ACETNEWS
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting equal access to educational and literary materials for blind, visually impaired and other print-disabled persons through the establishment of a National Accessible Book Portal.
The Director-General of the Commission, Dr. John Asein, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja to commemorate White Cane Day 2026, observed under the theme, “Promoting Independence, Inclusion and Equal Access for Persons Who Are Blind.”
Asein said the initiative was aimed at translating existing copyright laws into practical measures that would enable persons with print disabilities to access books and other published works.
He noted that the white cane symbolised not only mobility but also dignity, independence and the right of visually impaired persons to participate fully in society.
According to him, equal participation must include access to knowledge, stressing that the inability to read conventional print should not prevent anyone from pursuing education, conducting research, advancing professionally or participating in cultural and intellectual activities.
The NCC director-general explained that Section 26 of the Copyright Act, 2022, provides a legal framework for improving access to published works for persons with print disabilities.
He said the provision reflects the principles of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled.
Asein stated that the law permits the production and distribution of accessible-format copies to eligible beneficiaries through authorised entities, subject to appropriate safeguards, while also facilitating the lawful cross-border exchange of such materials.
He stressed that the priority was to ensure that the legal provisions translated into tangible benefits for those who need accessible reading materials.
To achieve this, he said the Commission was advancing plans for a National Accessible Book Portal, which would serve as a trusted platform for identifying and facilitating access to books and other published works available in accessible formats.
According to him, the portal would assist authorised entities, improve the discoverability of accessible publications, reduce unnecessary duplication of conversion efforts and strengthen collaboration among authors, publishers, libraries, educational institutions, disability organisations and other stakeholders.
He added that the initiative would also build confidence within the copyright ecosystem by ensuring transparency and compliance with the law.
Asein noted that authors, publishers and other copyright holders must be assured that accessible-format copies of their works would be produced and used lawfully, while authorised entities and eligible beneficiaries would have a clear and efficient system for identifying and obtaining such materials.
The director-general also urged authors and publishers to take a more active role in expanding access to books by making their publications available in accessible formats wherever practicable.
He called on the publishing industry to embrace the concept of “born accessible” publishing, whereby books and digital publications are designed from the outset to be compatible with screen readers and other assistive technologies.
He maintained that accessibility should become an integral part of publishing practice rather than an additional measure introduced after publication.
Asein said the Commission’s current efforts built on its longstanding Let the Blind Read campaign and continued engagement with organisations of blind persons, authors, publishers, libraries, educational institutions, technology providers and development partners.
He emphasised that children and adults with print disabilities should not be denied educational opportunities or access to knowledge because of the format in which books are published.
“No child should be disadvantaged because a textbook is inaccessible and no one should be excluded from knowledge because they read differently,” he said.
The NCC director-general reiterated the Commission’s call for greater cooperation among stakeholders to promote accessibility, protect copyright and ensure that persons with print disabilities could participate fully in educational, professional and cultural life.
He concluded by renewing the Commission’s appeal to Nigerians to support its advocacy for accessible reading materials. “Once again, on this White Cane Day, we call on everyone to Let the Blind Read,” he said.
Courtesy: Daily Independent
