Newsletter I FAB S IFLA Libraries for the Blind Section IFLA Best Newsletter 2000 and 2001

I F L A Newsletter I FAB S IFLA Libraries for the Blind Section IFLA Best Newsletter 2000 and 2001

2003/1 spring

The IFLA/LBS Newsletter is issued twice a year: spring and autumn

Editor: Content Beatrice Christensen Sköld, Information Coordinator Report on Midwinter Meeting of The Swedish Library of Talking IFLA Libraries for the Blind Books and Braille (TPB) Section Zagreb, Croatia 3 SE-122 88 Enskede Sweden Tel: +46-8-39 93 74 Croatian Library for the Blind 4 Fax: +46-8-659 94 67 E-mail: [email protected] The Section’s Preconference in Marburg 8 Co-editor: Päivi Voutilainen 2003 Dr. Dayton M. Forman Finnish library of the Visually Memorial Award Official Impaired Nomination Form 11 Backasgatan 58-60 FIN-00510 Helsinki Best practice Award 2003 12 Finland Tel: +358-9-2295 22 50 2002 Tactus Awards 14 Fax: +358-9-2295 22 95 E-mail: Swedish DAISY Consortium 15 [email protected] Planned EU directive to ban Distribution: technology discrimination 15 Beatrice Christensen Sköld Address as above

The Newsletter is available in Braille and on diskette and IFLANet, www.ifla.org

1 Standing Committee Members

Chairperson Rosemary Kavanagh, Vice President Canadian National Institute for the Blind 1929 Bayview Avenue Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4G 3 E8 E-mail: [email protected]

Secretary Helen Brazier, Director National Library for the Blind Far Cromwell Road, Bredbury Stockport SK6 25G, United Kingdom E-mail: [email protected]

Marijke van Bodengraven, the Netherlands Henri Chauchat, France Bente Dahl, Denmark Catherine Desbuquois, France Galina Elvimova, Russia Hiroshi Kawamura, Japan Brad Kormann, USA Ku Jo Bee, Malaysia Barbara Mates, USA Francisco J. Martinez Calvo, Spain Marie-Cecile Robin, France Eugenie Shepovalova, Russia Eldrid N. Sørnes, Norway Dick Tucker, the Netherlands Rainer Witte, Germany Päivi Voutilainen, Finland Yoon Loong Wong, Malaysia

Special adviser Beatrice Christensen Sköld, Sweden

2 Section News: Report on Midwinter Meeting of IFLA Libraries for the Blind Section Zagreb, Croatia

A majority of members of the Standing IT companies to host sessions addressing Committee from 2 counttinents assembled in library services for the blind with a view to Zagreb February 25 - 28 2003. The Standing educating all parties on the importance and Committee combines its mid winter meeting necessity of these services. with the opportunity to study and support There had not been sufficient activities library service for the blind in the country among working groups although the CNIB to which it has been invited. The hospitality NLB initiative under the Collection and of the Croatian Library for the Blind, the Resource Sharing Working Group continues. Croatian Association for the Blind the The Systems and Technologies Working National and University Library, and the Group will be addressing their theme ’Future Public Library Medvescak was exceptional Content’ in the upcoming Preconference in and gracious. Standing Committee Members Marburg July 2003. Two guidelines were learned much from the study tours and reviewed. The 14th draft of Libraries in the meetings and applauded the work of the Information Age: Guidelines for Development Croatian Library for the Blind. Both Sanja revised at the meeting will be circulated once Frajtag, Croatian Library for the Blind and more. The intention is to publish this over Mrs Anjica Jankovic, a representative of the the next 12 months. Guidelines for Designing Croatian Ministry of Education, which funds and Building Integrated Digital Library the Croatian Library for the Blind participated Systems for Libraries for the Blind will be in the Standing Committee meetings. A report referred to a small working group for further with suggestions has been prepared by the development. The Francophone working Chair in support of a workstation for the group is planning a meeting in Marburg disabled in the National and University Library following the Preconference. and the public library in Croatia. A brainstorming session to discuss relation- The announcement of winners of the IFLA ships with the DAISY Consortium and to LBS Ulverscroft award was made early to improve communication and better Standing Committee members who sent coordination of results was discussed. A letter their congratulations to the two winners in welcoming the new President, Elsebeth Tank, South Africa and Norway. A brainstorming had been sent with an invitation for closer session in response to Bridging the Digital cooperation. Divide was held. Despite the late response Committee members felt it was important For the first time the Section will have more to discuss this as a group. The IFLA LBS candidates for election to the Standing strategic plan was updated to acknowledge Committee than there are vacancies. 12 activities to date. The plan is available at http:/ people had expressed an interest in the 11 /www.ifla.org/vii/s31/annual/sp31-3.htm. vacancies. IFLA LBS is looking for a regional conference with an appropriate mix of participants including librarians, users and other stake- holders, e.g. government representatives and

