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.”