What is ALT-TEXT?
Students who have specific learning disabilities or visual disabilities may
qualify for the accommodation of alternate format text (alt-text) as an auxiliary
aid to provide access to printed course materials. Alternate format text means
that printed materials are provided in a format other than the standard print
format. Alternate text may include:
These formats may require that the
student have specialized playback equipment and/or specialized software in order
to access the format. Specialized equipment may include:
Resources
One of the goals of higher education is to develop in students the tools and skills that will facilitate success beyond the higher education environment. Students are welcomed and encouraged to manage their own alt-text needs to the greatest extent possible so that they are in control of their own success. Some resources for managing success include:
1. Obtain an individual membership in Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic and other organizations that provide printed materials in alternate formats. Individuals may order and/or utilize alt-text materials from Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic and other resources at no additional cost to the individual. A list of some of the organizations that provide alternate text is included at the end of this document.
2. Contact publishers directly to request books in alternate format. Most publishers have procedures established for students to request alt-text directly. A list of some publishers and their contacts is included at the end of this document. Alternately, explore the publisher's website for more information. Generally, the request forms are located with other "permissions" on the website.
3. Use the scanning and reading software station set up for student use in the computer lab on the fourth floor of the Burruss Building. The software will scan most printed material and create a digital file that can then be enlarged, read aloud by the computer, or saved to a disk to read later. The station is available during the extended hours that the computer lab is open.
Other resources may be developed and provided as funding allows and outside suppliers increase. Check back to the website at www.kennesaw.edu/stu_dev/dsss/alttext.html for information on any additions to the resources.
Procedures For Obtaining Alt-Text
Students who require alt-text that cannot be obtained through one of the resources listed above will be required to comply with the following procedures:
1. A student who requests alt-text must have this as an approved accommodation based on documentation supporting the need for alt-text.
2. The student must submit the following
information to disAbled Student Support Services.
Textbooks:
a. A copy of the text to be converted to alternate format (for digital text,
the textbook must be unbound to be scanned and will be returned to the student
in loose leaf format)
b. A copy of the course syllabus with reading assignments
c. Course name and number (i.e. ENGL 2110)
d. Instructor's name
Other printed materials (journal
articles, class handouts, etc.)
a. a copy of the material that is clear enough to be scanned
b. starting and ending points clearly marked if it is part of a larger document
c. Title of text, if applicable
d. Author or editor's name, if applicable
e. course name and number
f. Instructor's name
3. Students are required to purchase each book that they request in alternate format in order to comply with the requirements of copyright law (unless the alternate format is obtained from Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic or Bookshare).
4. Students must allow 4 to 6 weeks for processing of alt-text requests. That time may be shorter or longer depending on the availability of the text from outside sources. A variety of sources are utilized to procure alt-text, and some sources have a 4 - 6 week turnaround time. In addition, in-house production requires sufficient time for scanning, proofing, and final production. It is recommended that students submit requests for alt-text as early as possible to avoid potentially falling behind in classwork.
5. The Office for disAbled Student Support Services will make every effort to honor a student's request for a particular format. However, be advised that first consideration will be given to timeliness by utilizing alt-text from outside sources as long as the format is useable. In addition, some materials do not lend themselves to particular formats and may need to be provided in the format that is most accessible.
6. Students will be required to sign out all alt-text materials obtained through disabled Student Support Services and sign the "Acknowledgement of Receipt and Understanding of Appropriate Usage."
7. Students are expected to return
borrowed materials (Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic or other outside sources)
in a timely manner. Materials should be returned within two weeks of the end
of the semester in which they are provided. Students who do not return materials
in a timely manner can expect to have their registration put on hold until materials
are returned.