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Resources for Texts in Alternative Format Resources for Texts in Alternative Format
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There are currently multiple resources to search for textbooks in alternative format, including the following:

  • Audible: An Amazon company that offers over 150,000 audio books.
  • Bookshare: Students with visual impairments, physical disabilities and/or learning disabilities can look to Bookshare to dramatically increase the quantity and timely availability of textbooks and newspapers in accessible format.  Bookshare members download texts in a compressed, encrypted file which can be read aloud using text-to-speech software. To join Bookshare free of charge, please visit this step-by-step document.
  • BryteWave: Offers digital textbooks.
  • VitalSource: VitalSource (formerly CourseSmart) users have access to over 90% of core higher education titles used today in as eTextbooks (texts in electronic format).  It supports assistive technologies for accessibility by users with vision, hearing, or mobility impairments. 
  • Learning Ally: Learning Ally provides books in audio format to students with documented learning disabilities, vision impairment, or physical disabilities that impede the ability to process standard print. 
  • Project Gutenberg: Offers over 42,000 free electronic books, primarily in the humanities.
Alternative Text Request Form Alternative Text Request Form
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Alternative Text Request Form

If you are registered with the Office of Disability Services (ODS) and qualify to receive your textbooks in alternative format, please fill out this form and click Submit. ODS reserves the right to request additional information to determine if you qualify for this academic accommodation. Note: You are responsible for ensuring that the information you provide is complete and correct. If any information is incomplete or incorrect, the request may be delayed or denied. Requests are processed in the order received. There may be additional time needed if you require training (e.g., Kurzweil 3000, Bookshare.org, etc.), so please submit your requests early enough to allow yourself time for training.

Permission to use the above mentioned alternate format textbook or course material is granted under the following terms and conditions: 1. The use of this alternate format textbook or course material is for nonprofit educational purposes only and may not be shared nor distributed to anyone. Furthermore, this textbook or course material may not be reproduced in any way. In using this alternate format textbook or course material, I must abide by the Copyright Law of the United States of America. 2. Curry College is an authorized entity as defined under Title 17, Section 121 of the United States Copyright Act and hereby receives permission to duplicate this textbook or course material to create an alternate format for the sole use of a student with a disability. 3. To receive a copy of this textbook or course material in an alternative format, I have first purchased a printed copy of the textbook or course material and provided the Office of Disability Services with proof of that purchase (i.e., a copy of the textbook receipt). I understand that failure to do so will prevent me from receiving this auxiliary aid. 4. I understand that no changes may be made to this alternate format textbook or course material without prior written consent of the publisher.
Assistive Technology on Campus Assistive Technology on Campus
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The Office of Disability Services (ODS) continuously strives to expand the assistive technology (AT) options available for students with qualified disabilities.  Located in the lower level of the Louis R. Levin Memorial Library is a Learning Lab (Room L03) which contains:

  • Four (4) desktop computers
  • One (1) HP printer
  • One (1) HP scanner

The following software is available on these computers:

  • Dragon NaturallySpeaking: This voice recognition software enables students to write and/or navigate the computer screen by simply dictating commands to a computer system that is trained to recognize their voices.  Recommended for students with motor disability and/or learning disabilities.
  • Kurzweil 3000 (Version 14)-firefly: This text-to-speech program assists students whose learning challenges affect their reading comprehension and/or writing skills by simultaneously reading text aloud and highlighting each spoken word on a computer display.  Recommended for students with learning disabilities and/or visual impairments.
  • ZoomText Magnifier/Reader: Magnification and screen reading software designed to read information aloud point to by a mouse.  Will enlarge and enhance everything on your computer screen with perfect clarity, making all applications easy to see and use.  Recommended for students with visual impairments.
  • MAGic Screen Magnification Software with Speech: Software that can magnify text or images on a computer screen from 1-36x its normal size.  MAGic with speech option allows you to use synthesized sppech to read text using the mouse or keyboard. Recommended for students with visual impairments.
  • Inspiration Software: Organizational software that allow users to create a visual representation or diagram of their thoughts.  Recommended for all students.

 

In addition, these learning tools are also available:

  • Frequency Modulation (FM) System - A discreet listening device which transmits speech from a microphone to a receiver.  Recommended for students with severe hearing impairments.
  • Livescribe Smartpen - Record everything you write and hear, then replay the recorded audio by tapping directly on your notes.  To learn how to register your Livescribe Smartpen, please visit this step-by-step document.

 

To learn more about the assistive technology software and equipment, please contact the Director of Disability Services at disabilityservices@curry.edu.

Web Form Web Form
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Request for Consultation on Assitive Technology or Alternate Texts

If you are a student who is registered with the Office of Disability Services (ODS) and would like additional training on Assistive Technology or Alternative Text programs please complete the form below and someone will be in touch to set up a training.

Assistive Technology Consultation (please check all that apply):

Alternative Text Training (if applicable, please check one):

Training Availability: Please indicate at least three days and times you are available for training. We will send you a confirmation email with the day, time and location.