Who can use RNIB Bookshare?
Here, we provide an overview of the various print-disabilities that qualify for the purposes of ascertaining eligibility to use the downloaded resources from RNIB Bookshare.
In this video we explain how an educational organisation, directly supporting print disabled learners, is eligible for membership under The Copyright and Related Rights (Marrakesh Treaty etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2018 . In addition we explain how the resources are to be used within these regulations.
Relevant definition of "disabled person"
This definition is taken from The Copyright and Related Rights (Marrakesh Treaty etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2018.
“Disabled person” means a person who has a physical or mental impairment which prevents the person from enjoying a copyright work to substantially the same degree as a person who does not have that impairment, and “disability” is to be construed accordingly."
Any individual who falls under the above definition may be eligible to access downloaded items from RNIB Bookshare.
This definition is broader in scope than the previous legislation and includes, but is not limited to the disabilities below.
If you are uncertain whether a particular disability is included within the scope of the legislation, please contact us prior to attempting to access RNIB Bookshare.
Qualifying print-disabilities
Blind and partially sighted
Persons who are blind or who have an impairment of visual function which cannot be improved, by the use of corrective lenses, to a level that would normally be acceptable for reading without a special level or kind of light.
Learning disability
Persons who are unable to effectively read print due to dyslexia or other cognitive learning disabilities such as Autism or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
Physical disability
Persons who are unable to, through physical disability, hold or manipulate a book, or who are unable to focus or move their eyes to the extent that would normally be acceptable for reading.
Other qualifying disabilities
Persons who are unable to effectively read print due to a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind, which includes any significant impairment of intelligence and/or social functioning.
Non-qualifying disabilities
English as an Additional Language and low literacy levels are not classed as print-disabilities. These learners would need to have a print-disability as outlined above, to be able to benefit from the accessible resources on UK education collection.