Alternate Media Request Form

The use of electronic digital text (E-text) has emerged as a convenient and popular method of providing access for those who cannot use standard printed (12 point font) materials. Partially sighted individuals can use E-text by taking advantage of built-in options within many standard software applications (e.g. adjusting font size, contrast, or background color) or through the use of specialized screen magnification software. If you're interested in learning about screen readers, see our Assistive Technology Resources page.

E-text can also be used with reading software like Kurzweil or JAWS to output the text to a speech synthesizer or refreshable Braille display. The main advantage of E-text is that it can be easily stored, indexed/searched, and converted to large print or hard copy Braille. E-text exists in many formats such as PDF, MS Word (DOCX), RTF, ASCII, PageMaker, Quark, EPUB, EPS, etc. We then take these formats and produce the format most suited for the student.

Braille is a system of reading and writing for individuals who are blind/visually impaired. The basic unit is the braille cell. From these six raised dots you can get 64 possible combinations. There are many more inkprint symbols than the 64 braille symbols. For example, most computer systems handle about 96 different inkprint symbols. This problem is solved by using contractions, assigning more than one braille cell to represent certain inkprint symbols; and in some cases, by using specialized codes for unique applications like math and music. Some digital refreshable braille displays have 8 braille dots in a cell to represent computer functions. Thus, learning to read and write braille requires considerable training and practice just like most written languages.

For individuals with sufficient vision, large print materials can be very helpful. Although they may be somewhat bulkier than standard print, they offer the same advantages. Large print materials are portable, require no special equipment, preserve the original graphic and spatial layout, and are easy to reference. If a document is available in electronic format and is not overly long, creating a large print version is usually simple, though some minor reformatting may be needed. While relatively few textbooks are published in large print and those editions can be expensive, we are able to recreate your textbooks in large print as needed.

Offering materials in an audio format is an effective way to make information accessible to individuals who are blind or have visual impairments. Many people with learning disabilities also benefit from audio materials because they may have difficulty processing printed text. In the past, audio content was typically recorded on cassette tapes, often referred to as books on tape. Today, advances in technology allow electronic text to be converted into audio using speech synthesis software. The digital files, such as MP3 or WAV formats, can then be saved to CDs or other devices for students to access on their computers or media players.

Course materials must be submitted with adequate notice. Delivery timelines are established individually based on each request. After reviewing the materials that need formatting or conversion, the student will be informed of the anticipated completion date. The time required depends on the format of the original material, the type of conversion needed, the size and complexity of the project, and the current production schedule and priority system.

Production follows this order of priority:

• Examination materials
• Required textbooks
• Class handouts
• Required and instructor approved supplemental course materials
• General college materials

The college will not produce materials that are unrelated to instruction or not necessary to provide access to official college information.

Every effort will be made to provide materials in the format requested by the student, although the specific format cannot be guaranteed. The Alternate Media Specialist may consult with the student and counselor or advisor to determine and recommend the most appropriate format.

Proof of purchase is required to obtain a publisher’s electronic text copy for alternate media production of materials that students are required to purchase.

Students may not copy, reproduce, or distribute alternate media provided by DSP and S, nor allow others to do so. Electronic files are protected by copyright and may only be used in the format provided for the student with a disability. Any additional reproduction or distribution constitutes a violation of copyright law. Misuse of alternate media may result in disciplinary action and or suspension of services.

Students will receive one alternate format for each required material.

Test accommodations that involve alternate media must be arranged with the test proctor at least one week before the exam date, unless an exception is approved by the counselor or advisor.