Alternate Format for Textbooks

The alternate format for textbooks accommodation assists students with disabilities that significantly affect reading or comprehension. Students who qualify for this accommodation can request required textbooks and other class text materials in a format that assists in overcoming limitations caused by a disability. Some examples of alternate text formats include large print, electronic formats, audio, and braille.

Students registered with the Center for Accessibilty Services (CAS) must work with their accessibility coordinator to determine if they qualify for the alternate format for textbooks accommodation.

 

Why Use the Alternate Format for Textbooks Accommodation?

Every college student reads. But not every college student is a good fit for the traditional hard copy textbook. Using a textbook in a different format often assists students by increasing comprehension or decreasing the amount of time it takes to read a textbook. 
 
Examples of how to use this accommodation include.
  • E-files enable students with mobility issues to always have their textbooks with them and not have to haul hard copy books around.
  • Students with focus issues, may increase comprehension by fusing screen masking that highlights the specific row or word of text being read.
  • Auditory learners can use text to speech software to listen to a wide variety of e-files, including Word, PDF, EPUB, and more.
Tips for using the Alternate Format for Textbooks Accommodation
  • Submit alternate text requests forms four weeks before classes begin as the CAS often must contact publishers and other organizations to locate alternate formats.
  • If an alternate format is not availible, student may provide CAS with their purchased textbook. CAS will unbind, scan and rebind the student's book to create an electronic file as the alternative. The Center for Accessibility Services will not cut and scan rented books. While this service is at no charge to the student, the textbook will be "altered" and may not be accepted for buy back from bookstores. 

Resources for locating my Textbooks in an Alternate Format?

When a student begins locating the required textbooks for their semester, they are encouraged to Investigate alternate text resources. Many textbooks are available in an e-book format. 
 
Students can independently locate alternate formats for their textbooks by visiting the following sites.
 
 

How do I request a Textbook in an Alternate Format from CAS?

  • Log into ACCESS CAS 
  • From the menu select Accommodations
  • From the drop-down select Alternative Format
  • Select the current tab (for current semester)
  • Select the student entered tab
  • Select the request textbooks and alternate format button

A new page will pop up, complete this page and fill in the following information.

Semester (required)

Select course (required)

ISBN (required)

Title (required)

Author

Edition

  • Proof of Purchase (Upload receipts here if available.  Students can submit this form before buying the book)
  • Select the type of alternative formate (Required.  A format is not guaranteed)
  • If you would like this textbook in MORE THAN ONE FORMAT (Example: PDF and Audio) click on the "Request this Book in More Than One Format" button
  • There is a "Notes" section for you in case you would like to leave a comment
  • Click the "Submit" button

 

Receiving the Alternate E-Files

One a student submits an alternate format request to the Center for Accessibility Services, AND provides a proof of purchase for the textbook, CAS will work to locate the format requested. CAS cannot promise a specific format but always attempts to find the requested format. 

Upon locating the alternate format, CAS will send the textbook e-file to the student using WeTransfer email service. The student will receive an email from WeTransfer with the e-file included. 

WeTransfer enables CAS to send large files. The WeTransfer email will expire if the e-file is not downloaded in a timely manner. WeTranfer also alerts CAS when the files have been downloaded. 

Students using the alternate format for textbook accommodation needing assistance with using the e-file provided, contact CAS at cas@radford.edu or 540-831-6350.

*If an alternate format is not availible, student may provide CAS with their purchased textbook. CAS will unbind, scan and rebind the student's book to create an electronic file as the alternative. The Center for Accessibility Services will not cut and scan rented books. While this service is at no charge to the student, the textbook will be "altered" and may not be accepted for buy back from bookstores.