163.485 Legislative findings and declarations relating to accessible electronic
294 words·~1 min read·
/ky/163-485A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
information for the disabled. The General Assembly finds and declares that:
(1)Approximately eight hundred seventy-four thousand (874,000) Kentuckians have
disabilities and, of this number, approximately three hundred thousand (300,000)
are blind or visually impaired or have other print impairments that prevent them
from using conventional print material;
(2)Kentucky fulfills an important responsibility by providing books and magazines
prepared in Braille, audio, and large-type formats to eligible blind and disabled
persons;
(3)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;
(4)Lack of direct and prompt access to information included in newspapers,
magazines, newsletters, schedules, announcements, and other time-sensitive
materials limits educational, employment, and independent opportunities, literacy,
and full participation in society by blind and disabled persons;
(5)This limitation can be overcome through the use of high-speed computer, radio, and
telecommunications technology, combined with customized software, providing a
practical cost-effective way to convert electronic text-based information into human
or synthetic speech suitable for statewide distribution and accessible through radio,
a touch-tone telephone, and modern telecommunications technology;
(6)Radio, telecommunications, and voice-based information systems are cost-efficient
information delivery systems for this state;
(7)Federal funds have been used to develop the technology and infrastructure needed
for statewide toll-free access to daily newspapers and other timely information of
local, state, and national interests, providing an efficient and cost-effective means of
reader registration, content acquisition, and intrastate telecommunications support;
and
(8)Use of this accessible electronic information service will enhance Kentucky's 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.