3 Upcoming IFLA LBS Sessions WIPO and the International Publishers Asso- ciation. Its purpose is to discuss copyright and IFLA and ASCLA June 21 2003 licensing issues in securing the international exchange of multi media books adapted for A session creating the Digital Libraries of use by blind and print handicapped persons. the Future is planned for Toronto, Canada in cooperation with ASCLA, the American World Blind Union, South Africa 2004 Library Association. Chair: Rosemary Kavanagh, Vice President, Client Services, A proposal for a daylong session on library Canadian National Institute for the Blind services for the blind has been made to the (CNIB); Chair, IFLA Libraries for the Blind World Blind Union.The LBS felt it was a good Section. Panelists: Gerry Chevalier, President opportunity to engage consumers from all and Information Technology Consultant, over the world in a practical understanding Promek Consulting, Canada; Margaret of what library services are and why their McGrory, Library Executive Director and development should be promoted. Chief Information Officer, CNIB, Canada; Elsebeth Tank, Director, Danmarks Blinde- IFLA LBS Preconference bibliotek (DBB), Denmark. Gothenburg, Sweden 2005 The preconference is planned joint with the IFLA LBS Preconference Marburg, Germany Libraries for Disadvantaged People Section Sunday July 27 - Wednesday July 30 2003. and the regional libraries of Western Where do blind fit? Gothland in Sweden and Østvold in Norway. Held every two years the Section holds a The achievements of libraries in this region conference prior to the IFLA General demonstrate numerous examples of good Conference: This year the Preconference practice for inclusion in particular the Open will see the largest gathering of experts in Media Open Learning Project. libraries for the blind. Rosemary Kavanagh

IFLA General Conference and Council, Berlin August 1 - 9 2003 Croatian Library for the Two workshops are scheduled and speakers Blind are being confirmed. Historically, the Library for the Blind was 1. Joint Open Session with Public Libraries part of the Association for the Trained Blind Section on Partners in Lifelong Learning: in Zagreb. This Library was founded in Working with Print-handicapped Users 1921, but during the Second World War it 2. Panel Discussion on What Libraries Need disappeared without a trace. to Know About Serving Print Handicapped Users. This event is planned to be interactive In 1949, the Local Branch Organization of and based on practical experience. It is aimed the Blind of Zagreb commenced work on at all libraries. Braille transcription. This created a collection of Braille books, which became the IFLA General Conference, Buenos core collection for the new Library. The Aires, Argentina 2004 new Library was founded in January 1965 A daylong workshop joint with the Libraries as part of the Croatian Association for the for the Disadvantaged Section is being Blind. explored to include representatives from

