Students are offered a number of different alternative text formats including the following.
E-Text
E-text is the digital version of the printed material and usually preserves the appearance of the original page. The e-text format options include portable digital file (.pdf), Microsoft Word (.doc), electronic publication (EPUB), DAISY, and rich text format (.rtf). Features may include search tools, bookmarks, zoom, highlighting, reflowable text, choice of fonts, and note-taking/commenting tools.
Using a text-to-speech (TTS) screen-reader program, students can listen to their textbooks while taking advantage of most e-text features. After requesting e-text with audio, students can obtain one of the following TTS screen-reader programs from the Alternative Text Office:
ClaroRead
available for Windows and Mac – Floating toolbar with human-like synthesized voices
- Reads accessible e-text, web pages, and Word documents.
- Includes word-prediction and dictionary tools.
- User-friendly interface.
- Software package includes ClaroCapture, a study tool that gathers text, references, and media for use in other applications; ClaroView, a customizable screen color overlay tool; and ScreenRuler, a customizable tool that isolates specific areas of the screen to minimize distractions.
- Online training videos available on the Claro Software YouTube Channel.
Read & Write GOLD
Available for Windows and Mac – Floating toolbar with TTS capability providing reading, writing, studying and research support tools
- Reads accessible e-text, web pages, and Word documents and more.
- Screenshot Reader reads inaccessible text including locked PDFs and Flash.
- PDF Aloud integrates Read&Write GOLD tools directly into Adobe Reader.
- Robust writing and studying tools including Word Wizard, Speech Maker, DAISY Reader, Fact Mapper, Speech Input and Voice Note available within a single interface.
- Online training videos available on the textHELP YouTube Channel.
Audio versions of the student’s required readings are available in a digital format (MP3, AAC, etc.) from the Alternative Text Office or Learning Ally. Playback equipment is available for checkout or students can receive the unrestricted files for use with their personal devices. Some titles may not be available, in which case a different accessible format will be substituted.
The Braille system is a method widely used by the blind community to read and write. Each Braille character or cell is made up of six dot positions, arranged in a rectangle containing two columns of three dots each. Braille documents are produced using the Duxbury translation software. Students requesting Braille are encouraged to meet with the Alternative Text Office prior to the start of the semester. Some materials must be requested up to two semesters in advance.
An enlarged copy of the requested textbook or required readings. Paper and font size are based on the student’s preference. Binding and multiple volume options are available.
Revised December 2016