Levy-Pinto, NNELS Manager, National Network for Equitable Library Service.

The exceptions in the Copyright Act for persons with perceptual or print disabilities (section 32) recognize fundamental rights in the copyright regime, such as the rights to access works, education, and cultural participation. Libraries, alternate format producers, and educators work hard to ensure accessible content is available to users with perceptual or print disabilities by producing and distributing works in the alternate formats their users need. Understanding and navigating the requirements set forth by the Act is not always easy; confusion about what is allowed, and fear of getting it wrong, can create real barriers to content.

This presentation introduces “Accessible Content: A Guide to the Canadian Copyright Act on Searching for Accessible Formats and Producing and Distributing Alternate Format.” The guide addresses common misconceptions and offers practical best practices. The presentation will cover key copyright considerations in alternate-format production, explain how the guide was developed, and review its guidelines.