Alternative Formats
Prior to the start of the semester, contact your instructors to discuss your alternative text needs for their course. Identify required textbooks, in-class handouts, eLC materials, and any other required readings that will need to be converted to an accessible format.
Ensure an accessible format of the requested title is not already commercially available. Use the list of Alternative Text Resources to research the availability of your requested title. If an accessible version of the textbook is commercially available in the same format requested, you will be referred to that source and your request will be cancelled.
To comply with copyright law, you must obtain a copy of each title requested. Proof of ownership must accompany the Alternative Text Request. Production of the alternative text will not begin until proof of ownership is supplied.
Proof of ownership is required when requesting any text protected by copyright, including but not limited to textbooks, course packets and lab manuals. A scan or copy of the proof of ownership is preferred over the original. Acceptable forms of proof of ownership include:
- Dated bookstore receipt of textbook purchase or rental
- Shipment confirmation email or packing slip from online purchase or rental
- In lieu of the above, the student can present their textbook to Alternative Text staff for in-person verification.
Proof of ownership is NOT required for course readings supplied by the instructor whether in class or online via eLearning Commons. If you have any questions regarding Proof of ownership, please contact the Alternative Text Office.
Submit your Alternative Text Request and Proof of Ownership as early as possible. The Alternative Text Office will begin accepting requests for the upcoming term at the opening of that semester’s Priority Registration.
After submitting your request in AIM, you will still need to submit proof of ownership, which can be submitted in one of the following ways:
- Email the completed request and proof of ownership as attachments to the Alternative Text Office at altmedia@uga.edu.
- Fax the document to Accessibility and Testing at (706) 542-7719, ATTN: Alternative Text Office.
- Deliver the completed form and proof of ownership to the Alternative Text Office (Room 127 in Clark Howell Hall) or the Accessibility and Testing front desk.
All submitted Alternative Text Requests should include the course name and call number, title name and edition, and the 10- or 13-digit ISBN. Incomplete information can result in conversion of the incorrect title and may delay fulfillment of your request.
Production of materials usually takes up to 2 weeks. Please allow sufficient time to process the request. To expedite fulfillment, a different accessible format may be provided instead.
Digital Audio requests can take longer than 2 weeks to process. Please contact the Alternative Text office (altmedia@uga.edu) to further discuss this option. It is highly recommended that the student provides the class syllabus when requesting digital audio.
Braille users: Please make arrangements to meet with the Alternative Text Office prior to start of each semester. Some materials must be requested up to two semesters in advance.
You will be notified via email when your materials are complete. Retrieve alternative text materials in a timely manner. You may be required to sign for your materials.
Notify the Alternative Media Office immediately of any changes to your class schedule or course syllabus.
Return all alternative text materials and/or leased equipment to Accessibility and Testing by the last day of finals. Failure to comply will result in a flag on your record.
Materials provided by the Alternative Media Office may not be reproduced or shared. All alternative text files downloaded to your computer must be deleted at the end of the semester.
Adhere to the Academic Honesty Policy as stated by the University of Georgia Office of the Vice President for Instruction (OVPI).
Adhere to the UGA Code of Conduct as stated by the University of Georgia Office of Student Conduct.
The Alternative Text Office provides accessible versions of textbooks and class readings for students with print-related disabilities. We utilize industry-leading assistive technology and take advantage of the newest innovations in accessibility to remove barriers to the learning experience.