Joint Statement by National Federation of The Blind And Motion Picture Association of America on Completion of WIPO Visually Impaired Persons Treaty
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2013
JOINT STATEMENT BY NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND AND MOTION PICTURE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA ON COMPLETION OF WIPO VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS TREATY
WASHINGTON –National Federation of the Blind President Marc Maurer and MPAA Chairman and CEO Senator Chris Dodd today released the following joint statement upon the completion of the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Treaty to expand access to published works for the visually impaired:
“On behalf of our respective organizations, we are pleased that the negotiations in Marrakech have resulted in a treaty that we believe will significantly increase access to published works for the blind and visually impaired. Our goal from the outset has been to improve this access and address the severe shortage of materials available to this community. Working collectively, and with goodwill, we have created a vehicle that will serve a meaningful and important purpose for many years to come. We congratulate all involved.”
Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, added: “This historic treaty, the first-ever international instrument specifically addressing the needs of the world’s blind, will dramatically increase access to published works and the empowering information and ideas that they contain by a community that has traditionally experienced barriers to obtaining the world’s knowledge. We particularly thank Senator Dodd and the MPAA for working constructively with us and the other stakeholders to reach this joyous moment.”
Senator Dodd added: “I want to thank the National Federation of the Blind for its leadership and hard work in achieving a final treaty. Marc and his team are exceptional advocates for the blind community and the work they have done on this effort has been outstanding. I congratulate them on a job extremely well done.”
About the MPAA
The Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA) serves as the voice and advocate of the American motion picture, home video and television industries from its offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Its members include: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures; Paramount Pictures Corporation; Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.; Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation; Universal City Studios LLC; and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
About the National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the oldest, largest, and most influential nationwide membership organization of blind people in the United States. Founded in 1940, the NFB advocates for the civil rights and equality of blind Americans, and develops innovative education, technology, and training programs to provide the blind and those who are losing vision with the tools they need to become independent and successful.
# # #
For more information, contact:
MPAA Washington, D.C.
Kate Bedingfield
(202) 293-1966
Kate_Bedingfield@motionpictures.org
National Federation of the Blind
Chris Danielsen
(410) 659-9314 x2330
cdanielsen@nfb.org