About the Council

All Canadians have the right to access information in timely, affordable and equitable manner. Yet, the Task Force on Access to Information for Print-Disabled Canadians found that three million Canadians are Print-Disabled. Print disabilities prevent people from reading standard print due to a visual, perceptual or physical disability. Thus they need print material in alternate formats (e.g., Braille, audio, large print) and accessible electronic resources to meet their information needs.

In response to recommendations made by the Task Force, on February 22, 2001, National Librarian Roch Carrier announced the establishment of the Council on Access to Information for Print-Disabled Canadians. Remarks by National Librarian.

The Council's role is to provide advice, identify funding requirements, monitor progress and make recommendations regarding the implementation of Fulfilling the Promise: The Report of the Task Force on Access to Information for Print-Disabled Canadians.

At this time, the Council is actively engaged in the development of a pilot project for a clearinghouse for e-text to which Canadian publishers make their works available to alternate format producers, and initiatives designed to facilitate interlibrary loans and encourage the sharing of materials in alternate formats. The aim is to have as much material in the appropriate format in the hands of Print-Disabled Canadians in a timely and affordable manner.