BIDYA: Digital and Accessible Library

National Association of the Blind

BIDYA: Digital and Accessible Library

National Association of the Blind

The goal of BIDYA was to promote the inclusion and continuity in the formal education system of children, teenagers and young people with visual disabilities, guaranteeing equal opportunities for the visually impaired in Uruguay. The limited availability of study material in braille, audio, electronic, or extended character format is one of the greatest difficulties visually impaired students encounter in the educational system. BIDYA digitized 512 books and required readings from the Uruguayan primary and secondary school curricula and launched the first digital, open library of Uruguay. These materials will be made available online through a repository of books hosted by Universidad de la República. UNCU is currently awaiting for the ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty by Uruguayan authorities which will guarantee open access of copyrighted educational materials for people with visual disabilities. The Digital and Accessible Library will allow universal access, regardless of geographic and physical barriers or mobility limitations.

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