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 program

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.

The National Federation of the Blind established the NFB-NEWSLINE to increase the ability of visually impaired individuals to receive information provided by newspapers, magazines journals and other print media which are traditionally unavailable in a limited electronic broadcast. Since 2002, this vital service has provided visually impaired New Yorkers with information on job listings, self-help magazines, do-it-yourself guides, political magazines, several newspapers, TV guide listings, and other literary necessities that all sighted New Yorkers have enjoyed.

The intent of this legislation is provide a stable funding source for NEWSLINE New York.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1: Short title - The Accessible Electronic Information Act

Section 2: Sets for the legislative findings.

Section 3: Amends the public service law by adding a new section 92-g states that the 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, state, private, and other funding 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.

This section also sets forth the definition of all major terms used in this act.

Section 4: amends the state finance law by added a new section 99-t to establish a special revenue fund to administer the Accessible Electronic Information Act.

Section 5: This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall become law; provided, however that effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule of regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date is authorized and directed to made and completed on or before such effective date.

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.

Providing stabilized funding is absolutely imperative to ensuring that this service can operate at maximum potential.

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:

Texas, California, Alabama, New Mexico, Georgia, Hawaii, South Carolina, Maryland, Kentucky, Oregon, Wisconsin, Vermont, Iowa, and Michigan.

Prior legislative history

2010-11: S.1053/A.4161 - Passed Both Houses. Veto message No.58 2009-10: S.2615A/A.2467 - Finance/Rules 2008-09: S.5960 Energy and Telecommunications; A.3108A Ways& 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.