Alternative Media

Alternative media is the provision of printed materials in alternative formats for individuals with visual or information processing disabilities. The student must provide appropriate documentation to the Center for Students with Disabilities to be determined eligible to receive this service. Print materials are provided in a variety of alternative formats.

Procedures

Students must qualify as having a disability that is covered by the ADA and/or Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act with text conversion specified as an appropriate academic accommodation.

The student and a Disability Service Coordinator determine that text conversion services are a reasonable accommodation and it is added to the Accommodation Plan/Verified Individual Services and Accommodations (VISA).

The student and a Disability Services Coordinator determine which alternate format(s) the student will use and which text(s) will be converted. The student must complete and submit an Agreement to Receive Alternative Media Services form (PDF).

Students requesting alternative format materials must Text Conversion Request(PDF)than submit it to Alternative Media program at CSD.

In order to assure the availability of textbooks and other materials in alternate format, all relevant textbook information must be provided to CSD as soon as it is available. Students are responsible for obtaining this information as soon as possible after they register for classes. It can take up to 3 weeks to complete a request.

The following alternative media formats are currently offered and supported by CSD:

• Electronic Text

• Digital audio CD in an MP3 format

• Braille

• Large Print

Specific file formats provided by CSD:

• Kurzweil 3000 file (.kes)

• Text file (.txt)

• Rich Text Format (.rtf)

• MS Word file (.doc)

• MP3 audio