Chapter 12 – Accessible Formats

Accessible Formats (Alt Formats) are course materials that have undergone a remediation process to remove barriers associated with reading and/or accessing print and digitally based materials. Some examples may include converting inaccessible textbooks into one of these alternative formats:

1. Braille

2. E-Text

3. Tactile Graphics

4. 3D Prints

5. Audio

Inaccessible textbooks are generally converted into an accessible format. It is critical that materials are provided to the SAR Center as soon as possible, so the conversion process can begin. The conversion process can be very time-consuming. To ensure timely delivery of accessible textbooks, students should enter their requests each term according to the timelines outlined in Chapter 7 of the SAR Center Student Handbook. Late requests will be processed in the order in which they are received.

The process of converting textbooks to E-Text cannot begin until the student provides proof of purchase of their textbook. An image of the receipt or proof of purchase must be uploaded to the SAR Center Student Portal in the work created by the student.

Once proof of purchase has been provided, the SAR Center will request an electronic copy from the publisher. If an electronic copy is not available, students may be asked to bring in a physical copy of their book. Please note that the SAR Center will need to cut the book for scanning and then rebind it.

The SAR Center can work with blind and low vision students in advance to gather the materials that will need to be converted.

The student should immediately notify their Accessible Specialist if there are course materials that do not need to be converted.

Please be aware that some course materials created by third-party vendors are difficult for the SAR Center to access and convert into an accessible format, including RedShelf and VitalSource. Contact Accessible Formats (Alt Formats) if any of your course materials that must be accessed through a third-party vendor are inaccessible.

Note that accessible materials are intended to be used by the eligible student only and are not to be duplicated and/or redistributed (e.g., shared with friends, peers, posted online, etc.)

Students should contact Alt Formats at alternativetesting@uta.edu if they have any questions.