Alternative Format Text Policies
Alternative Text Instructions for Students
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, other 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. 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 (purchase or rent) a copy of each title requested. Proof of ownership must accompany your 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 staff member 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 Office will begin accepting requests for the upcoming term at the opening of that semester’s Registration.
After submitting your request, 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 Office at atatc@uno.edu
Deliver the completed form and proof of ownership to the Office (Room 126E in the Earl K Long Library).
All submitted Alternative Text Requests should include:
- the course name and section number
- title name and edition
- the 10- or 13-digit ISBN.
Incomplete information can result in conversion of the incorrect title and may delay fulfilment of your request.
Production of materials can take up to 2 weeks or more. 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 office to further discuss this option. It is highly recommended that the student provides the class syllabus when requesting digital audio.
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 Office immediately of any changes to your class schedule or course syllabus.
Return all alternative text materials and/or leased equipment by the last day of finals. Failure to comply will result in a flag on your record.
Materials provided by this Office may not be reproduced or shared. All alternative text files downloaded to your computer must be deleted at the end of the semester.