Policies and Procedures
Academic Accommodations: Alternate Media for Printed Materials
Policy
Students with disabilities who require alternate access to print materials may receive their textbooks in an alternate media. Eligibility for this accommodation is determined on an individualized basis, and students must be able to demonstrate a substantial print or physical disability, which requires alternate media materials. In order to assure textbook availability, all relevant textbook information must be forwarded to the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) as soon as it is available. Students are responsible for obtaining this information as soon as they register for classes. A sample email template is available for students to use to ask professors for book information. Students are also encouraged to look up their textbook information online at http://webstore.uconncoop.com/booksearch.aspx. If you require assistance in obtaining this information, you may contact the Alternate Media Coordinator, Wade Gibbs, at 860-486-2020 or through e-mail at csdalternateformats@uconn.edu.
Students are encouraged to search for e-texts prior to submitting an alternate media request. Typically, six to eight weeks notice is required to obtain alternate media materials. Late requests will result in a delay in providing materials. The CSD will make every attempt to provide materials as promptly as possible, and in the format requested by the student. However, consideration will be given to the most expedient manner to obtain materials. The following formats are available:
- CD from Learning Ally (www.learningally.org/). Students are encouraged to sign up for a $99 individual membership.
- E-text from the publisher provided to the student via HuskyCT or CD.
- Text scanned and edited by the CSD and provided to the student via HuskyCT or on a CD.
- Audiotape recorded by student readers hired by the CSD – readers are required to complete and deliver tapes in a timely manner by the dates indicated on their contracts; students are required to pick up tapes in a timely manner or at least on a weekly basis.
- Large print
- Braille
- MP3 file
Reasonable accommodations depend upon the nature and degree of severity of the documented disability. While the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 requires that priority consideration be given to the specific methods requested by the student, it does not imply that a particular accommodation must be granted if it is deemed not reasonable and other suitable techniques are available. While the above assistive technologies may be provided by the CSD, students are encouraged to explore alternate options. It is the student’s responsibility to inform the CSD of any questions, concerns or problems that may arise regarding his or her alternate media materials.
Please note that all alternate media materials are intended for a student’s individual use and should not be shared with others. Any duplication of materials is strongly prohibited.
Procedure
- All new students should meet with our Alternate Media Coordinator, Wade Gibbs. This appointment can be made by calling 860-486-2020 or sending an email to csdalternateformats@uconn.edu. If you cannot meet in person, alternate arrangements can be made. At this meeting, an Alternate Media Request Form will be completed based on eligibility and need.
- Determine which books you will need to request for the semester. This information can be obtained by calling the instructor of the course or the department secretary for each course. You may also use other sources to gather book information such as the UConn Co-op’s online textbook search webstore.bookstore.uconn.edu/booksearch.aspx or Amazon.
- Once you have obtained the book information, log onto HuskyCT and enter the site for CSD Alternate Media Materials. If you have not already done so, you will then fill out the online request form. Fill it out as completely as possible. If you do not have all of the information for each book, you can use (webstore.bookstore.uconn.edu/booksearch.aspx) or Amazon as resources for finding out the additional information. Please remember that alternate media materials can take six to eight weeks to process.
- If you are requesting an audio format, it may be available through Learning Ally. They may be contacted at 800-221-4792, or you may search their on-line catalog at www.learningally.org/. You are encouraged to sign up for your own individual membership for an annual cost of $99 and order your books directly through your account, but, if you prefer, you may order the materials through the CSD’s institutional membership at no cost.
- If you are requesting an electronic text (e-text), the CSD will work with you to contact the publisher, AccessText, Bookshare, www.etext.com, etc., to determine its availability. If the material is not available from the publisher, the CSD will obtain permission from the publisher to scan and edit the material. Students are encouraged, when possible, to scan their own materials in the CSD using a portable scanner or one of the scanning stations. CSD staff is available for assistance.
- You are required to purchase each book and provide proof of purchase (receipt, invoice, etc.) to the CSD prior to receiving materials. You are NOT required to purchase your textbooks through the UConn Co-op in order to receive your alternate media materials.
- If you require the use of equipment such as Victor Vibe Readers, you will need to fill out an equipment loan form for each semester. At the end of each semester, you are required to return all materials including equipment and alternate media materials to the Center for Students with Disabilities. If you fail to do so, we will place a hold on your account through PeopleSoft.
Assistive technology resources are also available at the CSD for any student who has participated in an orientation regarding their proper use. Please contact Wade Gibbs at 860-486-2020 or wade.gibbs@uconn.edu if you are interested in an orientation session.