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Copyright & Fair Use in Teaching & Research

This guide serves as an introduction to U.S. copyright law and principles, including definitions, fair use, research and classroom use, and related topics.

Copyright & Accessibility

Another issue that arises when it comes to the use of copyrighted materials in the classroom is accessibility. This page of the guide details exemptions to copyright law to accommodate student accessibility needs. 


Exemptions for Accessibility

Like Fair Use and the TEACH Act, there are other exemptions to copyright's control over course resources.

For example, the Chafee Amendment (17 U.S.C. § 121) allows educational institutions (and other authorized entities) to reproduce or distribute copies of copyrighted works if the copies are shared in specialized formats exclusively for use "by blind or other persons with disabilities."

The links below explain exemptions like the above and others. 

It's important to note that in situations where these laws are not applicable, you may still be able to argue for Fair Use to make course materials accessible for your students.