Statement of the National Federation of the Blind: Marrakesh Treaty

Statement of the National Federation of the Blind: Marrakesh Treaty

Braille MonitorNovember 2016

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Statement of the National Federation of the Blind
Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled
Fifty-Sixth Series of Meetings of the WIPO Assemblies
October 5, 2016
by Mark Riccobono
From the Editor: One priority of the World Blind Union is ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty. We worked hard to see that it was drafted and adopted by the World Intellectual Property Organization and to see that it was sent to the Senate of the United States by the Obama Administration. In further support of its ratification, President Riccobono delivered these remarks, which applauds and acknowledges the accomplishment of the world body, concedes that our nation must ratify the treaty, and encourages all nations to work vigilantly for ratification. Here are his remarks:
Today we come together to celebrate a historic milestone in the struggle for equal rights and equal access to the world’s knowledge by blind people. We also come together to recommit ourselves to all of the actions necessary to fulfill the human rights objectives that are at the core of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or otherwise Print Disabled.

On behalf of the members of the National Federation of the Blind—the oldest and largest national organization of the blind in the United States of America—I would like to thank and congratulate the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and each of its partners for the years of hard work to establish this treaty and now bring it into force.

The Marrakesh Treaty has been and will continue to be an urgent priority for the National Federation of the Blind. Although the United States has a well-developed network of authorized entities providing access to published works through a variety of service models, even our access to the world’s knowledge is severely limited. By the best estimates, the blind of the United States have access to less than 10 percent of published works. This is not equality. We recognize the tremendous opportunities that will come to blind people when they have equal access to all of the world’s knowledge, and we are firmly committed to pursuing the promise of the Marrakesh Treaty until it is reality for all blind people.

For us to realize that promise, we need all countries to ratify the treaty as soon as possible. I regret that our own country, the United States, has not yet completed the ratification process. In this forum I challenge the United States Senate to make swift ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty a top priority as a demonstration of support for equal rights for the blind of our nation. I also encourage the leaders of other countries to make this treaty a priority before the end of the year. In addition, all stakeholders will need to commit to cooperation, innovation, and communication to effectively accomplish global implementation of the treaty. The National Federation of the Blind is committed to carrying its share of the work, and we urge our global partners to do the same.

With the Marrakesh Treaty we have unlocked the door to the world’s knowledge, and today we open that door for those countries that have ratified the treaty. It is now time for us to build the pathway to that door and ensure that all of the world’s print disabled are on that path. Access to the world’s knowledge is a fundamental human right, and we thank all those who have helped in the development of the Marrakesh Treaty and those actively working for its implementation around the world.
Invest in Opportunity
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back. A donation to the National Federation of the Blind allows you to invest in a movement that removes the fear from blindness. Your investment is your vote of confidence in the value and capacity of blind people and reflects the high expectations we have for all blind Americans, combating the low expectations that create obstacles between blind people and our dreams.

In 2015 the NFB:

Gave away over four thousand long white canes to blind people across the country, empowering them to travel safely and independently throughout their communities.
Produced hands-on educational programming for hundreds of blind children, allowing them to access the essential building blocks for their future.
Provided one hundred thousand dollars in scholarships to blind students, making a post-secondary education affordable and attainable.
Delivered free audio newspaper and magazine services to more than one hundred thousand subscribers, providing access to the essential information necessary to be actively involved in their communities.

Just imagine what we’ll do next year, and, with your help, what can be accomplished for years to come. Below are just a few of the many diverse, tax-deductible ways you can lend your support to the National Federation of the Blind.
Vehicle Donation Program
The NFB now accepts donated vehicles, including cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, or recreational vehicles. Just call (855) 659-9314 toll-free, and a representative can make arrangements to pick up your donation—it doesn’t have to be working. We can also answer any questions you have.
General Donation
General donations help support the ongoing programs of the NFB and the work to help blind people live the lives they want. Donate online with a credit card or through the mail with check or money order. Visit <www.nfb.org/make-gift> for more information.
Bequests
Even if you can’t afford a gift right now, including the National Federation of the Blind in your will enables you to contribute by expressing your commitment to the organization and promises support for future generations of blind people across the country. Visit <www.nfb.org/planned-giving> or call (410) 659-9314, extension 2422, for more information.
Pre-Authorized Contribution
Through the Pre-Authorized Contribution (PAC) program, supporters sustain the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind by making recurring monthly donations by direct withdraw of funds from a checking account or a charge to a credit card. To enroll, visit <www.nfb.org/make-gift>, and complete the Pre-Authorized Contribution form, and return it to the address listed on the form.

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