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163.485 Legislative findings and declarations relating to accessible electronic information for the disabled.

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Page 1 of 1 163.485 Legislative findings and declarations relating to accessible electronic information for the disabled. The General Assembly finds and declares that: <br>(1) Approximately eight hundred seventy-four thousand (874,000) Kentuckians have disabilities and, of this number, approximately three hundred thousand (300,000) <br>are blind or visually impaired or have other print impairments that prevent them <br>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 <br>persons; (3) The technology, transcription methods, and means of distribution used for these materials are labor-intensive and cannot support rapid dissemination to individuals <br>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 <br>materials limits educational, employment, and independent opportunities, literacy, <br>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 <br>practical cost-effective way to convert electronic text-based information into human <br>or synthetic speech suitable for statewide distribution and accessible through radio, <br>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 <br>local, state, and national interests, providing an efficient and cost-effective means of <br>reader registration, content acquisition, and intrastate telecommunications support; <br>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 <br>otherwise available in print, thereby reducing isolation and supporting full <br>integration and equal access for such individuals. Effective: July 13, 2004 <br>History: Created 2004 Ky. Acts ch. 129, sec. 1, effective July 13, 2004. <br>Legislative Research Commission Note (7/13/2004). 2004 Ky. Acts ch. 129, sec. 4, provides that 2004 Ky. Acts ch. 129, which creates KRS 163.485, 163.487, and <br>163.489, is to be known as the Accessible Electronic Information Act.