[Nfbk] FW: National Federation of the Blind Commends Parties to Google Settlement

[Cathy]

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From: Freeh, Jessica [mailto:JFreeh at nfb.org]
Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 3:13 PM
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Subject: National Federation of the Blind Commends Parties to Google
Settlement


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



CONTACT:

Chris Danielsen

Director of Public Relations

National Federation of the Blind

(410) 659-9314, extension 2330

(410) 262-1281 (Cell)

Cdanielsen at nfb.org

National Federation of the Blind Commends
 Parties to Google Settlement
Terms of Amended Settlement Agreement
Will Revolutionize Blind People's Access to Books
Baltimore, Maryland (November 17, 2009): The National Federation of the
Blind today commended Google, the Association of American Publishers, and
the Authors Guild for retaining important provisions in the amended
settlement relating to the Google Books project that will allow people who
are blind or have other print disabilities to access the books that Google
makes available to the public. The amended settlement between Google and
authors and publishers regarding the Google Books project, if approved by
the courts, will have a profound and positive impact on the ability of blind
people to access the printed word.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said:
"Access to the printed word has historically been one of the greatest
challenges faced by the blind.  The agreement between Google and authors and
publishers will revolutionize access to books for blind Americans.  With
millions of books expected to be available through Google Books, this
agreement means that blind people will have more access to print books than
we have ever had in human history.  The blind, just like the sighted, will
have a world of education, information, and entertainment literally at our
fingertips.  The National Federation of the Blind commends the parties to
this agreement for their commitment to full and equal access to information
by the blind."

"The Google Books project is designed to facilitate broad access to the
world's written knowledge," said Allan R. Adler, vice president for legal
and government affairs of the Association of American Publishers (AAP).  "It
is only fitting that the settlement includes provisions that will make these
materials available to the blind and others who cannot read print.  These
provisions certainly reflect the values of the AAP, and we are pleased that
this settlement will mean greater availability of books to approximately 30
million Americans who have traditionally experienced barriers to accessing
the printed word."

The terms of the amended settlement, like the settlement agreement proposed
last year, allow Google to provide the material it offers users "in a manner
that accommodates users with print disabilities so that such users have a
substantially similar user experience as users without print disabilities."
A user with a print disability under the agreement is one who is "unable to
read or use standard printed material due to blindness, visual disability,
physical limitations, organic dysfunction, or dyslexia."  Blind people, like
other members of the public, will be able to search the texts of books in
the Google Books database online, purchase some books in an accessible
format, or access accessible books at libraries and other entities that have
an institutional subscription to the Google Books database.  Once the court
approves the settlement, Google will work to launch these services as
quickly as possible.



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About the National Federation of the Blind


With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the
largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the
United States.  The NFB improves blind people's lives through advocacy,
education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and
self-confidence.  It is the leading force in the blindness field today and
the voice of the nation's blind.  In January 2004 the NFB opened the
National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and
training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind.  Please
visit our Web site: www.nfb.org.

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