Books in Alternative Text Guidelines
These guidelines have been developed to help our students know the procedures for requesting books in alternative text from the Assistive Technology Program (AT). Please follow the steps below to help us serve you better. These steps are done after you have been approved to receive accommodations through Disabilities Services, 103 Student Services Center, 1108 Fremont St, 715-346-3365.
How do you get Alternative Text? Alternative texts are available in three alternatives:
1.) Audio form, from RFB&D or Bookshare org. If you can receive CD’s from Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D) you will fill out the forms at the DS office before coming to the AT office where we will help you make your request to RFB&D. After reviewing your Books in Alternative Request Form and your class list, the AT office will inform you, if the text is available from RFB&D or Bookshare.
2.) An e-file from the publisher, which can take up to 5-6 weeks to receive, is requested if your texts are not available in audio. This step is done first before scanning of the text. We will need to have a copy of your class syllabus to help with order of downloading to a program.
3.) Scanning the text, and then putting it into a readable program. If you have your own program, Kurzweil or something else, we will help with the scanning, and then put it on our web site for you to download to your program. Your needs for this text, editing or word text form, will be decided at the meeting between you and the AT program coordinator. If we need to scan the text, the office will need you to bring in both a copy of the class syllabus and the book for scanning. We cannot guarantee late requests, so the sooner the AT office has your request the sooner we can work on filling the request.
We do ask that you fill out the alternative text forms, (on-line) at the end of the semester for the next semester or 6 weeks before the start of the semester. Request from publishers can take up to 5 - 6 weeks and audio text up to 14 days.
If you need assistance or have any questions, please feel free to ask. You can contact the Assistive Technology Coordinator, Marge Strong, by e-mail, assisttech@uwsp.edu or phone 715-346-4980.
STEPS:
1. Complete the Books in Alternative Request Form. To obtain books in alternative text, you’ll need to complete the form and describe each book that you will need in alternative text. The form has 5 sections, which will help you order up to five book on the one form.
2. Return the completed form 6 weeks before class begins, along with your class schedule. This will increase the chance of receiving your alternative text in a timely manner. Return the completed form and class list to the Assistive Technology Program, room 430 LRC or email the form to assisttech@uwsp.edu.
3. Proof of purchase is required, before the AT program can supply you the text in an alternative format. A copy of your book list is sufficient. Most publishers require the proof of purchase before they send an alternative text.
4. You will need to set up an appointment with the Assistive Technology Program Coordinator, to go over your needs and request.
5. You will need to sign forms, agreeing to return the materials at the end of the semester and abide by the copyright stipulations. Signatures are required for both, alternative text and for equipment, if used.
6. You must alert AT Program if you decide to drop or change any classes in which alternative text was previously requested. You need to keep the AT program informed of any changes to your use of alternative text or CD’s.
Signature:_______________________________________________ Date:______________________
I have read the above and will comply with the guidelines and recommendations it contains. Sign and hand in at the AT office when you have your meeting.