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University of Wyoming

Alternative Format Services
 

If you have a severe visual impairment or a learning disability that affects reading, you may qualify for books in alternative format. Ask your coordinator for more information.

Textbooks can be made available in alternative formats, such as on tape, in digitally recorded format,  in Braille, or in electronic format. Other printed class materials can be put into alternative format, as needed. As soon as you know your schedule (this may be as early as November for the following Spring semester, or April for the following Fall semester), give a copy to your coordinator. (Make sure that you write down the section numbers for each class. For example: ENGL 1010-01.) UDSS staff will then use your schedule to begin the process of finding texts for your class, and research their availability in alternative format. UDSS uses agencies such as Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D) or the Utah State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (USL) to acquire many digitally or tape recorded books.  Books that are not available in alternative format from these sources are put into alternative format by locally hired readers and scanners.  In such situations, UDSS strives to have the reading assignments available in the UDSS office one week before the reading assignment is expected to be read for class.

At the beginning of each semester, as soon as you have the syllabi for your classes, make an appointment with your coordinator (bring the syllabi with you), who will review each class with you. Please be sure to bring the syllabi for your classes to your appointment with you.  This will give you the opportunity to determine which books, if unavailable from RFB&D or USL, you would like to have produced locally. UDSS will use the information from the syllabi to determine when you will be needing chapters from the texts. Locally hired readers or scanners will prepare these materials according to assignments set up by office staff. Again, UDSS strives to have the reading assignments available in the UDSS office one week before you should have the reading assignment finished for class.

If one of your books is being recorded locally, check the SEO office once or twice a week for new tapes or disks. There is a basket in the main office where your alternative format will be waiting for you. If there are any new tapes or disks ready to be picked up, please note the date and write your initials in the appropriate space on the Tape/Disk Pick-up Sheet, located near the baskets.

Throughout the semester, UDSS would like feedback on the quality of the tapes and disks you receive. Please be sure to notify the staff if you are having any problems with your alternative media, or complete and return the feedback cards provided with each locally produced tape or disk.

At the end of every semester, return the borrowed media to the SEO office, along with any borrowed equipment (playbacks, headphones, etc.). If tapes, disks, and equipment are not returned, you will be held accountable. The consequences of not returning media and equipment may be having privileges to check out tapes, disks, and equipment from UDSS suspended until they are returned, paying $1.00 per UDSS tape or disk, reimbursing UDSS for lost or broken equipment, and/or having a financial hold placed on your University account (a financial hold will prevent your receipt of financial aid, transcripts, registration, etc.).

UDSS also assists students acquire course packets, library and reserve materials, and other printed materials in alternative format. Be sure to discuss any alternative format needs with your UDSS coordinator.



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