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Accessible Alternative Formats

What are Accessible Alternative Formats?

Accessible alternative formats are more accessible versions of the required course materials.  The approval of this accommodation is decided on a case by case basis. The Office of Accessibility Resources and Services serves as the provider of this accommodation. The most common types of alternative format materials include:

  •  E-text (Electronic Text) – a textbook provided to the OARS registered student in an accessible PDF format.
    This format is converted from a hard copy version of the book by permission of the publisher.
  • Enlarged Text – Enlarged font provided in either a PDF and/or hard copy version.  The student and our OARS Blind and Low-Vision Vendor will work together to decide what is best for that student.
  •  Braille Textbooks, Handouts and PowerPoints
  •  Tactile Imaging – Images that created through a Braille embosser.  The OARS Blind and Low-Vision Vendor will work with faculty to decide what courses need this service.

For all accessible alternative formats, the student will work with OARS to determine the best format for their materials in each class based upon the nature of the coursework. Converting textbooks and other print materials can be a time-consuming process. Please review the responsibilities and steps below to ensure that your materials are given to you in a timely manner.

Student Responsibilities:

  • Register for classes as early as possible when you receive your Priority Registration email from OARS
  • Submit accommodation requests on MyOARS Online Services and sign the online Alternative Formats Agreement Form. To facilitate timely delivery of alternative format materials, please submit your requests a minimum of four weeks prior to the beginning of the semester.  To request additional alternative format course materials, email jortigo@uca.edu.
  • Requests submitted less than four weeks before the semester starts or after the course has begun will be honored with the understanding that alternative format requests will be completed in the order of submission. Thus a delay in the request and turning in of your receipt may result in a delay in accommodation. Student schedule changes may result in a delay of services due to the need to acquire additional course materials. 
  • Purchase books, email a copy of your receipt to jortigo@uca.edu or bring your receipt to the OARS office as soon as possible.
  • First time students requesting alternative formats must set up an orientation with the Assistive Technology Specialist.  Orientation will cover:
    1. Format of books and other materials
    2. Procedure for sharing books
    3. Using books with ReadSpeaker or preferred Assistive Technology (depending on the format)
    4. Using  Bookshare (if applicable)
    5. Process for requesting books each semester 
  • The OARS Blind and Low-Vision vendor will contact blind and low-vision students when their accessible alternative formats when completed.  

FAQ’s of Alt Format

  • Why do I have to show proof of purchase?  Material in textbooks is protected under copyright laws; as such, students are required to purchase textbooks before an alternative format can be provided.
  • How long does it take to get my alternative format materials?  There are a number of variables that influence the time frame. e.g., complexity of content, availability, length of the  materials, etc. Please allow plenty of time for the process to be completed.
  • How can I have the text read aloud?  Use of the following options depends on alternative format orientation:
    • Job Access with Speech (JAWS) (screen reader technology)
    • Non-Visual Desktop Access (NVDA) (screen reader technology)
    • ReadSpeaker (text-to-speech technology)
    • Bookshare (text-to-speech technology)