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High Tech Center - Alternative Media Unit

PURPOSE OF ALTERNATIVE MEDIA

Students who cannot access standard print (including students who are blind, have low vision, have mobility impairments, or have learning disabilities) may need their textbooks and other course materials provided in "alternate" formats. The Alternative Media Production Unit of the High Tech Center provides alternative media services for students with documented print impairments upon referral from Services to Students with Disabilities (SSWD).  Students with print impairments are encouraged to discuss alternative media options with their SSWD Counselor/Specialist.

Some of the alternate formats (e.g. electronic text, RFB&D CDs) require the use of specialized hardware or software in order to access the materials. Please see the handout What is the Difference Between E-text, RFBD, and Readers? for additional clarification. Students must be trained in the use of this specialized software in order to use the alternate formats. For more information about training please view the High Tech Center web page

Types of Alternative Media:
Type What is it? Where Can I get it?
electronic text (e-text) E-text is a data file that can be accessed by a word processor (e.g. 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. Students can scan their own print material and convert it to e-text in the High Tech Center Lab. Students can also request e-text from the High Tech Center Alternative Media Production Unit.
Large Print Printed text that has been enlarged to at least 14 pt font size. Students can scan their own print material and convert it to e-text in the High Tech Center Lab. They can then increase the font size or use magnification software. Students can also request e-text from the High Tech Center Alternative Media Production Unit.
Braille Tactile written language for blind individuals. Students can scan their own print material and convert it to Braille in the High Tech Center Lab using Braille translation software. Students can also request Braille from the High Tech Center Alternative Media Production Unit.
Tactile Graphics Simplified graphical images that use raised lines and textures to convey information. Students can request Tactile Graphics from the High Tech Center Alternative Media Production Unit. Students should consult with faculty to identify important graphics.
Audio files Digital or analog sound recording of books. New text-to-speech technology allows conversion of e-text into audio formats, such as MP3 and WAV files. Students can convert their e-text to audio using text-to-speech software in the High Tech Center Lab. Students can discuss where to get books on tape/CD, reader services, and other audio options with their SSWD Counselor/ Specialist.

Table of "types of alternative media" adapted from Sacramento City College

ALTERNATIVE MEDIA POLICY

For more information on eligibility to receive instructional materials in alternative formats, please contact Services to Students with Disabilities at (916)278-6955. For students who are eligible for alternative media services, please see the Alternative Media Policy in SSWD Policies and Procedures.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR STUDENTS ORDERING MATERIALS IN ALTERNATIVE FORMATS

Eligibility for Alternative Media services is determined by the Services to Students with Disability Counselors/Specialists, and is based upon the professional documentation provided by the student who has "a disability that prevents him/her from using standard instructional materials." Students must be referred to the High Tech Center from SSWD.

Ordering course materials for the semester in alternative formats from the High Tech Center requires students to submit requests for materials no later than 3 weeks prior to the start of the semester.  Requests will be honored in the order that they are received. Late requests will be honored provided that the student making the request understands that there may be a delay in receiving materials.

In order to process an e-text request, students will need to submit the following to Allison Ehresman, Alternative Media Specialist, Academic Information Resource Center Room 2010, Phone (916) 278-7915 (call first to make an appointment):

  1. course information (printout of Class Schedule to bring to the Bookstore)

  2. book information (printout from textbook counter at the Bookstore)

  3. proof of purchase of books (original receipts)**

  4. class syllabus (contact individual professors/departments for this)

** Textbook receipts will be stamped to indicate that alternative media is being produced for the semester.

Students can also try the new online Alternative Media Request Form. You will still need to bring in your books to be converted.

Reminder to Students:

If your books are not in stock at the Bookstore, you can utilize the “Prepay Special Order Process” where you pay for your books in advance, and the Textbook department will reserve a copy of the book for you. When it arrives you will be notified by the Hornet Bookstore. To prepay for the books on order, go to the Hornet Bookstore, Second Floor Textbook Counter, and request the “Prepay Special Order” service.

To make arrangements for ordering electronic versions of each of your textbooks you will need to do the following:

  •        Pay registration fees for your classes

  •        Go through priority registration.

  •        Go to the Sacramento State Hornet Bookstore, Second Floor Textbook Counter, and identify yourself as an SSWD student who needs computer printouts of your required textbooks for the purpose of ordering e-text. Provide the counter person with a printout of your semester Class schedule and obtain a computer printout for each of your classes. Contact the Bookstore Textbook manager (278-6447) ahead of time if you need individualized assistance. 

  •        Make appointment with Allison to sign a contract, complete forms, review the e-text policy, and submit purchase receipts and textbook computer printouts. You must submit course information, book information, and proof of purchase of books before your request can be processed.

  •        Contact the course professor and ask if they can provide the class syllabus and other handouts on disk, to facilitate conversions (see sample letter to professor). Your professor may e-mail the syllabus and other handouts directly to Allison at ehresman@csus.edu. Contact the course professor prior to the end of the semester in case they are not in Sacramento during the intersession.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FACULTY FOR PROVISION OF STUDENT EXAMS IN ALTERNATIVE FORMATS

To convert a student exam into an alternative format (e.g. Braille, tactile graphics) for a student with a print-related impairment, please e-mail or deliver the exam to the High Tech Center, Attn: Allison Ehresman, ehresman@csus.edu, a minimum of 72 working hours before the scheduled exam. The High Tech Center Alternative Media Unit is located in the AIRC, Room 2010, Mail Zip 6042.

If the student is taking the exam at the Testing Center, the alternative formatted version will be sealed and delivered to the Testing Center.  If the student is taking the exam elsewhere, the alternative formatted exam will be delivered to your department office.

For more information, please see the Instructions for Brailling Student Exams.

RESOURCES OF MATERIALS IN ALTERNATIVE MEDIA

On-campus:

Repositories, Disability-Specific:

Repositories, Public Domain:

Audio:

e-Text:

Braille Formats:

Tools, Free/Lower-Cost:

Tools, Commercial:

Resources compiled from CSU CAM

HOW TO USE ALTERNATIVE MEDIA PROPERLY

For students with disabilities that affect access to print materials, approaching Alternative 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.

In most cases, students find that making use of alternative media takes as much, if not more time as traditional reading. In addition, it often takes an entire semester to become comfortable with the use of alternate formats and assistive technology used to read those formats, particularly if one has never used them before. 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 alternative media, they will need to enroll in LS9 computer training, and then reapply for alternative media services thereafter.

LOCATION/CONTACT

Location:

The Alternative Media Unit is located in the HIGH TECH CENTER in the Academic Information Resource Center (AIRC) Room 2010. For more information, please call Allison Ehresman, Alternative Media Specialist, at (916) 278-7915 or e-mail htc@csus.edu.

Mailing Address:

High Tech Center – Alternative Media Unit

California State University, Sacramento

6000 J Street

Sacramento , CA 95819-6042

SOURCES