4 In addition to the core collection, a second 1. Lending Library : collection became available from the Braille Printing House, “Filip Višnjiæ” in - Work with users Belgrade. Also, when the Federal Library for - Specialized library work the Blind in Belgrade closed, the Library of - Technical treatment and protection of li- the Croatian Association for the Blind brary collection received a certain amount of books under a special quote system. The Library collec- - Computerized library business tion has increased since the foundation of a printing department in 1969 and studios for 2.Studio for the production and the production of talking books and duplication of talking books and magazines in 1970. magazines: - Digital production of talking books and Status magazines: From January 1965 until April 18th 2000, In 1997, the Croatian Library for the Blind the Library acted as part of the Croatian and the Croatian Company Protector started Association for the Blind. By a Decree of a project called DIAL PRO (Digital Audio the Government of the Republic of Croatia Library). dated in October 1999, and the decision of the Commercial Court dated April 2000, the The project aims to modernize and improve Library has become an independent public the existing Library services for the blind. institution. Founders of this institution are Currently, digital masters are produced and the Government of the Republic of Croatia archived on CDs in and the Croatian Association for the Blind. MP3 format. Copies are then produced from The Library is financed by Government digital masters to audio cassettes. grants under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture. - Copying of talking books and magazines 3.Braille Printing and Bookbinding The Croatian Library for the Blind is ruled Unit by a Governing Board which consists of five members: one representative from the - Production of Braille books and magazines Ministry of Culture, one representative from - Proofreading and duplication of texts in the Ministry of Social Affairs, two Braille representatives from the Croatian Associa- tion for the Blind and one representative - Binding of books and magazines from the Library professional staff. The - Computers and Braille embossers are Governing Board appoints the managing being used in Braille production director of the Library. Library Collection Library Functions At the end of February 2003 the library’s The Croatian Library for the Blind is collection consisted of 2096 Braille titles organized as an independent institution. The and 1953 talking book titles. Library can be divided into three units: Books are sent via the postal system free of charge. Library members residing in Zagreb may visit the Library and borrow books for themselves. They can also request books by

5 telephone. Library users must look after - Informacije (first issue in 1983), issued their borrowed books and report any damage monthly, the official Journal of Croatian or loss to the Library. The loan period is one Association for the Blind. month and overdue charges are calculated - Rijeè slijepih (first issue in 1992), issued on a daily basis. bimonthly, the magazine of The Croatian Association for the Blind. Library Users - CQ Radio amater (first issue in 1994), Any individual who is blind or vision issued quarterly, the magazine of Radio Club impaired can become a member of the Library. for the Blind ”Louis Braille”, designed for Membership also extends to individuals who radio amateurs. are dyslexic, immobile or have cerebral damage. In December 2002, there were 1400 - Vidici (first issue in 2001), issued monthly, users of the Library services. Members have free of charge, official journal of the Local to pay an annual fee. This fee is waived for Branch Organization for the Blind of Zagreb, students. information from the work of the organization. In order to join the Library, individuals have Braille Magazines: to fill out an application form. This form is a requirement in order to obtain the recorder/ - Mladost (first published in 1981) issued player, which is provided by the Health bimonthly, articles for blind children and Insurance Scheme. When enrolment is youth. complete, users are provided with a free catalogue of book titles. Individuals can - Šah (first published in 1972) issued then select the books of their choice from bimonthly, information for blind chess play- this catalogue. ers. - •ena (first published in 1975) issued bimonthly, woman’s magazine, articles Magazines include: fashion, cooking, beauty, family life The Croatian Library for the Blind issues etc. the following magazines: - Rijeè slijepih (first published in 1973) Audio Cassette: issued bimonthly, a journal of the Croatian Association for the Blind. - Izbor (first issue in 1969), issued twice a month on 2 and 4-track cassettes, articles Projects from different fields and different magazines. As 2003 marks the European Year of - Sveta Lucija (first in 2001), issued monthly Disability, the Croatian Library for the Blind on 2-track cassettes, articles with religious has embarked on a new project. The project themes. aims to provide blind and print handicapped persons (mainly students), with access to the - Zbivanja (first issue in 1979), issued collection of the National and University monthly on 2 and 4-track cassettes, articles Library of Croatia. This will be achieved by with topical political themes. establishing a workstation for blind and print - Znanost i umjetnost (first issue in 1979), handicapped users. It will also be important issued monthly on 2 and 4-track cassettes, to make the Library Online Public Access articles from the field of popular science Catalogue and its website accessible to blind and art. and print handicapped users.

