Alternative Text Information

Alternative Texts Are Available in Four (4) Formats

1. Digital format from the publisher
   It may take up to 3-4 weeks to receive the e-file. PDFs are the primary type of alternative text students use for their books.
2. Scanning the text
   The AT Lab will scan your books if they do not come in audio or e-file forms. To have this type of alternative text, the office will need you to bring a copy of your class syllabus and the book for scanning if no file is available. The scanned text can be read with programs the AT Lab provides. If you have your own program, we will help you scan your book.
3. Bookshare.org
   An accessible online ebook program for individuals with print disabilities.
4. Audio Forms
   These come from Learning Ally, and you will be notified through the DRC if you qualify for these services.
   • For students who are certified as legally blind, or students with learning disabilities, the accommodation of books as an audio file can be used. The DRC will determine if you qualify for Learning Ally. Most students that qualify are visually or learning disabled.
   • If you qualify for Learning Ally, you will need to make an appointment with the AT Lab to help you sign up for a Learning Ally membership. During that same appointment, the AT staff will help you order your textbooks in audio formats that are available on the Learning Ally website.

Steps for Requesting Books in Alternative Text Formats

1. Before requesting a book in an alternative text format, students must contact the DRC to receive approval for accommodations: 715-346-3356 or drc@uwsp.edu.
2. Your needs for these different types of alternative texts will be decided at a meeting between you and the AT coordinator. We cannot guarantee that late requests will be fulfilled in time for the start of the semester, so the sooner the AT Lab has your request, the sooner we can work on filling your request.
3. Students need to submit their class schedule and book list at the end of the semester for the next semester, or four (4) weeks before the start of the semester. This ensures we have enough time to process the request and/or communicate with the publisher.
4. In some cases, proof of purchase is required to receive an alternative text copy from the publisher. In most cases, a copy of a student's book list is sufficient. However, if the student has to purchase a book, the AT Lab will need a copy of the receipt.
5. Signatures are required to ensure that the student agrees to return the materials at the end of the semester and abide by copyright stipulations.
6. The student must alert the AT Lab if they decide to drop or change any classes in which alternative text was requested.
7. After the student meets with the AT coordinator, they will have the opportunity to train on a text-to-voice program that will support reading their textbooks to them.

You can set up a meeting with the AT Lab coordinator or staff by calling 715-346-3365 or emailing assisttech@uwsp.edu. The AT Lab is located at 108 in the Collins Classroom Center (CCC), and we're open 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Example Guidelines from Publishers for Alternative Text

Example 1

Example 2