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This page contains links to organizations and associations you may wish to contact.- Assistive Technology Associations
- Blind and Vision Impaired
- Book Recommendations
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Chafee Amendment
Chafee Amendment
The Chafee Amendment, which originally passed in 1996, is incredibly important to assistive technology users and comes up frequently in discussions here at Kurzweil Education. The amendment addresses copying or translating copyrighted materials, such as books, for people who have visual impairments or other disabilities. Read on to learn more about the Chafee Amendment, why it's important to Kurzweil users and those with reading challenges and disabilities, as well as some resources to help you navigate the complex world of disability laws and regulations.
What is the Chafee Amendment?
Prior to the Chafee Amendment (now Sec. 121 of the Copyright Act), it was difficult and time-consuming to make copies and usable versions of the publication for those with disabilities, as it required additional permissions from the author or copyright holder. The amendment allows authorized entities to reproduce and/or distribute copies of previously published literary or musical works in accessible formats for use by those who may struggle with reading printed materials while still protecting the monetary interests and rights of the copyright holders. According to the National Library Service, the amendment has been amended several times, most recently in 2018 when the Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act expanded the works covered by the Chafee Amendment from nondramatic literary works to all literary and musical works. Thanks to this amendment, more and more kids with reading barriers are able to read.
You can read more about the Chafee Amendment and the exact text from the National Library Service.
How does it impact Kurzweil users and those with disabilities?
Access to books for those with disabilities and learning challenges through Kurzweil 3000 and Kurzweil 1000 has become much easier due to the Chafee Amendment. If you've purchased or rented a digital version of a book or it is part of the public domain, you can use it in Kurzweil software. The law makes room for educational settings and copies of text that are used solely for reproduction or distribution of the content in specialized formats. Just like book owners are free to highlight, write notes, and use books they own as they see fit, Kurzweil users are able to digitally highlight, have the text read aloud, and take notes within the software for educational and non-commercial purposes.
The Chafee Amendment and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) encourage libraries, schools, and universities to make their printed collections available in accessible formats to qualifying patrons. The law is headed in the right direction (for example, check out how the Chafee Amendment has allowed Bookshare to provide thousands of e-books to struggling readers). However, there is still some grey area and adjustments being made surrounding disability laws. Even recently, the Manella Protocol at Dartmouth was put in place after Paralympic alpine skier Staci Mannella struggled to get the accommodations and accessible text she needed. Staci's story is a perfect example of how important it is for people with learning challenges to know their rights and the resources available to them.
Next steps & Resources
Keep in mind, Kurzweil is not a legal entity, so we can't provide legal advice to our customers. It is up to the school and the individual user to understand the laws and regulations. However, if you need some more information or legal advice about Chafee and the ADA, check out the following resources and contact a qualified legal representative.
- Americans with Disabilities Act
- The United States Copyright Office
- Information Technology and Disabilities Journal
- National Library Service
- Web Accessibility Initiative
- The Association of Research Libraries
If you have questions about implementing or using Kurzweil 3000 or Kurzweil 1000, our team is happy to help.
- Educational Foundations
- General Ed Teacher Resources
- Learning Disabilities Associations
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Smartxt Program at Laney College
College students learn to strategically read and analyze textbook content. Instructors learn how to select and use specific tools and features of the Kurzweil 3000 software program to meet reading objectives.
Smartxt! modules are electronic textbook chapters complete with specific embedded strategies that demonstrate how students should approach subsequent chapters.
Smartxt! was successful launched in 2005 in the California Community Colleges. Program creator Stacey Kayden and the Smartxt! team are currently working with instructors at six colleges across California and the country.
Students using Smartxt! modules self-identify as using higher level thinking skills relative to their peers. In a small scale study at Mercer County Community College in New Jersey, students in a sociology class using Smartxt! scored 12 % higher on course tests than students not using Smartxt! modules. Focus groups using Smartxt! modules report improved focus and retention.
Hear what others are saying
Visit Smartxt Website
Copyright Law Extract
Under the Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill, H.R. 3754, Congress approved a measure, that provides for an exemption affecting the NLS program. The amendment to chapter 1 of title 17, United States Code, adds section 121, establishing a limitation on the exclusive rights in copyrighted works. The amendment allows authorized entities to reproduce or distribute copies or phono-records of previously published non-dramatic literary works in specialized formats exclusively for use by blind or other persons with disabilities.
See Copyright Law PL 104-197 for more details.
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