6 In addition to the above project, the National and University Library and the Croatian Library for the Blind are working towards developing programs such as story hour for print handicapped children.

Library Contacts: Address: Croatian Library for the Blind, 80 Draškoviæeva Street P.O.B. 231, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia Director: Sanja Frajtag Working hours: Monday and Thursday 8:00–18:00, Tuesday, Wednesday and Fri- day 8:00-16:00 Telephone: 385(0)1 48 12 509, 385 (0)1 48 12 503 Fax: 385 (0)1 49 21 587 E-mail: [email protected] ; Web page: http://free-zg.hinet.hr/hkzsl Registration number: 1494449, Activity code: 92511 Bank account: 30105-603-44733 Foreign-exchange bank account: Privredna banka d.d. 30101-620-37 05-70001-9182800-773687 Sanja Frajtag

7 The Section’s Preconference in Marburg The official invitation to the section’s Preconference will be posted to all members by April 1st the latest. It will also be posted at IFLA’s web site www.IFLA.org

Accesspoint Libraries: Where do the Blind fit?

Marburg July 28-30, 2003 Venue: The Denis Papin Room, Sorat Hotel Marburg, Pilgrimstein 29, DE-35037 Marburg

Sunday July 27 Arrival 12:00-20:00 Registration in the conference venue at the Sorat Hotel 17:00 Sightseeing group I (starting from the Sorat hotel) 18:00 Sightseeing group II (starting from the Sorat hotel) 20:00 Dinner and entertainment at restaurant Stadtsäle

Monday July 28 Conference Opening 9:00-10:00 Registration 10:00-11:00 Opening Master of Ceremony:Henri Chauchat, Association Valentin Haüy, France Welcome - Rosemary Kavanagh, Chair of IFLA Libraries for the Blind Section Welcome by the host, Jürgen Hertlein, Director of DBSIA, Key note speech by Edelgard Bulmanh, Minister of Culture 20 years of Expert Meetings , Rainer Witte, Librarian Announcement of the Ulverscroft Award for Institutions, Helen Brazier, Secretary of IFLA Libraries for the Blind Section 11:00-11.30 Coffee Break 11:30-12:30 Session A: What do Users want? Convener: Dr Thomas Kalisch, German Central Library for the Blind (DZB), Leipzig Electronic Access by Gillian Burrington, Chair of National Library for the Blind, UK Accessing Information by Eva Björk, Manager Information and IT, Swedish Associationn of the Visually Impaired (SRF) Questions from the Audience after each presentation 12:30-13:00 Opening of Exhibition by Rosemary Kavanagh and Exhibition Touring 13.00-14:00 Lunchbuffet

8 14:00-15:00 Session B: Future Content 3: The Integrated Digital Library Convener: Francisco Martinez Calvo New Books in Old Libraries by Elke Dittmer, Director of North German Library of Talking Books Future Content: Acquiring and safeguarding publishers’ files by Victoria Owen,Director, CNIB Library, Canada The Dutch Model of the Digital Library for the Blind and Visually Impaired by Maarten Verboom, FNB Netherlands 15:00-15:30 Coffee break 15:30-16:30 Creating the Digital Library by Thomas Kjellberg Christensen,Technical Director, Danish National Library for the Blind Russian Language Network of Libraries for the Blind by Galina Elfimova, Head Foreign Literature Department, Russian State Library for the Blind, Moscow Questions from the audience in conjunction with each presentation 16:30 -20:00Touring the Exhibition 20:00 Dinner buffet at The Sorat Hotel

