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Disability Support Services

Alternative Format

Students with documented disabilities may be able to receive books and materials in alternative formats.

Alternative Format Materials

Alternative Format Materials is an accommodation for required of supplemental academic curriculum to be provided in an accessible format to a student. Alternative Format materials are print- and technology-based readings and core materials that are designed or converted in a way that makes them usable across the widest range of user needs. This accommodation is centrally managed and operationalized by the DSS office at Texas A&M-San Antonio. Examples of Alternative Format Materials include, but are not limited to:

  • Digital Materials printed for students who cannot use electronic materials
  • Large print for students with low vision
  • Image files that can be enlarged for students with mobility limitations or low vision
  • Main text in documents, which may contain STEM content (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), can be read aloud by a computer using text-to-speech technology
  • Documents containing text, images, tables, STEM content (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) that can be read aloud and navigated by a computer using screen reader technology.
  • Contracted or uncontracted Braille
  • Nemeth Braille (math braille)
  • Tactile graphics

General Process for Accessible Format Materials

  1. DSS approves accommodations in AIM.
  2. Student activates accommodation by checking the appropriate box in their AIM profile and is approved by a case manager.
  3. Student requests Alternative Format through AIM and provides as much information on the book as possible. Leaving fields blank may cause a delay in the request.
  4. DSS attempts to locate a pre-existing accessible version.
  5. DSS notifies the student of converted materials and either emails the electronic version using WeTransfer or invites the student to pick up the printed version. WeTransfer links will expire in seven days.

All requests will be processed in the order received. Submitting a late request will take longer to fulfill. 

Students are made aware that US Copyright Law prohibits sharing any accessible files that are created by DSS:

"Under The Chafee Amendment to chapter 1 of title 17 section 121 subsection B & C bear a notice that any further reproduction or distribution in a format other than accessible format is an infringement; and includes a copyright notice identifying the copyright owner and the date of the original publication."

Chafee Amendment to Chapter 1 of Title 17; section 121 subsection B & C

The receipt of any alternative course materials from Texas A&M-San Antonio DSS office is a declaration by the student that:

  1. The student qualifies as having a disability that is certified by Texas A&M-San Antonio Disability Support Services office, and that disability requires the use of these alternative course materials.
  2. The student is currently registered at Texas A&M-San Antonio or registered at a participating consortium membership institution at the time of the student's request for text in alternative formats.
  3. The student will not copy, reproduce, or share any of the specialized formatted text, nor allow anyone else to do so.
  4. The student already possesses the course materials they are requesting in an alternative format, and will provide proof of such possession on behalf of the copyright holder.

 

How to Request Alternative Formats

Alternative formats allow students to learn their material using a format that is effective for them. DSS can provide students with class materials in accessible formats for use with assistive technology. Students will use AIM to request their alternative format materials and check the status of their request. Students must request accommodations for the semester before requesting books in an alternative format. 

  1. After logging into AIM, select "Alternative Formats" on the left side of the screen.
  2. Select "Upload Receipt" in the upper right-hand corner.
  3. Students need to upload the file and label the receipt with the correct class, and then select "Upload Receipt." Students should upload all receipts before continuing to the next step. Books will not be released until proof of obtainment has been provided.
  4. Once all receipts have been uploaded, students should select "Overview" and "Review Requests."
  5. Students will fill out the work order request. Students should provide all information. Missing information may delay the request. Students will have the opportunity to receive the book as a single file or broken up into chapters. The preference should be specified in the note section. 
  6. Select "Submit Request" when the work order has been completed.
  7. Repeat the form for each book requested.
Students can log into AIM to review the status of the request. Books will be delivered to the student through email from “We Transfer.” The links will expire 7 days after the file has been sent. Students with open requests should check their Jagwire email regularly. Files should be saved to a safe location. If a student loses a file, the Assistive Technology Accommodations Coordinator will send the file again as a one-time courtesy.

LOG INTO AIM

 

 

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Have questions? Contact:

Disability Support Services

(210) 784-1335

disability.services@tamusa.edu