In order for a student to receive the Alternative Format Accommodation, they must:
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OARS Responsibility | Student Responsibility | Faculty Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
Determine student eligibility for alternative format as an accommodation. The Accommodations Coordinator will register the student for Learning Ally and OrbitNote accounts (alternate text only). Once the Digital Text request form has been submitted, the Accommodations Coordinator will work to obtain a copy of the needed textbook in an alternate format. If the book is not available in the databases OARS has access to, the Accommodations Coordinator will contact the publisher to request a copy of the book in the needed format. For copies needed in a digital format, and the publisher is not able to provide a copy of the book, the Accommodations Coordinator will work with the student to create a digital copy of the book through Bethel's Print Services department. (Typically, the student's copy of the book is used to create a PDF version.) | Communicate with the professor the intention to use this accommodation by sending the Faculty Notification Letter in a timely manner. If the student does not have a copy of the syllabus, the student will email the professor requesting a list of books needed for the course. The student must purchase a copy of the needed textbook before obtaining an alternative format copy. This is to comply with copyright law. (Note: Textbooks for PSEO students are provided by Bethel and do not need to be purchased by the student.) The student should check Learning Ally to see if the needed books are available (alternate text only). If the student cannot find the book in the correct format, the student should request a copy of the textbook by submitting the OARS Alternative Format Request in the needed format. | Provide the student with a list of books needed for the course including ISBN, author, publisher, and edition. |
Definition of Alternative Format: Typically a digital copy of the book as a Word or PDF document. Large font and Braille are other alternative textbook formats available.
Learning Ally: A database students can use to search for digital versions of their textbooks. Students can listen to books found in Learning Ally directly from their account. When a student is registered for this accommodation, the Accommodations Coordinator will send the student their account information.
OrbitNote: A Google Chrome extension allows students to listen to PDFs of textbooks, articles, and other course documents as well as highlight and take notes on the digital text. OrbitNote works on PDF, ePub files, and more in Google Drive, Google Classroom, websites in Chrome browser, and Moodle.
To Note: It may take 2-4 weeks to receive the alternative textbook format depending on the availability of the textbook.
PSEO Students: Textbooks for PSEO students are provided by Bethel and do not need to be purchased by the student.
Accommodation application in an online setting: This accommodation applies the same online as face-to-face.
Qualification for accommodation: Alternative format is considered an appropriate accommodation for students with a print-related disability diagnosis where they need the course material in an alternate format for the content to be accessible. This includes Learning Disabilities such as dyslexia as well as students who are blind or have a visual impairment.