Facilitate access to knowledge for people with print disabilities

RT4D Program Regional Director informs about the project implementation context

The event, sponsored by the Australian and New Zealand Governments , is part of a series of activities to support ASEAN member countries in accessing information and participating in social activities in line with international commitments.

Speaking at the workshop, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai, Regional Director of the RT4D Program, said that the project takes place in the context that Vietnam is promoting the implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty - an international document on facilitating access to published works for blind, visually impaired and print-impaired persons. Vietnam joined this Treaty in December 2022. By March 2023, the provisions of the above document will officially take effect in the country.

The highlight of the program is the introduction of two new sets of guidelines, developed within the framework of the project “Enhancing the accessibility of copies of works in accessible formats for people with print disabilities”. Through this, it provides practical guidance for people with print disabilities in searching for documents, as well as for agencies and organizations responsible for ensuring this source of documents.

Deputy Director of the Copyright Office Pham Thi Kim Oanh emphasized the purpose of the project.

According to Ms. Pham Thi Kim Oanh, Deputy Director of the Copyright Office, the workshop is an opportunity to review the progress of implementing the Marrakesh Treaty in Vietnam, promote discussions on difficulties in converting published works into accessible formats, and review and refer to appropriate international experiences. All are aimed at creating the best conditions for people with disabilities to access literary, scientific and artistic works, serving their material and spiritual lives and improving their knowledge.

Mr. Kayzad Namdarian, Economic Consul - Australian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City spoke at the workshop.

On the sponsor side, Mr. Kayzad Namdarian, Economic Consul - Australian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City affirmed: “The workshop is a practical action to implement our common commitment to enhancing economic integration and cooperation, ensuring that the benefits of international trade must reach everyone, including people with disabilities”.

With the participation of more than 80 delegates from many management agencies, publishers, libraries, universities, organizations of people with disabilities,... the presentations at the workshop emphasized the role of digital technology, especially online archives and electronic libraries, in removing barriers and creating equal opportunities for people with disabilities who cannot read print to access education, research and culture.

During the discussion, delegates agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation and build a common roadmap towards an inclusive publishing and library system that better serves the knowledge needs of all people.

Source: https://ttbc-hcm.gov.vn/tao-thuan-loi-cho-nguoi-khuet-tat-chu-in-tiep-can-tri-thuc-1019731.html