Alternate-Format Books and Readings

For students with learning and visual disabilities, there are many options for obtaining alternate formats as auxiliary aids to assist them with reading and coursework.

Our office determines and coordinates reasonable alternate format accommodations to ensure materials are accessible for students with disabilities. Those approved for the alternate-format books and readings accommodation should follow the procedure outlined below:

Check if you can purchase or rent your book as an e-text, audio book or another alternate-format text that works best for you. If it is available in the correct alternate format, consider purchasing or renting it in the desired format, rather than the printed version.
If you cannot find the text in a suitable alternate format, you must complete and submit to our office an alternate-format text request form.
For individuals with print-based disabilities who qualify for this accommodation, alternate formats for course text materials can be acquired from the publisher or through bookstore, a national nonprofit organization that offers the largest collection of audio textbooks and literature.

DSS most commonly uses Kurzweil, a text-to-speech reader software, to provide alternate text to students approved for this accommodation. We will give such students a Kurzweil account so they can access any electronically available alternate texts.

Alternate format course materials include:

audio format
electronic format such as Microsoft Word or PDF version
braille (12 week advance notice requested)
large print
handouts in digital format (Microsoft Word or PDF)
digital material in handout/printed form

Students approved for alternate text receive the accommodation at no cost. Due to copyright laws, however, they must show proof that they have purchased or rented the book before receiving alternate text.