State laws, regulations, policies and budgets have a tremendous impact on how services for students with disabilities are delivered. Learning Ally tracks these and provides our stakeholders and supporters with tools and guidance on how to positively impact policy formation.
New Jersey Reading Disabilities Task Force
New Jersey has enacted a law creating the New Jersey Reading Disabilities Task Force. This task force will review existing policies and standards related to teaching students with reading disabilities in public school throughout the state. The recommendations developed could also be used as best practices by other states.
Learning Ally, formerly RFB&D, strongly endorses the creation of this task force.
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International Exchange of Accessible Content
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), through its Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR), is considering a treaty proposed by the World Blind Union that would globally harmonize limitations and exceptions to copyright for the benefit of individuals with print disabilities and permit the import and export of accessible content across borders.
Related to this effort, WIPO has conducted a number of meetings with stakeholders representing the print disability community and intellectual property rights holders. Information about these meetings can be found here. These discussions are exploring strategies for facilitating greater access to content for people with print disabilities around the world.
Learning Ally has actively engaged with the White House, the U.S. Copyright Office, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, intellectual property rights holders, and other advocacy organizations on these issues. Only about five percent of works published annually are available in accessible format. This is unacceptable, and Learning Ally is working closely with all the key stakeholders to ensure that this appalling lack of access is addressed.
The following resources provide more information on the proposed treaty and Learning Ally’s stance on the key issues:
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