Alternative Media (Alt. Media)
What is Alternative Media?
Alternative media, also called alternative formats, are accessible versions of course materials for students with disabilities. These formats include things like electronic text (Word, PDF, or ePub), Braille, large print, audio, and tactile graphics. They help students who have difficulty using standard printed materials access the same content as everyone else.
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) offers alternative media services to eligible students. If you need your textbooks or class materials in a different format, the Alt Media Specialist can help convert them, so they work better for you, whether that's on a screen reader, in large print, or as audio. The goal is to give all students equal access to learning.
How do Students get Ebooks/Alt. Media Accommodations:
- Students must first meet with a DSPS counselor to determine the need for Alternative Media accommodations.
- Students make a book request for alt media. We will need specific details about the book you are requesting (i.e. version, author, ISBN number)
- In order to comply with copyright laws, students must verify that they already have access to the book in some format (i.e. a receipt, proof of purchase, or proof of possession)
- Students can make an appointment and/or reach out to DSPS for help and training on how to use the technology provided for alt media.
What is the Alt. Media Request Process?
As we are now transitioning to Accommodate, Students will be able to request their Books in Alternative Format via Accommodate System.
Here is Step by Step Process:
- First log in to your Accommodate
- Click on Alternative Format under Accommodations
- Next click on Student Entered (As shown in the screenshot)
- Click the "Add New Alternative Media Request" Button
- Fill out the Form with all the Details
- Specify the format you would like to receive the book in along with attaching the
Proof of Ownership
- Sign the "Alternative Media Agreement" and Hit Submit
Alternative Alt. Media Request Process
Alternatively you may fill out the Alternative Media Request form and send it lpc-altmedia@laspositascollege.edu
Download & Fill the Alternative Media Request
Alt Media Production Timeline
Upon receipt of request, the Alternative Media Specialist will e-mail or phone the student a tentative timeline for the project. Students will receive another call or e-mail when the material is ready for pick up in the Disability Resource Center in 1615.
Because of the time consuming nature of each alternative media request, all requests are processed on a first come first served basis. The amount of time it takes to complete each request depends on the type of starting material, the number of pages, and the alternate media type. The Disability Resource Center will follow the recommended timelines outlined by the Chancellor’s Office Guidelines for Producing Instructional and other Printed Materials in Alternative Media for Person’s with Disabilities for Standard Production, Rolling Production, and Specialized Text Production.
Contact
Bldg 1600 Room 1615 Phone: (925) 424-1510
E-mail: lpc-altmedia@laspositascollege.edu