alternate FORMATS

All information, whether spoken, printed or on the web, must be accessible to students with disabilities.

All University programs and services must be ready to respond to requests for alternate formats. Call DSS for assistance and consultation.

What are alternate formats?

It’s the conversion of printed or spoken information to a medium a person with a disability can use, e.g., electronic text (E text), large print, Braille, audio tape, sign language, captioning on video tapes or in real time.

DSS recommends all printed material/publications include a disability access statement. For example:

This publication (or material) is available in an alternate format upon request. Please contact (name, department and phone number).

Who is responsible for providing alternate formats?

Classroom Use - DSS either provides the materials directly to the student or works with the professor who provides the requested format, such as a large print copy of a test or class handouts in E text.

Other - DSS assists departments in converting materials they disseminate, e.g., the “Student, Faculty, Staff Directory” or the “Code of Student Life.”

How do I know if the request for an alternate format is legitimate?

If the request is for a classroom accommodation, DSS provides the student with a verification letter listing the specific format as an approved accommodation. If the request is for non-classroom materials, it is typically provided without asking for proof of a disability related need.

How do I convert printed material?

DOCUMENTS: Producing large print, Braille or E text from a print document is more easily accomplished when the original is a text file. If not available, scan the document and save as a text file. Proofread scanned documents for accuracy. The text file can be emailed or converted into the requested format.

WEBSITES: Make sure graphics have alt tags and wallpaper does not visually compete with the text. Resources on website accessibility include: www.w3.org/WAI and www.washington.edu/doit/Resources/accessweb.html

POWER POINT PRESENTATIONS: Information on creating accessible power point slides is at: http://ncdae.org/tools/factsheets/powerpoint.cfm. Software that automatically converts slides to an accessible format is available at: http://www.virtual508.com/

LARGE PRINT: If the person requesting large print does not designate the font size or style, use size 18 in a plain font, such as Arial, Tahoma or Verdana. Avoid italics, script and other elaborate fonts.

AUDIO FORMAT - TAPE AND E TEXT: Read the document onto audio tape while speaking clearly and at a moderate rate of speed. Call DSS to consult on the process for E text. Students should contact DSS to request textbooks in audio format.

BRAILLE: The N.D. Vision Services/School for the Blind in Grand Forks will convert text into Braille for small projects, e.g., brochures, menus. Call 701 795-2700 for costs, time lines and information on preparing the text for conversion. Students should contact DSS to request Braille textbooks.

How do I convert spoken language into an alternate format?

SIGN LANGUAGE: DSS provides sign language interpreters in the classroom and will assist with hiring a sign language interpreter for other campus programs, activities and services.

CAPTIONING: DSS provides Realtime captioning (the speaker’s words projected on a screen) and closed captioning (words on videos). There is no fee for video captioning, and DSS will assist with checking videos for closed captioning.