Alternative Formats


What are Alternative Formats?

Alternative formats include but are not limited to E-text/digital, audio, large print and braille. Student Accessibility Services (SAS) will provide print materials in alternative formats for students that are eligible for this accommodation.

Most textbooks are available in the Phoenix Bookstore in an E-Text/digital version.  The Bookstore codes digital books as “Digital, Recommended, Bundle or W/ Connect Access.” Please do not submit a work order without contacting the Bookstore first as they work with Red Shelf to provide digital access to all students.  The benefits of purchasing a digital book includes: a built-in reader; searching out key words; highlighting and taking notes right in the digital book and the ability to download to mobile device.  Please do not purchase a hardcopy of the book when digital books are available. 


HOW TO MAKE AN ALTERNATIVE FORMAT REQUEST
If a book or course materials are not available in an alternative format, please follow the instructions below. 
Alternative Formats needs to be an approved accommodation through GB ACCESS.  If a student is not registered for SAS services, please go to the SAS website - Applying for Academic Accommodations.  If a student is approved for other academic accommodations but not alternative formats, please log into GB ACCESS and complete Additional Accommodation Request Form.  Once approved:
  1. Log in to GB ACCESS.
  2. Click on the Alternative Format Tab, under My Accommodations tab. 
  3. Identify the materials that need alternative formats by submitting a Work Order.
  4. Generate (or revise) your class-specific Faculty Notification Letters in GB ACCESS.
  5. Submit your alternative format requests in GB ACCESS.
  6. Submit your receipts or proof of purchase in GB ACCESS.
  7. Review your alternative format requests and their status in GB ACCESS under LIST BOOKS CURRENTLY BEING PROCESSED FOR (TERM).
SAMPLE EMAIL TO INSTRUCTORS
This letter is intended for students emailing their faculty to find out what the readings will be for full semester courses. We suggest that you copy and paste the text below into your email program. Then, edit and personalize the letter as appropriate. 
[Subject Line]: Reading materials for <INSERT COURSE NAME/NUMBER>

Dear <INSERT GREETING/INSTRUCTOR NAME >:

My name is <INSERT YOUR NAME> and I am enrolled in <INSERT COURSE NAME/NUMBER> for <INSERT SEMESTER>. I am approved for Alternative Format as an accommodation through the Student Accessibility Services office (www.uwgb.edu/sas). Reading materials, such as class handouts or lab manuals, will need to be provided in a digital format in advance.

I am requesting your assistance in providing me with the following information regarding any reading materials that will be used in your course, so I can determine which materials need to be obtained and converted to an alternative format.  Because of the time it can take to obtain and convert materials, it is important to start this process well before the semester begins.

Please indicate the following:

Reading Type: Textbook, reader, handouts, web links, e-reserves, lab manual, etc.
Title:
Author:
Copyright and/or edition:
ISBN Number (if known):
Bookstores, copy stores, or other source where available:
Is a previous edition an appropriate substitute?  If so, what edition(s)?:
Thank you for your assistance.  If you have any further questions, please contact me or Student Accessibility Services at (920) 465-2841 or sas@uwgb.edu.

Sincerely,

<INSERT YOUR NAME>
<INSERT YOUR CONTACT INFO (EMAIL & PHONE SUGGESTED)>,