Tuesday July 29 9:00-10.30 Session C: Reading Tactile Information Convener: Beatrice Christensen Sköld, TPB, Sweden Compensatory Plasticity in Blind Humans by Dr Brigitte Röder, Marburg University Braille Text and Tactual Representation in School. The situation of Blind students in Germany, comparing Regular Schools and Special Schools by Dr Wilfried Laufenberg, Blista, Marburg The Tactus Project by Philippe Claudet, Les Doigts Qui Rêvent, France Questions from the audience in conjunction with each presentation 10:30-11.00 Coffee Break 11:00-12:30 Session D: Braille Music: A Model for Cooperation Convener: Dick Tucker, FORCE Foundation, Netherlands Da-Capo a new start of Braille music production I Germany by DrThomas Kalisch, German Central Library for the Blind (DZB), Leipzig Accessible Music by David Crombie, FNB, Netherlands Sharing Braille Music internationally by Roger Firman, RNIB , UK Question from the audience in conjunction with each presentation 12:30–13:00 Exhibition Touring 13:00-14:00 Lunch

9 14:00-15:00 Session E: Managing and Marketing Change in Libraries for the Blind Convener: Marijke van Bodengraven Strategic development. Bringing an organisation forward by Elsebeth Tank, Executive Director, Danish National Library for the Blind The Swedish DAISY Campaign by Ingar Beckman Hirschfeldt, Executive Director of the Swedish Library of Talking Books and Braille (TPB) Questions from the audience in conjunction with each presentation 15:00-15:30 Coffee break 15:30-16:00 Guidelines for developing Library Services for the Blind Rosemary Kavanagh, IFLA Libraries for the Blind Section, Discussion 16:00-17:30 Touring the Exhibition 18:00-19:00 Official Reception hosted by the Mayor of Marburg in the Townhall 20:00 Festabend (dinner and entertainment), Sorat Hotel, Denis Papin Room

Wednesday July 30 09:00-10:00 Session F: Are we doing enough for people with low vision Convener: Rosemary Kavanagh What can we do for people with low vision? Frances Cutler, Chair of the Board of Directors, Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) The Tiresias Project on Large print by DrJohn Gill Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB), UK Making large print school books from XML by Heinz Zysset, The Swiss Library for the Blind, Zurich Questions in conjunction with each presentation 10:30-11:00 Coffee Break 11:00-12:00 Summing up the Conference Rosemary Kavanagh, Jürgen Hertlein and Rainer Witte 12:00-13:00 Lunch buffet 13:15 Excursions (optional) More information about the Preconference ca be obtained from Rainer Witte e-mail:witte@blista and from Beatrice Christensen Sköld e-mail: [email protected]

New address of International Directory Because of change of server the address of the International Directory of Libraries for the Blind has been changed to http://ifla.jsrpd.jp/default.htm

10 News from the World:

2003 Dr. Dayton M. Forman Memorial Award Official Nomination Form

This award, established by the CNIB Library NOMINATED BY (individual or for the Blind board of directors in January organization): 1996, recognizes outstanding leadership in Address: the advancement of library and information Name of contact person (if nominator is an services for Canadians who are blind or organization): visually impaired. It is offered in tribute to Telephone: Dr. Dayton M. Forman, an exceptional Fax: humanitarian and longstanding CNIB E-mail: volunteer, who exemplified the leadership Signature: required to make a difference for over half a million visually impaired people across For the nomination of an Canada. individual: The recipient is awarded a silver medal The work that the nominee has done in rela- bearing the likeness of Dr. Forman and an tion to this nomination has been as a volunteer. inscription in print and Braille. The nominee works for a business or NOMINEE (individual or organization): organization involved with providing services Address: for people who are blind or visually impaired. Name of contact person (if nominee is an organization): Both of the above. Telephone: For the nomination of an organization: Fax: The nominee provides services for people E-mail: who are blind or visually impaired. All submissions for the Dr. Dayton M. For- The nominee supports volunteerism in library man Memorial Award must be nominated by services for people who are blind or visually TWO individuals and/or organizations. impaired.

NOMINATED BY (individual or Please answer each of the following questions organization): with a statement of 100 words or less. Address: Name of contact person (if nominator is an 1.If the nominee is an individual, please list organization): the organizations that he or she has worked Relationship to nominee: for, along with the dates worked and positions Telephone: held. Please only include positions that relate Fax: to the nominee’s contributions towards library E-mail: services for people who are blind or visually Signature: impaired.

