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Audio Books (more information ...)

Works produced for distribution on audio media, typically audiotape cassette or audio compact disk (CD). Audio books are usually spoken-word adaptations of works originally created and produced in print. These works sometimes feature the author's own voice although many are given dramatic readings by one or more actors and/or at times embellished with sound effects.

     Process of obtaining materials:

• DSPS contacts RFB&D.
• If book is available, it is ordered.
• When book arrives, student is notified.
• If necessary, a 4-track recorder will be loaned to the student for the term.

Electronic Text - Etext (more information ...)

E-text is a a synthesized computer voice of text on a computer screen. A screen reader application allows for the text to be heard in many languages. The quality of the synthesized voice can range from very computer sounding to almost normal.

     Process of obtaining materials:

       Publisher

• Student provides DSPS with textbook or proof of textbook purchase.
• DSPS will request an etext version of the text from the Alternate Text Production Center (ATPC).
• When the etext is received, it will be edited.
• The etext will be saved to a CD-R and given to the student.

       If the etext does not arrive within 14 business days or cannot be provided by the

       publisher.

       Conversion from print to e-text

• The textbook binding will be cut off.
• The book will be scanned and may be run through an OCR program
• The files will be edited.
• The files will be saved to a CD-R and given to the student.
• Students enrolled in Internet courses may have their files emailed.

Large Print (more information ...)

Magnification of printed material can be accomplished in three ways:

• A video magnifier, or closed-circuit television (CCTV) system uses a stand-mounted or handheld video camera to project a magnified image onto a video monitor, a television (TV) screen, or a computer monitor.
• Screen magnification software programs are loaded into the computer's memory, and remain active so as to magnify the text and graphics that appear in programs and anything that appears on the computer screen.
• Enlarged print outs of text that has been inputted into a computer word processor so that the reader can read a magnified version of the text.

     Process of obtaining materials:

• Student provides DSPS with textbook or proof of textbook purchase.
• The text is requested from the ATPC, scanned, or photocopied.
• The text is edited and formatted.
• The text is printed, bound and given to the student.

Braille (more information ...)

Braille is a system of touch reading for the blind which employs embossed dots evenly arranged in quadrangular letter spaces or cells. In each cell, it is possible to place six dots, three high and two wide. By selecting one or several dots in characteristic position or combination, 63 different characters can be formed.

     Process of obtaining materials:

• Student provides DSPS with textbook or proof of textbook purchase.
• Math, Science, Music, and other technical books will be sent to the ATPC for transcription. This service takes approximately 12 weeks.
• Novels, Literature texts, History texts, etc will be requested from the ATPC or scanned.
• The text will be edited, formatted, and brailled.
• The Braille will then be given to the student.

Tactile Graphics

Tactile graphics are raised textures of printed images. These images can be text, numbers, math symbols, tables, charts, or even graphical images. Complex learning in the areas of logic, computer programming, and math can be supported by the use of tactile representations that help the student form mental images of the ideas and content.

     Process of obtaining materials:

• Graphics requiring tactile representation are copied and formatted.
• The copies are transferred onto heat sensitive paper.
• The paper is heated, creating a raised image.
• The images (if multiple) are bound together and given to the student.

Laws Pertaining to Alternate Format of Information

(more information ...)

Access to printed information is guaranteed under several Federal and State laws in the following areas:

• Copyright
• Federal Disability Rights and Access
• California Disability Rights, Access and Education