Joe Knilans Representative, 44th Assembly District Telephone: (608) 266-7503 |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 14th, 2011 |
Legislators to Announce Re-Introduction of Instructional Materials Accessibility Act
(Janesville) -- As part of the Legislative Day for the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired, Representative Joe Knilans (R-Janesville) and Senator Bob Wirch (D-Kenosha) announced plans to reintroduce legislation to make written materials accessible to students with disabilities who are enrolled in the UW System and the state’s Technical College System.
“I am very proud to be a leader on this bi-partisan proposal. I believe the Instructional Materials Accessibility Act is ultimately a bill that will set the ground work to create future jobs in this state,” said Rep.Knilans. “Janesville has the only Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. As the Representative for the Janesville area I want to make certain that the students at this school have the tools they will need to continue their education and enrich their opportunities for post-graduate employment.”
The legislation requires publishers to make all written materials available in a digital format which can be converted to alternative mediums such as Braille, large print or audio that would meet the specific needs of individual students.
“This legislation levels the playing field for all students by increasing the accessibility to instruction materials so that students can receive the education they need to compete in the current job market,” explained Sen. Wirch.
This bill has been introduced since the 2005-06 session. During this time some publishers have joined networks to provide accessible instructional materials. Keeping these developments in mind, the bill includes an exemption for those publishers that provide text books through a network within seven days of a request. The authors of the bill are also extending an offer to publishers to meet and discuss any other concerns they have with the legislation.
