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UGA Logo TEXT-ONLY VERSION THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER

Alternative Text Accommodations Policy and Procedure

From time to time students need to request assistive technology specific to their needs that the Disability Resource Center (DRC) does not currently have available. These needs include, but are not limited to, items such as software, hardware, or additional equipment.

Student Responsibilities:
  1. Register with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) by following appropriate DRC procedures.
  2. Provide appropriate documentation to validate request for Alternative Text accommodations.
  3. Pick up professor letter packet and attached Alternative Text forms from the DRC at the beginning of the semester.

  4. Complete the Alternative Text Request form and submit to the DRC Alternative Media Specialist two weeks before (refer to the "Guidelines for Requesting Book Titles") OR as soon after the first day of class as possible.

    NOTE: The minimum turn around for requested Alternative Text material is two weeks.

    The Alternative Text Request from may be submitted in one of three ways:
    1. ONLINE at www.drc.uga.edu/alternativemediarequestform.html
    2. PRINT and complete the form then fax to 706-542-7719
    3. MEET with Disability Specialist to fill out form and then turn in to Alternative Media Specialist
  5. Meet with each instructor to discuss Alternative Text needs and/or other accommodations.

  6. Provide the DRC Alternative Media Specialist with a copy of course syllabus for each requested reading as soon after the first day of class as possible.

    NOTE: Conversion priority will be given to material for which a request form AND a syllabus is submitted.

  7. Provide electronic or typewritten copies of in-class handouts and other required reading materials at least two weeks in advance or as soon as available to the Alternative Media Specialist.
  8. For Braille users: Make arrangements to meet with the Alternative Media Specialist as soon as possible. Some materials must be requested two semesters in advance.
  9. Purchase materials for which Alternative Text is requested (required by copyright laws).
It is a violation of federal law and DRC policies and procedures to share, duplicate, or distribute Alternative Text media - tapes, disks, CDs, electronic text - and could result in loss of the Alternative Text Accommodation and/or legal action.
  1. Pick up Alternative Text materials in a timely manner. Failure to pick up materials in a timely manner may result in suspension of the Alternative Text accommodation.
  2. Notify the DRC Alternative Media Specialist immediately of changes to class schedule, course syllabus, or alternative text needs.
  3. Return all alternative text to the DRC by the last day of finals of the semester and delete all electronic files downloaded to personal computer. These materials may not be reproduced or shared. Failure to return and/or delete Alternative Text may result in the flagging of records.
It is a violation of federal law and DRC policies and procedures to share, duplicate, or distribute Alternative Text media - tapes, disks, CDs, electronic text - and could result in loss of the Alternative Text Accommodation and/or legal action.
  1. Adhere to the Academic Honesty Policies as stated by the University of Georgia Office of the Vice President for Instruction (OVPI).
  2. Contact your Disability Specialist immediately for assistance if a difficulty should arise.
Disability Resource Center Responsibilities:
  1. Present student's request, along with documentation, to the DRC's professional staff to determine if request is an appropriate accommodation.
  2. Prepare letters to professors for all approved students with appropriate Alternative Text forms attached. These letters verify that a student has a disability which requires Alternative Text accommodations.
  3. Collect the Alternative Text Request forms at the Front Desk of the DRC.
  4. Schedule Alternative Text assignments with Alternative Text Staff giving priority to readings with a request form and a course syllabus.
  5. Maintain records of the Alternative Text process.

NOTE: The DRC is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations in a timely manner. Noncompliance on the part of the student with the procedures stated above may result in delays in or denial of the provision of accommodations.