It's nice to be able to pass on some good news from this side of the Pond for a change.

George Bell
Techno-Vision Systems Ltd 

Subject:  The Copyright (Visually Impaired Persons) Act 2002 receives Royal assent

P/2002/682

8 November 2002

MELANIE JOHNSON WELCOMES GREATER ACCESS RIGHTS FOR
VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE

Two million people in the UK with visual impairment will benefit from
better access to information and literature as Government-supported
legislation received Royal Assent last night.

The Copyright (Visually Impaired Persons) Act 2002 will give people
with sight loss easier access to alternative formats of copyright
material, such as large print, Braille and audio.

It will bring to an end the often time consuming process whereby
visually impaired people, and voluntary bodies acting on their
behalf, must seek permission from copyright owners before making more
accessible copies of material.

Consumer Minister Melanie Johnson said:

"In the past visually impaired people have experienced problems in
gaining quick and easy access to reading material - such as school
textbooks, instruction manuals, magazines and novels - which most of
us take for granted.

"This new legislation will make Braille, large print and audio
formats more easily available, and at the same time, maintain the
ability of copyright owners to monitor what is happening to their
material."

"I would like to thank Rachel Squire and her sponsors at the RNIB for
the part they have played in providing an opportunity to pursue early
legislation. I welcome the real reductions in social exclusion that
this Act will deliver.

"I am pleased that organisations representing visually impaired
people and copyright owners are continuing to collaborate to make
this new legislation a success in practice. We will be working with
them too to develop detailed guidance before the Act comes into
force."

Notes to editors

1. The Government consulted on a possible new exception to copyright
law for the benefit of visually impaired people from February to May
2001. See www.patent.gov.uk/about/consultations/index

2. The Copyright (Visually Impaired Persons) Act 2002 started in the
House of Commons in July 2001 as a private member's bill put forward
by Ms Rachel Squire MP, member for Dunfermline West, with Government
support, and was taken through the Lords by Lord Morris of
Manchester. It received Royal Assent on 7th November 2002.

3. The full text of the Act is available from Her Majesty's
Stationery Office (see website at  <http://www.hmso.gov.uk>
http://www.hmso.gov.uk).

4. Final guidance on the provisions in the Act will be issued before
an order bringing the legislation into force is made next Spring.

Public Enquiries: 020-7215 5000
Textphone (for people with hearing impairments): 020-7215 6740
 <http://www.dti.gov.uk> http://www.dti.gov.uk

Department of Trade and Industry
1 Victoria Street
London
SW1H 0ET


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