Many students with learning disabilities and visual disabilities are interested in obtaining their textbooks and other materials in alternate formats (alt-format) as an auxiliary aid to assist them with their reading and coursework. At Boston University, a request for this accommodation is handled in the same manner as requests for other accommodations. Students seeking alternate format texts must present documentation that clearly supports the need for the request. After a student's documentation has been reviewed and the recommendation has been approved, the student must meet with a Disability Services staff member to obtain additional information concerning specific policies and procedures and how to make effective use of this accommodation.
A Variety of Alternate Formats
The following formats are currently offered and supported by the Office of Disability Services:
- eText in secure format from a variety of resources
- eText from the publisher provided to the student on CD or via electronic mail
- Text scanned by an outside vendor and provided to the student on CD or via electronic mail
- MP3 created from scanned materials and provide to student on CD or via USB flash drive
- Audiotape in four-track format from a variety of resources
- Audiotape recorded by BU students working as both volunteers and student employees
- Braille and/or Tactile
- Large Print
Several of these formats require the use of specialized hardware or software in order to access the materials. Depending upon the needs of individual, these may include:
- Variable speed, four-track tape players
- Non-variable speed, two-track tape players
- MP3 player (stand alone or computer software).
- Specialized computer software allowing access to eText materials
General Procedures for Requesting Materials in Alternate Formats
- Students seeking alt-format materials must be approved for this accommodation.
- Students requesting alt-format materials must submit a list of the books or other materials they are seeking to the Office of Disability Services. This includes (for each requested item):
- complete course number
- instructor name
- complete title of text
- author or authors (editor if applicable)
- edition or publishing date
- ISBN number (if possible)
- Students are required to purchase each book they request in an alternate format. Students may need to provide proof of book ownership to the Office of Disability Services. In some cases (most notably eText), students may need to provide Disability Services with a paper copy of the requested materials and/or a course syllabus.
- Disability Services will take the students specific format request into consideration when seeking and obtaining alt-format materials. However, students are advised that not every item will be readily available in every format. In addition, some text items do not lend themselves to certain alternative formats. When applicable, alternatives will be discussed with the individual student.
Typically, between four and six weeks notice (4-6weeks) is required to obtain alt-format materials. However, this wait time can be shorter or longer depending upon the specific items and the format being requested. The Office of Disability Services will make every effort to obtain materials in a timely manner and in the specific format requested. However, consideration will be given to the most expedient manner and format available in the fulfillment of student requests. To that end, students may find themselves in possession of materials in a variety of formats depending upon availability.
Obtaining Textbook Information
In order to assure the availability of textbooks and other materials in alt-formats, all relevant information must be provided to the Office of Disability Services as soon as it is available. Students are responsible for obtaining this information as soon as possible after they register for classes.
The Office of Disability Services has made special arrangements with the Barnes and Noble Textbook Department for students needing information about their course materials in the procurement of alt-format materials. It is recommended that students identify themselves as being registered with the Office of Disability Services when requesting information about their textbooks.
Here is the contact information for Barnes and Noble at Boston University:
Barnes and Noble at Boston University
Textbook Department, 4th floor
660 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02215-2002
Phone: (617) 236-7420
eMail: textbks2@bu.edu
If you need assistance in obtaining textbook information, please contact
Daniel Berkowitz in Disability Services at (617) 353-3658 or djbrky@bu.edu.
At the start of each academic semester, students may experience significant wait times while contacting the Barnes and Noble textbook department. You are encouraged to use several on-line resources for finding textbook information.
Using Alt-Format Texts Properly
Information for students with LD and AD/HD
For students with Learning and Attentional Disabilities, approaching Alt-Format as simply "listening to books" or "having your computer read the books for you" is likely to result in frustration and disappointment. Students must be prepared to actively participate in the process, which includes:
- reading along with the actual book;
- making notes of where you are in the text and on tape/on the computer; and
- constructing outlines and actively using the textbook
This level of activity will allow users to derive the maximum benefit from this accommodation.
In most cases, students find that making use of alt-format texts takes as much, if not more time as traditional reading. In addition, it often takes an entire semester to become comfortable with the use of alternate formats, particularly if one has never used them before. Students must consider carefully whether they wish to make the time commitment this accommodation requires. For students who have not had experience using any form of alt-format texts, a trial experience with one, or two book selections is highly recommended. Disability Services can work with students to help them obtain the maximum benefit from this accommodation.
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