What is the Alternate Format Accommodation?

Alternate Formats refers to printed materials provided in a different, accessible, format.  While this can mean braille or large print, it primarily referred to accessibly digital formats that can be read accurately by specialized software. (Like text-to-speech or screen reading tools.)

Due to the time-intensive nature of this process, if we are aware a student may be in your class next semester SAS will attempt to reach out to you before the start of class to gain access to course materials.

If your course already uses accessible material we might not need to convert any documents. The following information provides a guide for how to find and create accessible materials.

Providing Accessible Material

The legal standard is that instructional materials must be available in an accessible format at the same time, and with the same ease of use that materials are provided to students without disabilities. It is the responsibility of faculty, administration, and staff to provide accessible course materials for students. Accessible materials include:

  1. Readings, handouts, assignments, and exams
  2. Course websites
  3. Video and other media

Information about video and other media is provided on our Accessible Audio and Video page.

The most effective way for students to access accessible course material is if you plan your course to include material that is already accessible.

Finding and Creating Accessible Material

There are many ways to find material that is already accessible. Please note, however, that a document is not inherently accessible if it is in a digital format. It must be created using standard accessibility practices and guidelines.