I. Accessible Materials
In converting printed text into an alternate format, SSD will try to honor the student’s request for a preferred format. However, depending on the date the material is presented to SSD, the quality of the printed material, the volume and the expected time for return, SSD must make the decision as to which form would be most expedient in converting the material.
How to request your books
Book requests are processed in 5-10 business days.
Submit your book list to our Alternative Format Book Request Form.
*This accommodation is only available to students for which it is approved. Publishers have strict guidelines for what constitutes a “print disability” and we must adhere to those restrictions when requesting accessible versions of texts.*
You will be asked for:
A picture/ screenshot of the receipt/ invoice
The full title of each book
Edition
ISBN 13 (13 numbers, starts with 978…)
Author name
Publisher name
Year published
All this information is located within the first few pages of the book. Please include any specific formats needed, such as braille, when you submit your request.
How the process works:
After you submit your book list, we work with publishers to get digital formats of the texts. Not all texts are going to be available from the publishers. If we are unable to get a digital version from the publisher, you will be contacted to bring in the physical copy of the book/course packet for us to scan. To scan a book, we have to cut the spine off of the book. This process cannot be done on library loaned books, rented books, or borrowed books. After we cut and scan the books, we will send the books to be re-bound. After we get the books back, you will be notified to pick up your physical copy. *NOTE: Any re-bound copy cannot be sold because it has been modified.
What happens when your digital books are ready?
You will receive your texts, in an accessible format that will work with Kurzweil, through a secure UT Box link. This link will be active for only 30 days during which time you will need to download and save your books on a personal drive.
**TIP: A good practice is to check your booklist at the University Coop listing before the semester begins and submit the request as soon as possible. The ATEC Lab fulfills all print accessibility requests for SSD students and we get very busy at the beginning of the semester. You can get your books faster by sending in your request before the semester begins. After the semester begins and you purchase your books, send in your receipt(s) and we will release your books through a UT Box link. NOTE: Proof of purchase is required to release your books. A picture or screenshot of a completed order will work as proof of purchase.
II. Accessible Formats
SSD will make printed material available in the following formats:
- Electronic text– class material will be scanned into PDF format.Students can convert the files to audio format using Kurzweil.
- Braille– students may e-mail Word document attachments, or drop off hard copies that will be scanned and produced in Braille format. SSD will not bind the material.
NOTE: In order to complete the high speed scanning process, books and course packets will be taken apart. Since the books are taken apart, there is virtually no resale value. SSD will not rebind the books. The student has the option to provide SSD with quality xeroxed copies of their assignments instead of having bindings removed from textbooks.