Alternate Format Materials Policies

Alternate Format Materials Policies

Students whose documented disability precludes the student from using standard print materials may be eligible to receive textbooks or other course materials in an alternate format. Requesting textbooks or other course materials in an alternative format can be a lengthy process. Alternative formats might include electronic text, audio, large print, Braille, or other formats.

Students with such a documented disability who desires to use the alternate format materials accommodation makes the request for the accommodations through the Alternate Format Materials Form. Prior to each semester the Disability Resource Center identifies students who qualify for textbooks in alternate format and identify the texts that are required. Through conversation with the respective students, each student requests specific textbooks or other course materials. The following is the process for the receipt of the alternate format materials. 

  1. After the qualifying documentation arrives in the Disability Resource Center, and the accommodation of alternate materials format is provided, students are encouraged to complete the appropriate forms at least three weeks before the semester begins in order to assure access of this service in a timely fashion.  
  2. Qualifying students fill out the Alternate Materials Format Form which describes the process and policies for effective access to this accommodation in detail.  
  3. Students purchase the textbooks and submit the textbooks to the Disability Resource Center.  
  4. ATS retains a license through BlueLeaf Book Scanning service, with the Non-Destructive option.  The student submits the textbook to the Disability Resource Center to send to BlueLeaf.  
  5. The BlueLeaf Book Scanning service translates the written material into digitalized format. To do this, BlueLeaf removes the binding and scans the text, converting the written text materials into digital format. BlueLeaf replaces the binding and sends the digitized text and book back to the student to keep. 
  6. The textbook and digitalized content are sent to the student by BlueLeaf. 
  7. Priority will be established based upon the earliest receipt of documentation and returned forms. 

Other Resources: 

  1. In addition to the services provided by BlueLeaf, ATS retains a license for ZoomText and has placed a station in the Writing Center with ZoomText software installed. ATS also makes ZoomText available to individual students.
  2. Students who wish may utilize resources from the National Library Service (NLS). The NLS provides a free braille and talking book library service for people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical disability that prevents them from reading or holding the printed page. The NLS can provide the materials mailed to the student’s door for free or in an instantly downloadable format.

https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-library-service-for-the-blind-and-print-disabled/about-this-service/?cid=loc-ppc_s=bing_c=technology-software_ag=technology_kw=visually-impaired-technology&msclkid=bf3aa1fbed3814a72e0aff256876b442  

3.  Learning Ally (formerly RFB&D: Readings for the Blind and Dyslexic) serves more than 300,000 K-12, college and graduate students, veterans and lifelong learners – all of whom cannot read standard print due to blindness, visual impairment, dyslexia, or other learning disabilities. Learning Ally’s collection of more than 70,000 digitally recorded textbooks and literature titles – downloadable and accessible on mainstream as well as specialized assistive technology devices – is the largest of its kind in the world. More than 6,000 volunteers across the U.S. help to record and process the educational materials, which students rely on to achieve academic and professional success. 

Learning Ally, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is funded by grants, state and local education programs, and the generous contributions of individuals, foundations, and corporations. Its mission is to promote personal achievement when access and reading are barriers to l earning by advancing the use of accessible and effective educational solutions.

Phone Number: 

1-800-221-4792 

Web and Social: 

https://learningally.org/  

4.   Personnel in the Disability Resource Center Students can assist students in exploration of other options for accessing written materials at the student’s own expense, including such options as 

  • Screen Reader software (JAWS, Fusion)
  • Screen Magnification software (software similar to ZoomText)
  • Voice Recognition software (Dragon Naturally Speaking)
  • Text-to-Speech software (Read & Write Gold)
  • Video Magnifiers/CCTVs
  • Adaptive mice and keyboards
  • Braille writer
  • Personal Assistive Listening Devices (Comtek AT-216, Comfort Contego, Phonak Remote Mic)
  • Adjustable height desks
  • Audio Recorder
  • Smart Pen