11 2. If the nominee is an organization, please Questions? Please contact Shelagh Paterson briefly describe the organization and its at the above e-mail address or at (416) 480- goals/mission. 7670.

3. Describe the barrier(s) to information The awards presentation will take place at equity that the nominee’s efforts have an evening reception on Friday June 20th at addressed. the Canadian Library Association / American Library Association conference in Toronto, 4. Describe the nominee’s motivations or Ontario. reasons for working to address these barriers. Members of the Dr. Dayton M. Forman 5. How have the nominee’s efforts had an Memorial Award Selection Committee and impact on library and/or information services CNIB staff are not eligible for the award. for people who are blind or visually impaired in Canada? Please describe and then provide This information can also be obtained from one or two examples. to the web page at: http://cnib.ca/library/ awards/dmfm/index.htm 6. Describe the possible long-term outcomes of the nominee’s efforts. Best practice Award 2003

7. Please describe the nominee’s leadership • Share best practice between two organisa- qualities. tions • Improve services at both organisations 8. Describe how the nominee has shown initiative or been innovative in addressing • Create or strengthen a mutually beneficial the reading or information needs of Canadians relationship between two organisations who are blind or visually impaired. • Encourage individual self-development

9. Has the nominee received any previous Application process: There is no application awards that relate to library or information form. services for Canadians who are blind and visually impaired? If so, please list. The individual applicant should write a proposal to be sent to Joyce Sumner, Secretary, Additional documentation in support of a Ulverscroft Foundation, The Green, Bradgate nomination is not necessary, but is welcome Road, Anstey, Leicester, LE7 7FU, England. (please submit by e-mail if possible). [email protected]

Please forward the application and any Electronic applications to the above address additional documentation on or before are preferred but applications in type or Braille April 15, 2003, to the Dr. Dayton M. Forman sent to the above address are acceptable. Memorial Award Selection Committee, CNIB Applications to be received by 31.01.03. Library for the Blind, 1929 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada, M4G 3E8. Fax: (416) 480-7700, E-mail: [email protected]. Submissions by e-mail are encouraged.

12 Applications should set out the following: • Adopt and adapt a development from elsewhere to improve local service delivery, • Name, employer, role in organisation and or experience • Implement a new development to improve • Details of host organisation service delivery, that could be transferable • Written consent of employer and host or- to other LBS members. ganisation • Costings This project could cover any service within the ambit of LBS. And in no more than 1000 words: It is likely to be of about 12 months duration. • What he/she will do • When Value: Up to but not necessarily as much as • Why this is relevant to his/her employer £15,000. • How this will benefit his/her employer and the host Match funding is not a requirement but is organisation acceptable. • How this will benefit himself/herself Purpose: Reporting: The successful applicant will be • Improvement of services expected to • Encourage sharing of best report on the experience, including input practice from his/her employer and the host organisation. Application process: There is no application form. Judges: One representative each from: The organisation should write a proposal to Ulverscroft Foundation be sent to Joyce Sumner, Secretary, Force Foundation Ulverscroft Foundation, The Green, Bradgate IFLA Libraries for the Blind Section Road, Anstey, Leicester, LE7 7FU, England. [email protected] Judging criteria: • Degree of relevance to applicant’s organi- Electronic applications to the above address sation are preferred but applications in type or • Benefits to the individual and organisations Braille sent to the above address are accept- concerned able. Applications to be received by 31.03.03. • Sustainability of relationship between the two organisations Applications should set out the following: • Transferability of experience to other LBS • Organisation members • Costings • Source and status of match funding if 2. Organisation award applicable

Scope: An opportunity for an LBS member And in no more than 2000 words: organisation to either

