What You Need to Know About Reproduction for the Disabled

Copyright Exceptions for the Disabled

Copyright exceptions may be made concerning the reproduction of copyrighted material to be viewed by the blind or other people living with disabilities. The reproduction of copyrighted material must be performed by an authorized entity. The authorized entity will have the right to produce and distribute the altered copyrighted material to be viewed by those with disabilities. Phonorecords or literary works that are to be distributed to the disabled must be:

Not reproduced or distributed in a format that is not specially made to be enjoyed by a disabled person;

There must be a notice that any further reproduction or distribution of the material in anything other than the specialized format is not a copyright exception; and

There must be notice of copyright which includes the copyright owner and the original date of publication.

These copyright exceptions do not apply to computer programs, norm-related referenced tests, or other testing material except for the portions of those things that use conventional human language.

Print instructional materials that are to be used in elementary or secondary schools may be altered to be used by disabled children if:

The inclusion of said materials are required by the State or local educational agency;

The publisher already had the right to publish print instructional materials; and

The publisher uses their right to reproduce material solely for the purpose of serving disabled children.

Accepted Specialized Formats

Formats that are accepted as alterations to an original work are considered copyright exceptions if they consist of: Braille, audio text, or digital text to serve the blind or other disabilities, and large print formats may be used to serve those with impaired vision.

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