Alternative Text Materials

Some students receive alternate format of materials as an accommodation. Examples of alternate format of materials include electronic text (in MS Word, PDF, straight text, etc.), audio recordings, Braille, and tactile drawings. Students who have alternate format of materials as an accommodation should submit requests and materials to be adapted to the Center at least six weeks prior to the date that materials are needed. Although six weeks may seem like a long time, the process of acquiring or producing alternate format is quite intensive due to copyright issues and the various conversion processes involved. The Center for Access-Ability Resources will make every reasonable effort to ensure that students receive alternate format of materials in a timely manner. To do so, students should understand that:

• The Center can only convert materials that are in its possession, and is unable to purchase materials on the students behalf;
• Requests are processed in the order received;
• Many publishers state that their response time can be between 6 to 10 weeks so early planning is essential;
• If the course structure does not allow timely provision of adapted materials, CAAR staff, the course instructor, and the student should discuss whether an alternative, reasonable accommodation is available; and
• The Center retains the right to determine the most effective and timely accommodation after appropriate consultation with the student.

Please see specific instructions in the Student Guidebook for requesting alternate format of text. Students may use the assistive technology available in the NIU library to produce alternate format of materials independently.

The student will be provided one copy of the alternate format for each material required for academic use. This electronic file is copyrighted and may not be reproduced or distributed. Any further reproduction or distribution is an infringement of the agreement with the publisher. Some publishers require that students return any material received from the Center at the end of the semester. In most of these cases the Center will have an agreement from the publisher the student will need to sign. If a student does not return the materials, an encumbrance is placed on the student’s account which will suspend the release of grades, registration of classes, release of transcripts, or receipt of diploma upon graduation.