Press Release: Copyright: European Commissioner Barnier welcomes agreement on greater access to books for the visually impaired

Michel Barnier, European Commissioner for the Internal Market and Services, presided over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on access to works for dyslexic or visually impaired readers The signing of this Memorandum marks an important and concrete step to increase the number of books that visually impaired persons can enjoy for study or leisure. The agreement outlines a system whereby works in accessible formats, such as Braille and audio books, can be much more easily distributed across the EU Member States.

It is hoped that noticeable increases in cross-border distribution will be possible within a year. The Memorandum of Understanding is an important step in realising one of the objectives of the Digital Agenda for Europe, namely enabling people with disabilities to gain full access to the benefits of the digital society.