Alternate Format Requests
SOU Disability Resources
What is an Alternate Format?
Alternate format refers to materials as an alternative to traditional print: audio, Braille, large print, and machine-readable electronic formats.
Eligibility for Alternate Format Text
Who is eligible for alternate format text?
Students with a documented print disability may be eligible for alternate format text.
What is a print disability?
Print disability means a disability that prevents a student from effectively utilizing print material and may include blindness, other serious visual impairments, specific learning disabilities or the inability to hold a book.
How do I know if I am eligible?
To find out if you are eligible for alternate format text, please schedule an appointment with the Director of Disability Resources by calling (541)552-6213. Phone appointments are available for distance ed students.
Handouts and other short documents
less than 50 pages
How much notice do I need to give?
Requests for Braille books must be submitted 8 weeks prior to the first class, though the student is encouraged to discuss academic plans with Disability Resources as far ahead as possible for math, science, and foreign language texts.
How do I send electronic format documents?
Email the document(s) as an attachment. In the email, please specify the format you need and when you need them done.
What if I need hard-copy documents?
Bring hard-copy documents into the Academic Support Programs office and fill out the (very short!) form letting us know which format you need and when you need them done.
How will I receive documents?
In most cases, we will email completed requests to your student email.
If you are requesting Braille, we will send an email to your student email when it is ready for pickup.
Textbook requests
4 weeks lead time required; 8 weeks for Braille
Braille Books
Requests for Braille books must be submitted 8 weeks prior to the first class, though the student is encouraged to discuss academic plans with Disability Resources as far ahead as possible for math, science, and foreign language texts.
Late Requests
It is the student’s responsibility to submit requests 4 weeks prior to the first class.
Later requests will be filled in the order in which they are received.
While we make every effort to give you the format that you prefer, we cannot always guarantee that your preferred format will be available.
How do I submit a request?
Submit your requests by logging in to AIMS and registering for services for the term.
Make sure to select “Alternate Format Text” for the classes in which you need textbook conversions.
If you need more information about logging in, please see the tutorials page.
Will my book be returnable after it is scanned?
We may need to scan your book in order to provide you with alternate text.
If this is the case, we will remove the binding from your book, scan it, and have it rebound with a spiral binding.
This does not affect your ability to use the Bookstore’s book buy-back process at the end of the term.
SOU Alternate Text Usage Agreement
What is the SOU Alternate Text Usage Agreement?
By requesting alternate text services, you agree to abide by the SOU Alternate Text Usage Agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still have to Buy the textbook?
Yes. Copyright laws require that you purchase the text you are receiving.
We need to see proof of purchase (such as a receipt) before we can issue you your alternate text.
Receipts may be faxed or emailed, in addition to being brought in in person – a great option for distance ed students.
When do I have to return alternate text versions?
You don’t! You bought the book – you bought the right to read it.
However, you do need to return any equipment checked out to you to use an alternate format text.
Un-returned equipment will be charged to your student account.
Late returns are charged a $12 late fee per term.
Why do I have to request books so early?
Many of our alternate texts are received from other organizations, which have turnaround times of various lengths. If we are scanning the text, a human proofreader must work with the text to eliminate scanning and formatting errors.
Also, please remember that we serve a number of students, each with several classes, all starting class at the same time you are! The earlier you get your request in, the more certain you can be that you will have what you need when classes begin.