Rev. Tom Vos, pastor of Wellsburg (Iowa) Christian Reformed Church, and his son, David, have created the Optasia (Greek word for vision) ministry so that sight-challenged people can access numerous Bible-study materials on computer-screen-reading software.
Vos, who is blind, found an exemption in the United States Copyright Code that allows nonprofit organizations to distribute copyright material in alternate form if the primary objective of the organization is to provide the material to those with disabilities.
That means Vos can avoid the time-consuming and costly efforts of having to secure copyright holder permission.
“We have commentaries and theological works that are not and never will be made available in Braille or any other form,” Vos said. “There is no profit in this, so it will never be commercially available.”
Vos has made most of his personal library available, including the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible and the NIV Application Commentary.
To learn more about Optasia, see www.optasiaministry.
About the Author
Paul Delger is a long time professional writer and inspirational speaker to young people and lives in Kanawha, Iowa.
