Enacts the accessible electronic information act for blind and disabled persons; creates a new fund in the state finance law; authorizes a NFP to administer the prog

Low cost interstate telecommunication rates make distribution of electronic text-based information to blind or visually impaired New Yorkers both efficient and cost effective for the state. Use of this accessible electronic information service will improve the state's current efforts to meet the needs of blind and disabled citizens for access to information that is otherwise available in print, thereby reducing isolation and supporting full integration and equal access for such individuals.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 2 of this legislation is the definitions section. The accessible electronic information service, which is defined in the legislation, shall be provided by a qualified and registered not-for-profit organization. The service shall be intended for continuation from year to year and make maximum use of federal and other kinds available by obtaining grant or in-kind support from appropriate programs, and by securing access to low-cost interstate rates for telecommunications by reimbursement or otherwise.

The legislation defines "Accessible electronic information service" as news and other timely information provided to eligible individuals via a service using high-speed computers and telecommunication technology for interstate acquisition and rapid distribution of content in a form suitable for use by such eligible individuals.

"Blind and disabled persons" means those individuals who are qualified for library loan services through the Library of Congress and the State Library for the Blind and physically Handicapped.

Section 3 of this legislation creates a new fund under the supervision of the state comptroller known as the "accessible electronic information service fund". Such fund may consist of money transferred thereto from the Targeted Accessibility Fund (TAF), and shall also consist of such grants, gifts or donations which may be deposited to the fund for the support of the service.

Justification

Thousands of citizens in New York have disabilities (including blindness or visual impairment) that prevent them from using conventional print material.

The state fulfills an important duty by providing books and magazines prepared in Braille, audio, and large-type formats made available to eligible blind and disabled persons. The technology, transcription methods, and means of distribution used for these materials are labor intensive and cannot support rapid dissemination to individuals in rural and urban areas throughout the state.

Lack of direct and prompt access to information included in newspapers, magazines, newsletters, schedules, announcements, and other time-sensitive materials, limits educational opportunities, and full participation in society by blind and disabled persons. This constraint can best be overcome through use of high-speed computer and telecommunication technology, combined with customized software, providing a practical and cost-effective means to convert electronic text-based information into synthetic speech suitable for statewide distribution with modem telecommunication technology.

Use of this accessible electronic information service will improve the state's current efforts to meet the needs of blind and disabled citizens for access to information which is otherwise available in print, thereby reducing isolation and supporting full integration and equal access for such individuals.

Legislation in other states

Several other states have introduced and/or enacted legislation concerning accessibility to electronic information. The states introducing and/or enacting such legislation include:

Florida - Introduced in 2006 Illinois - Enacted July 22, 2004 Kentucky- Introduced in 2000

Prior legislative history

2009-10: S.2615A/A.2467 - Finance/Rules 2008-09: S.5960 Energy and Telecommunications; A.3108A Ways and Means 2006-07: A.10172 Corporations, Authorities & Commissions 2005-06: A.1757A Corporations, Authorities & Commissions 2004-05: A.6464 Corporations, Authorities & Commissions

Fiscal implications

Minimal.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law, with provisions.