Joint statement from the National Federation of the Blind and MPAA in support of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled

For Immediate Release:
April 5, 2016

Joint Statement from the National Federation of the Blind and MPAA in Support of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled

WASHINGTON – National Federation of the Blind President Mark Riccobono and Motion Picture Association of America Chairman and CEO Senator Chris Dodd today released the following joint statement calling for the quick ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled (MVT):

“We commend the transmission of the Marrakesh Treaty to the Senate. The treaty provides a strong example of how nations and stakeholders can work together to improve access for the blind and those otherwise print disabled, while also remaining consistent with existing international copyright norms. In particular, the agreement will have substantial benefits for blind and print disabled individuals, who will gain vastly increased access to the world’s published works.

This treaty strikes a meaningful balance that came about through collective action by a wide range of parties and the WIPO countries themselves. We hope that the Senate will act swiftly and faithfully to implement this treaty.”

About the National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.

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.

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For more information, contact:

National Federation of the Blind
Chris Danielsen
Director of Public Relations
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)
cdanielsen@nfb.org

MPAA Washington, D.C.
Chris Ortman
202-293-1966
press@motionpictures.org