Sonoma State University - Disability Services for Students

Students who cannot access standard print (i.e., students who are blind/low vision, have learning disabilities, etc.) may need their textbooks and other course materials provided in alternate media. Sonoma State University’s Disability Services for Students (DSS) provides alternate media services for students with documented print-related disabilities upon referral from a DSS Disability Management Advisor. Students with print-related disabilities are encouraged to discuss alternate media options with their DSS Disability Management Advisor.

A few common examples of alternate media are as follows:

Audio Files: Sound recording of books. Text-to-speech technology allows conversion of text into audio formats, such as MP3 and WAV. Please Note: Audio is recommended for textbooks without pictures, charts, and graphs (i.e. novels versus science and math textbooks).

Kurzweil: Kurzweil format provides an image of the text, which is presented on the computer screen. It is then read back to the student, providing both auditory and visual input. Please Note: Kurzweil is the suggested option for textbooks with pictures, charts, and graphs because it maintains the physical layout of each page.

E-Text: E-text is a data file that can be accessed by a word processor (i.e. an MS Word file is e-text) or text-to-speech software. E-text is also the basis for generating many other forms of alternative media.

Large Print: Printed text that has been enlarged to at least 14 point font size.

Braille: Letters and numbers are represented by raised dots that provide tactile input.

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Important Facts and Procedures

Audio File

Students must be currently registered with Disability Services for Students (DSS) in order to request alternate media services.

Eligibility for alternate media service is determined by the DSS staff and is based upon the professional documentation provided by the student who has "a disability that prevents him/her from using standard instructional materials." This professional documentation is typically submitted by the student upon their initial registration with DSS.

Alternate media services must be requested each semester as needed.

Students must be currently enrolled and/or finishing an incomplete in the course for which they are requesting alternate media services.

Students requesting textbooks in alternate media must own the material or the material has been purchased on the student’s behalf.

Once a request is approved, the DSS staff’s recommendation with student preference will be used to determine the specific alternate media format.

If DSS is converting textbooks and materials to alternate media, those textbooks and materials will be cut for scanning purposes and will be re-bound before being returned to the student. The SSU Bookstore has agreed to purchase these re-bound textbooks back.

Alternate media requests must be submitted as soon as the student learns of his/her need. Late requests will be honored in the order that they are received and may cause a delay in receiving the alternate media materials.

Regarding class handouts, students must initially ask the professor to provide the handouts (including syllabi) on disk, by email, or another electronic format, if available.

The alternate media material is copyrighted. It may not be reproduced or distributed in any other format. Students will be provided with one alternate media copy for each material required for academic use. Any further reproduction or distribution is considered a copyright infringement. Misuse of this material will result in disciplinary action.

Alternate media is provided for Sonoma State University curriculum support only. Alternate media will not be provided for personal use.

Questions regarding alternate media should be addressed directly to the DSS staff.

DSS reserves the right to discontinue service if any of the aforementioned items are violated or abused. Inappropriate conduct of student is subject to discipline and legal actions.

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Ordering Alternate Media

DSS provides alternate media services for students with documented print-related disabilities upon referral from a DSS Disability Management Advisor. Students with print-related disabilities are encouraged to discuss alternate media options with their Disability Management Advisor.

Ordering your course materials for the semester in alternate formats from DSS requires submission of your requests for materials each semester. Requests will be honored in the order that they are received. Late requests may cause a delay in receiving materials. In order to process an e-text request, students will need to submit:

Alternate Media Contract Form PDF | Word
Alternate Media Request Form PDF | Word (One form per textbook)

Students, please download, print, complete, and submit to the DSS office in Salazar 1049, along with your textbooks. Alternatively, please pick up these forms from the DSS office, located in Salazar 1049.

Some alternate formats (i.e., electronic text, MP3, etc.) require the use of specialized hardware or software in order to access the materials. Students must be trained in the use of this specialized software in order to use the alternate formats. For more information about training please contact the DSS Assistive Technology Specialist.

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Proper Usage of Alternate Media

For students with print-related disabilities, approaching alternate media as "having your computer read the books for you" is likely to result in frustration and disappointment. Students must be prepared to actively participate in the process, which includes:

reading along with the text itself;
making notes of where you are in the text and on the computer, and;
constructing outlines and other organizational strategies.

This level of activity will allow students to receive the maximum benefit from their alternate media.
In most cases, students find that using alternate media takes as much, if not more time as traditional reading. Students must consider carefully whether they wish to make the time commitment this accommodation requires. For students who have not had experience using any form of alternate media, a trial experience with one or two book selections is highly recommended.

If students need training regarding the use of assistive technology to access alternate media, please contact the DSS Assistive Technology Specialist.

Source: Boston University

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Alternate Media Links

Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic

Bookshare

American Printing House for the Blind - LOUIS

CSU Accessible Instructional Materials

National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard

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Sonoma State University DSS is a proud member of the CSU Center for Alternate Media

The California State University CAM Center for Alternate Media