April 23 is World Book and Copyright Day, a celebration to promote the enjoyment of books and reading. This year, find out how the Vision Australia Library has helped Coral Arnold enjoy books for nearly 70 years!
When Coral Arnold joined the Vision Australia Library as a 10-year-old, the books she received filled an entire basket.
Coral, who is blind, could only gain access to braille books and each book was comprised of multiple volumes.
“It was to tide me over for the six weeks of school holidays. For some reason you weren’t allowed access to audio books until you were 16,” Coral said.
Fast forward 67 years and Coral not only receives her books in audio but has seen through the multiple generations in the way the Library delivers audio, this being: four-track, cassette, CD and now via MP3.
The benefits of technology
For Coral, the technological changes weren’t without challenges but the positives became apparent very quickly.
While cassettes and CDs were relatively easy to set-up they didn’t offer portability.
It was after awkwardly and unsuccessfully trying to read a large braille book while wedged into an airline seat that Coral realised adapting to change would be the answer.
“The Victor Stream (a hand-held digital audio player) hadn’t quite launched yet but I knew I wanted one. I wanted to travel and I also wanted to enjoy reading in transit like everyone else,” Coral said.
“My Victor Stream is fabulous. I turn it on and my book has arrived on my bookshelf. I can take it anywhere, including to bed and listen to my books, magazines and podcasts.”
Copyright changes
Perhaps the greatest and most impactful change Coral has experienced though is the adoption of the Marrakesh Treaty in 2016.
The Treaty is exemption of copyright for the creation of accessible versions of books for those who are blind or have low vision.
Less than 10% of published works in developed countries are ever made into accessible formats, such as braille, large print, DAISY or audio. That number drops to less than 1% in developing countries.
“Things have definitely improved in the Library since the Treaty. There’s quicker access to books and a much larger variety. The books are also beautifully produced,” Coral said.
Coral is currently enjoying reading books based on popular television programs such as All Creatures Great and Small, The Larkins, Vera and the movie Freedom Train.
The Vision Australia Library is a public Australia-wide library providing braille and audio books, magazines and podcasts for people with a print disability. Including people who are blind, have low vision, a physical disability or live with dyslexia.
It also provides a full calendar of in person and online events. For more information about joining the Library, call 1300 654 656 or email [email protected].