Policies and Procedures

Academic Accommodations: Alternate Media for Printed Materials

Policy

Students with disabilities who require alternate access to printed material may receive their textbooks in an alternate format. 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 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. If you require assistance in obtaining this information, you may contact an alternate format coordinator, at 486-2020 or through e-mail at csdalternateformats@uconn.edu.

Students are encouraged to search for e-texts prior to submitting an alternate format request. Typically, 6-8 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:

• Audiotape from Recordings for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D) [www.rfbd.org].
• 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 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 format textbooks.

Please note that all alternate format 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 will be required to meet with our alternate format coordinator. This appointment can be made by calling 860-486-2020 or sending an email to csdalternateformats@uconn.edu. If you cannot meet face to face, alternate arrangements can be made. At this meeting, an Alternate Format Request Form will be completed based on eligibility and need.
• Determine which books you will require. 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 at http://webstore.bookstore.uconn.edu/booksearch.aspx, Amazon, Borders, etc.
• Once you have obtained the book information, log onto HuskyCT and enter the site for CSD Alternate media materials. 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 www.amazon.com as a resource for finding out the additional information. Please remember that alternate media materials can take up to 8 weeks to process.
• If you are requesting an audio format, it may be available through the Recordings for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D). They may be contacted at (800) 221-4792, or search their on-line catalogue at www.rfbd.org. Students that have their own membership are encouraged to order their books directly through their account. Students who do not yet have a membership should complete the individual membership form, have it signed by a CSD representative, and return it back to RFB&D so that they can begin ordering books directly. The CSD will provide assistance with this process as needed.
• If you are requesting an electronic text (e-text), the CSD will work with you to contact the publisher, www.bookshare.org, 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 required to purchase each book and provide proof of purchase (receipt, invoice, etc.) to the CSD prior to receiving materials. Students are NOT required to purchase their textbooks through the UConn Co-op in order to receive their alternate format texts.
• Students that require the use of equipment such as Victor Vibe Readers will be required to fill out an equipment loan form for each semester. At the end of each semester, students are required to return all materials including equipment and alternate texts to the Center for Students with Disabilities. Those students who fail to do so will have a hold on their account through Peoplesoft.

Assistive technology resources are also available at the CSD to any student who has participated in an orientation regarding their proper use. Please inquire with Wade Gibbs at 486-2020 or wade.gibbs@uconn.edu if you are interested in an orientation session.