Request Alternate Media

E-text is a flexible digital format that lets you read and interact with course materials in the way that works best for you. Whether you prefer to listen to your books, use a screen magnifier, or read via a Braille display, e-text makes it possible.

Benefits of e-text:

• Change font sizes, colors, and backgrounds to suit your visual needs.
• Use document reader software like Kurzweil 3000 or Read&Write to listen to your assignments.
• Navigate materials easily using screen reader software like JAWS and Fusion or refreshable Braille displays.
• Convert files like PDF, Word, or RTF into the specific format you need for your studies.

Large print materials are crucial for students with vision impairments. It provides a solution by offering text that is significantly larger and easier to read, allowing for a more accessible learning experience.

Benefits and solutions:

• Read text that is significantly increased in size for better clarity and reduced eye strain.
• Access course materials without the need for specialized electronic equipment.
• View all original graphics, charts, and spatial information in a larger, clear format.
• Highlight and take notes directly on the physical page for easy reference.
• Submit requests as early as possible, as reformatting and printing large-scale materials requires extra processing time.
• Download ZoomText Magnification software as a digital alternate solution to enlarge and enhance everything on your computer screen.

Braille is a crucial literacy tool and a primary method of reading and writing for students who are blind. It provides a tactile way to access the same information found in standard print, including complex charts and technical diagrams.

Benefits of braille:

• Read and review course materials independently through tactile touch.
• Access materials with complex layouts, such as math equations, music notation, and maps.
• Request hard-copy embossed braille for handouts and exams.
• Navigate tactile graphics that recreate visual images found in your curriculum.
• Submit requests well in advance of the semester, as high-quality braille transcription and embossing is a time-intensive process.

Audio formats provide an essential way to access information for students who are blind, visually impaired, or have learning disabilities that make processing printed text difficult. We provide access to specialized platforms that allow you to listen to your course materials on the go.

Bookshare Audiobooks and Ebooks

Students can find their course books in accessible formats in Bookshare and read with powerful tools that make learning easier. They can listen to books in audio, follow along with karaoke-style highlighting, enlarge text sizes, read in braille, and adjust other settings to suit individual learning styles.

1. Visit the Bookshare website
2. Sign up as a Student (create a new account)
3. Search for books using the author, title or ISBN number in the search box
4. Once you find the book you want to read, select the blue Read Now button

Bookshare Reader is a free app that makes reading easy. Access millions of audiobooks and ebooks and customize your reading experience in ways that work for you.

How to read with Bookshare Reader (YouTube)

Learning Ally Audiobook Solution

Books are free on Learning Ally for Los Rios Community College DSPS students. Students do not need to purchase the textbook to access Learning Ally books.

Students can access Learning Ally from home on their iPhone, iPod, iPad, Android phone or Android tablet, Chromebook, or computer.

1. Go to the Learning Ally website
2. Search for books using the author, title or ISBN number in the search box
3. Contact CRC DSPS Alternate Media department to get Learning Ally access: marsani@crc.losrios.edu or call (916) 691-7250

• Course materials must be submitted in a timely manner. Delivery dates are determined on a case by case basis. Upon review of material to be formatted and converted, the student will be notified of the projected completion date. Time required is determined by the original source material format, the conversion process, the scope of the project, and the project schedule and priority system.
• Production will follow this priority order:
  • examination material
  • required text books
  • class handouts
  • required and instructor-approved supplemental course materials
  • general college materials
• The college will not produce materials which are not directly related to instruction, or required to provide access to college public information.
• Preference is given to the format specified by the student, but not guaranteed. The Alternate Media Specialist may consult with the student and the counselor/advisor to determine and recommend the specific media format.
• Proof of purchase is required to obtain a publisher’s e-text copy for alternate media production of any materials which the college requires students to buy.
• The student may not copy or reproduce any alternate media provided by DSPS, nor allow anyone else to do so. Electronic files are copyrighted and may not be reproduced or distributed in a format other than that specifically provided for use by the student with a disability. Any further reproduction or use is a copyright infringement. Misuse of alternate media may result in disciplinary action and/or suspension of services.
• Students will be provided with one alternate format for each material required.
• Test accommodation services that include alternative media must be arranged with the test proctor one week ahead of the exam date, unless an exception is made through your counselor/advisor.
• Students must be enrolled in DSPS at Cosumnes River College and be approved for the accommodation of alternate media to use the service. If you are not enrolled in CRC DSPS, apply for CRC DSPS Service.
• You will need course and textbook details which you can find in your eServices schedule, syllabus, or the Los Rios Bookstore.

Please contact DSPS if you need help with the Alternate Media Request Form.