VIP Project Funding Proposal
Access to reading materials is a key driver in all economies. Today, persons who are blind, visually impaired or have other print disabilities (VIPs) only have access to a very limited number of locally held specially formatted works. The overall aim of this project is to use the tools that copyright provides to give VIPs access to a global library of accessible works, in the developing and developed world.
The Project
The goal, a global library that gives equal access to VIPs in the developing and developed world, will be achieved through two complimentary sub-projects identified by the WIPO Stakeholder Platform.
1. A technical work stream that enables a global technical infrastructure.
2. Establishment of an international network of trusted intermediaries that enable cross-border file distribution and inclusion of developing countries into this network.
Technical Work Stream
Software tools will be developed and promoted that integrate the production of accessible formats seamlessly into the publishing process. This takes place through cooperation between publisher and VIP standards bodies (DAISY and EDItEUR). By jointly standardising the special metadata and catalogue information required, the information about the available works can easily be catalogued and internationally exchanged. This will facilitate the search for works across borders, a feature that will especially improve access for print disabled persons in developing countries, and in consequence strengthen weak VIP library infrastructures. It will also enable the inclusion of accessible formats in the commercial distribution channels.
International Trusted Intermediary Network
A network of Trusted Intermediaries (TI) will be developed in each country to be the focal point of production and distribution of accessible works. The TI model will follow a set of principles jointly developed by rightsholders and the VIP sector, under the auspices of WIPO. The aim is to enable cross-border file distribution.
Inclusion of Developing Countries
A pilot project will provide outreach into developing countries in order to ensure that developing countries can benefit from the hereby created opportunities from the very beginning. A special training and capacity building program will identify the countries, especially LDCs and in Africa, where local VIP libraries can be empowered to provide services based available from abroad. The objective is to enable equal participation in the international TI network thus sharing both the technological expertise of digital VIP libraries, and bridging the digital divide.
Duration and Funding
The development and implementation phase will last three years. At the beginning, the emphasis is on technical development and standards deployment. As the standards are integrated and the infrastructure matures, the emphasis switches to promotion, training and outreach into developing countries.
The funding requirement is € 310.000 per year, including contributions in governance, staff time and in kind by the participating partner organisations.
The total funding for the three year period is € 930.000. The share of the technical infrastructure is € 330.000 and the establishment and inclusion of the network of trusted intermediaries into developing countries is € 600.000.
Funding is sought, either for the particular modules, or in the form of pro rata support for the overall project.
Contacts
For further information, please, contact any of the following persons:
- Mr. Christopher Friend
Strategic Objective Leader Accessibility, World Blind Union (WBU)
cfriend@sightsavers.org
Telephone: +44 1444 446 663
Mobile: +44 7919 552 170 - Dr. George Kerscher
- Secretary General, Daisy Consortium
Kerscher@montana.com
Telephone: + 1 406 549 4687
Mobile: +1 406 544 2466 - Mr. Jens Bammel
Secretary General, International Publishers Association (IPA)
Bammel@internationalpublishers.org
Telephone: + 41 22 7041820
Mobile: +41 79 2300961 - Ms. Tarja Koskinen-Olsson
International Adviser, International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations (IFRRO)
tarja@olsson-koskinen.eu
Telephone: +46 411 10042
Mobile: +358 400 606386