13 • What is the problem Organisation award: • What will be done and when Deadline for applications: 31 March 2003 • Benefits Announcement: July 2003 • Either, how this adapts a development from Project happens elsewhere, or how it will be transferable in the future 2002 Tactus Awards Reporting: The successful organisation will Tactus Prize is a European award for adapted be expected to report on the project. literature for blind children. The November 2002 awards were held in Dijon, France. Judges: One representative each from: There were 52 tactile book entries from five European countries; France, Belgium, UK, Ulverscroft Foundation Italy and Finland. Force Foundation IFLA Libraries for the Blind Section In category 1: Books for 0-6 Age Group First prize was awarded to the French book Judging criteria: ”Charlotte la Marmotte”, by Aurélie Lavie. • Benefits to the organisation concerned • Transferability of experience to other LBS In Category 2: Books for 7-12 Age Group, period with another LBS member organisa- The prize winner was ”La Vague”, by tion, between April and November 2003. Roxanne Hérent and Céline Piette from Belgium. The duration is likely to be in the region of two weeks to two months, depending on - A Finnish book ”Fiona the Field Mouse” destination. received a special mention for interactive story telling and beautiful hand-made tactile It is not intended to fund a study tour. pictures.

Value: Up to £5000, to cover travel, - Les Doigts Qui Rêvent in Dijon accommodation and expenses. ([email protected]) will produce the prize- winning books in several copies in French, Purpose: English, Italian and Finnish. members • Quality of systems analysis (i.e. analysis Philippe Claudet from LDQR will present of the problem the Tactus project in LBS’s preconference and the relevance of proposed solution) in Marburg in July 2003. Any European • Sustainability of the solution organization working with tactile children’s books is welcome to join as a new member Timetable: or a partner in the Tactus project. Contact information [email protected] Individual award: Deadline for applications: 31 January 2003 Announcement: March 2003 Project happens: between April 2003 and November 2003 Report to IFLA LBS/Ulverscroft March 2004

14 Swedish DAISY Consortium The draft directive would require all private and public bodies to deliver their internet Up till the year 2003 The Swedish Library services in accessible formats, and all of Talking Books and Braille (TPB) shared telecommunications services to be made a full membership in the DAISY Consortium accessible within five years.The measures with The Swedish Association of theVisually form part of a broad anti-discrimination impaired (SRF). This has now changed as a initiative developed by the umbrella lobby Swedish DAISY Consortium was formed on group the European Disability Forum (EDF February 26. The new Consortium consists - http://www.edf-feph.org/en/welcome.htm) of TPB), 19 regional libraries, two university with the European Parliament Disability libraries, SRF and the Swedish Association Intergroup (http://www.edf-feph.org/apdg/ of Dyslexics. TPB is coordinator of the index-en.htm), an informal grouping of Consortium. MEPs working on disability policy. The aim of the Consortium is to carry out the If passed, the rules would represent the first goals of the International DAISY Consortium. European move to prohibit discrimination The Swedish DAISY Consortium is of course against the disabled across multiple sectors also a member of the International DAISY and services including the workplace, health- Consortium. care, social services, education, goods, facili- In conjunction with the first meeting of the ties, services and product design. At present, new consortium, TPB together with other most anti-discrimination law in EU member disability institutions, celebrated the European states is contained in provisions which form Year of People with disabilities by arranging a part of broader laws governing areas such as conference with the theme ” From audio book transport, education or social security. to multimedia, joint ways of accessibility”. The aim was to show how new technology can make The law would also introduce enforcement news papers, books, text books and other kind procedures, including the right for people of information accessible to print handicapped with disabilities to go to court in any EU users. Swedish and International experts made member state. presentations on the latest accessibility technology in the areas print handicap and ”We expect changes will be made to the draft DAISY. Key note speaker was Gunilla Thor- in the next stage, where it is considered by gren, under Secretary of State of the Swedish the European Commission directorate Ministry of Culture. 267 persons attended the concerned with employment and social conference. affairs. But the draft has been two years in the making and we have been very careful not to exceed the powers of European in- Planned EU directive to ban stitutions. We hope the commission will technology discrimination give its support,” an EDF spokesperson said this week. Proposed EU rules banning discrimination Source: E-access Bulletin, March 2003 against disabled users of media, telecommunication and online services have been unveiled this month by European disability groups, which hope the provisions will pass into law by the end of this year.