 |
|
Alternate Formats The Disability Services (DS) office at Colorado College provides alternate formats of course materials (text books, course packets, etc.) to students registered with the DS office who have been approved for this accommodation based on documentation presented by the student that clearly supports the need for alternate formats. Students who may benefit from alternate formats to assist them with reading and coursework include, but are not limited to, those with learning, physical and visual disabilities. Acquisition of alternate formats requires a joint effort on the part of both the student and the DS staff. Students who have been approved for alternate formats must meet with a DS staff member to obtain additional information concerning specific policies and procedures and how to make effective use of this accommodation. General Information on Alternate Formats • Colorado College offers a variety of alternate formats. These include, but are not limited to: - Audio versions of books on CD or cassette tape from outside vendors
such as Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic
(RFB&D) or the Colorado
Talking Book Library (CTBL) • Alternate formats may require the use of specialized hardware or software in order to access the materials. These may include DAISY CD players, four-track or two-track tape players, MP3 players (stand alone or computer software), or specialized computer software allowing access to eText materials. DS will assist students in learning about assistive technology but does not provide the necessary computer hardware or software programs for students’ personal computers. • The student’s preferred format will be considered in acquiring alternate formats, but students are reminded that in the interest of time, the most readily available format may not be the student’s first choice. In addition, some materials do not lend themselves to certain alternate formats. When applicable, alternatives will be discussed with each student. General Procedures for Requesting Materials in Alternate Formats • Once a student determines that alternate formats are needed for a course, he or she should contact the DS office with a book/course materials list, indicating the preferred format for each requested item, preferably two Blocks ahead of the class in which the alternate formats will be used. The list should include the following for each requested item: - Course name and number • In some cases, students may need to provide DS with a paper copy of the requested materials and/or a course syllabus. • Due to copyright laws, students are required to purchase each book they request in an alternate format and may be asked to present proof of purchase to the DS office. • Students should set up an appointment with a DS staff member to discuss the availability of their books, as well as the timeliest means by which to obtain the materials. • It can take up to six weeks to obtain alternate format materials. DS will make every effort to obtain materials in a timely manner and in the specific format requested. • The DS office will alert students when alternate format materials are ready to be picked up. • Students are required to return alternate format materials at the end of the Block in which they are being used by the student. • Students who have their own accounts with RFB&D or the Talking Book Library (or any other outside vendor) may order books without the help of the DS office if they prefer. Digital Audio Files • The turn-around time to create digital audio files varies with the subject matter, the quality of the book or other materials being scanned, and length of the work. The material to be converted must be scanned and the scanned images converted. The scanning process may result in the need to cut the binding off the book provided by the student. Although a spiral binding will be added to the book upon returning it to the student, this may make it difficult or impossible to sell the book back to the bookstore upon completion of the course. • Students are encouraged to stop by the DS office to listen to a sample of a digital voice recording if they have not used this format in the past. While for some students it is a very helpful tool, others find the digital voice distracting. Using Alternate Formats Effectively In most cases, students find that making use of alternate format texts takes as much, if not more time, as traditional reading. Simply listening to books is not effective for most students. Students must be prepared to actively participate in the process, which includes reading along with the actual book, making notes or constructing outlines, etc. This level of activity will allow students to derive the maximum benefit from alternate formats. Oftentimes, it can take new users of alternate formats several Blocks to effectively use this accommodation. 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 formats, a trial experience with one or two book selections is highly recommended.
|