Maryanne Diamond, Chair of World Blind Union’s Right to Read Campaign receives national award from CNIB
November 4, 2015
Today in Orlando, Florida, CNIB awarded the 2015 Dr. Dayton M. Forman Memorial Award to Maryanne Diamond, Chair of World Blind Union’s Right to Read Campaign, who was instrumental in leading the charge in advocating for Canada to commit to the Marrakesh Treaty.
Through the World Blind Union’s Right to Read campaign, Maryanne worked tirelessly to advocate for a global treaty for removal of copyright restrictions on accessible materials across international borders. In June 2013, that goal became a reality with the establishment of the Marrakesh Treaty for Access to Information for Blind, Visually Impaired and Other Print Disabled Persons.
Once 20 countries have ratified the treaty, those ratifying nations will enjoy modernized copyright laws and will be able to share accessible books without asking permission from the copyright holders. On April 21st 2015, Canada’s government became one of the first among G7 countries topledge to accede to and implement the Marrakesh Treaty. For blind Canadians, this means that books produced in Canada can be shared with blind persons in other countries, and blind Canadians will likewise have the opportunity to receive accessible content from other countries that have ratified the treaty.
The importance of this achievement cannot be overstated. It’s a tremendous step towards equal opportunity for people who are blind or partially sighted of all ages and races, right across the globe – and it may never have happened were it not for the efforts of Maryanne Diamond and her team.
About CNIB
CNIB is a registered charity, passionately providing community-based support, knowledge and a national voice to ensure Canadians who are blind or partially sighted have the confidence, skills and opportunities to fully participate in life. For more information, visit
About the Dr. Dayton M. Forman Memorial Award
The award was established by the CNIB Library Board in 1996 and recognizes outstanding leadership in the advancement of library and information services for Canadians living with vision loss. The award is offered in tribute to Dr. Dayton M. Forman, an exceptional humanitarian and longstanding CNIB volunteer, who exemplified the leadership required to make a difference in the lives of Canadians who cannot easily access printed material.
Caption:Presentation of the 2015 Dr. Dayton M. Forman Memorial Awardto Maryanne Diamond, Chair of World Blind Union’s Right to Read Campaignin Orlando, Florida.
Diane Bergeron, Executive Director, Strategic Relations and Engagement, CNIB; Maryanne Diamond; Penny Hartin, CEO, World Blind Union; Charles Mossop, President, World Blind Union, North America and the Caribbean Region.
For more information:
Joy Charlton, Executive Assistant, CNIB Library
T: 416-486-2500 Ext. 7522
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