Alternative Format for Printed Materials

Types of Alternative Formats

Alternative formats may include:

• Audio format through Learning Ally or other resources.
• Electronic text (e-text) from the publisher provided to the student via email, google shared doc, pdf on flash drive, zip file, etc.
• Scanned text. (We may need to remove the binding from your book and return your book to you as spiral-bound.)
• Digital audio recorded by student readers hired by the OAR.
• Large print
• Braille

Purchasing Digital copies from Publishers

• Consider purchasing digital text readable formats (e.g., accessible PDF's) of textbooks and required reading if you do not require a physical copy of the book. Digital files can be found on publisher sites and other websites where textbooks can be purchased.

Timeline

In order to scan a book (if needed), we may need to remove the binding from your book. You will be notified if this is necessary and the book will be rebound at no additional coast. This process can take up to 2 weeks. Your book will be returned to you as soon as possible.

Students are required to notify the OAR as soon as possible if there are changes to the syllabus (reading materials added, deleted or date changes) or course add/drops and if any materials are not formatted correctly or prove to be inaccessible.

Proof of Ownership

Publishers will share their digital files as long as they are confident that the student has purchased or rented a copy of the book. Therefore, students requesting books in alternative format must provide proof of ownership before files will be shared. Proof can include a photocopy of the receipt from a bookstore, Amazon, or other vendor. These documents may be mailed, emailed or dropped off to Kristen Rarig 107 Carnegie Bldg., krr008@bucknell.edu.

Process and Student Responsibility

1. Student registers for classes and identifies required textbooks, in-class handouts, and any other required reading materials.
2. Student purchases or rents textbooks. Publishers require textbook purchases and proof of ownership for each request.
3. Four weeks before the start of the semester, the student completes an Alternative Format Request Form that lists all text materials and the format needed. For materials converted to braille, please meet with the OAR as soon as possible as this could take an entire semester to produce.

The OAR is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations in a timely manner. But if the student fails to follow procedures stated above he or she may experience major delays.

Notify the OAR immediately of changes to class schedule or if you have problems with the text files.

OAR Responsibility

• Determine if the student’s request is an appropriate accommodation.
• Provide training and support as needed.
• Verify proof of ownership.
• Share guidelines with faculty to ensure compliance, and provide training and support as needed.
• Produce and obtain requested alternative format materials and deliver to student.
• Respond in a timely manner to all notices that alternative files are not accessible or if a student has difficulty using the format provided.
• Maintain records of the alternative format process.