Accessible Copying and Copyright: Section 32 and the Copyright Act Review

Copyright concerns often present an obstacle when providing content in accessible formats. Even with a specific Copyright Act exception intended to enable the provision of accessible material to those who need it, there are still restrictions on when, how, and what kinds of copies can be made. This presentation examines the finer points of Section 32 of the Copyright Act, and the ways in which it facilitates (or doesn’t!) accessible copying. It also looks at Canada’s recent Copyright Act review, which provided an opportunity to raise awareness of the problems that Section 32 presents, and to advocate for changes that would remove barriers for persons with disabilities as well as for those who provide accessible services.