[Faith-Talk] Copyright Privileges & Content Provided By Presenters

Mon Feb 16 17:53:49 UTC 2026

Hi Allen:

It appears you have already gotten some solid suggestions. I would only add that, at least in theory, your request should be covered under the Chaffee Amendment to the Coyright Act. This law provides that materials under copyright can be transcribed "in a specialized format" specifically meant for accessibility purposes. This is the law under which Bookshare and private Braille transcribers operate, and the law NLS uses to produce books upon request that aren't already in their catalog. In the field of education of blind students, where I work, we can ask for a copy of a textbook from a publisher, which I've sometimes heard referred to as a "Chaffee request," in order to Braille it or digitize it for a student. So, if you are asking for this content from your presenter for the purpose of providing it in an accessible format to blind conference attendees, it seems that you are on firm ground to do so in terms of law and precedent.

I also like Sarah's idea of calling or setting up a meeting with the publisher or presenter to resolve the issue. I would only add to this that it's often a good idea in these situations to follow up with a written summary of your understanding of the conversation so that everything is documented. As for the legal questions, it sounds like the Christian Law Center would be a great resource. Perhaps NFB's legal team would also have some information to share with you on this.

Hope this helps.
Chris Nusbaum

> On Feb 16, 2026, at 12:11 PM, Allen via Faith-Talk <faith-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Justin,
>    Thanks for your interest.
>    Did send a message to the Christian law center.
> Allen
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Faith-Talk <faith-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Justin Williams via Faith-Talk
> Sent: Friday, February 13, 2026 1:13 AM
> To: 'Faith-talk, for the discussion of Blindness in faith and religion' <faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Justin Williams <justin.williams2 at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [Faith-Talk] Copyright Privileges & Content Provided By Presenters
> 
> Under the ADA, unfortunately,
> If the conference is a religious one,
> There is no way to enforce it.  
> Their might be something you can do if they get government support, But, you should still contact the Christian law person,  And try anything else suggested.
> 
> Justin
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Faith-Talk <faith-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Sarah Blake LaRose via Faith-Talk
> Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2026 10:35 PM
> To: 'Faith-talk, for the discussion of Blindness in faith and religion' <faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: sarah at sarahblakelarose.com
> Subject: Re: [Faith-Talk] Copyright Privileges & Content Provided By Presenters
> 
> Hi Alan.
> I think it would be helpful to take this discussion with the presenters out of email in order to assist them in understanding what is being requested. Written communication can be difficult to use for situations like this. They may be viewing this type of accommodation as a broadcasting situation and thus imposing a licensing restriction. Sadly, it may not be possible to get around it if they continue to resist. Is your committee dedicated to having this presenter?
> 
> 
> Sarah Blake LaRose, D.Min.
> sarah at sarahblakelarose.com
> http://www.sarahblakelarose.com
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Faith-Talk <faith-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Linda Mentink via Faith-Talk
> Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2026 9:08 PM
> To: Allen via Faith-Talk <faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Linda Mentink <lmentink7360 at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [Faith-Talk] Copyright Privileges & Content Provided By Presenters
> 
> Hi Allen,
> 
> You might contact David Gibbs, Jr., at ChristianLaw.org. I hope he can help you.
> 
> Blessings,
> 
> Linda
> 
> 
>> On Feb 12, 2026 11:07 AM, Allen via Faith-Talk <faith-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi all,
>> 
>>               This question/situation is not specifically with
>> regards to persons impacted by blindness, but it does impact
>> individuals impacted by disability; however, would appreciate any
>> recommendations.  Here is the
>> situation:
>> 
>>               The denomination of which I am a member, hosts
>> bi-annual national-wide youth/student gatherings.  This event is
>> planned for the upcoming Summer - 2026.  This event draws some 3,00 -
>> 4,000 middle and high school students from across the US.
>> 
>>               As part of this gathering there are large group
>> teaching and worship services in an arena environment, and one has
>> referred to some of these gatherings/rallies as likened to a "rock
>> concert".  Since students with various disabilities are invited, and
>> likely to attend, a sensory room has been recommended for those desiring to take advantage of such.
>> 
>>               In discussion of the arrangements for this sensory
>> room, a request has been made to the event planners to provide some
>> live input to this sensory room; so that,  students requiring this
>> space would still be able - in part -  be able to participate in the
>> programming by hearing and/or seeing, what is being provided to the
>> entire assembly.  This request is being denied by the planners, based
>> on the statement that the presenters do not wish to have their
>> presentation offered in this manner based on "copyright" privileges.
>> 
>>               The desire is not to record, retransmit, or distribute
>> the content in any form; but rather, to make the programming available
>> concurrent with their peers in a manner suitable to those who
>> desire/require so.  Would like to understand if there is a means to
>> remedy this situation, other than, just by a suggestion.  The request
>> has been made; but, there has been no cooperation to change their
>> position, or to address the presenters with a compromise.
>> 
>>               To date, all communications have been by email, which
>> allows for further discussions to be ignored.  Welcome any suggestions
>> as what further can be done, and in a manner to obtain a appropriate
>> and legally permissible outcome.  Do desire to do so in a manner as
>> not to brake down bridges; but make such events mor inclusive for all  students.
>> 
>> Thanks for your consideration,
>> 
>> Allen
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> Faith-Talk mailing list
>> Faith-Talk at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/faith-talk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Faith-Talk:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/faith-talk_nfbnet.org/lmentink7360%4
>> 0gmail.com
> _______________________________________________
> Faith-Talk mailing list
> Faith-Talk at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/faith-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Faith-Talk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/faith-talk_nfbnet.org/sarah%40sarahblakelarose.com
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Faith-Talk mailing list
> Faith-Talk at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/faith-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Faith-Talk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/faith-talk_nfbnet.org/justin.williams2%40gmail.com
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Faith-Talk mailing list
> Faith-Talk at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/faith-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Faith-Talk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/faith-talk_nfbnet.org/ajzderad%40midco.net
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Faith-Talk mailing list
> Faith-Talk at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/faith-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Faith-Talk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/faith-talk_nfbnet.org/cnusbaumnfb%40gmail.com