If you are a student with a documented print-related/reading disability you may qualify to receive textbooks in alternate format. The Coordinator of Disability Services will review documentation to substantiate the need for this academic accommodation. Books in alternate formats may be in the form of audio digital CDs, tapes or e-files (to be used in conjunction with text to speech software).
1. If you qualify and wish to receive books in alternate format you must submit a copy of your class schedule along with the Alternate Format Request Form to the Coordinator of Disability Services prior to the semester. Receiving books in alternate format requires, you, the student, to request this accommodation in a timely fashion since it can take up to 3-4 weeks to obtain or produce text in alternate format.
2. At this time it is only necessary to complete the top portion of the Alternate Request Form, Course number/section, instructor, book title and preferred format sections. We will obtain ISBN numbers for each book title.
3. It is recommended that you view the type of book for each class to determine if you really need to request the book in alternate format. (For instance, a student may not need, based on his/her disability, a math or computer book in alternate format if there are no lengthy text portions )
4. Books titles can be accessed through the Hartwick Bookstore web page or by emailing the instructor. If you can obtain the ISBN numbers, that will expedite the request. Unfortunately, Barnes & Noble textbook online store does not publish ISBN numbers. To view the books prior to requesting them in alternate format you will have to contact our bookstore manager or the instructor of the course. Additional resources to view the book might include Barnesandnoble.com or Amazon.com.
5. Digital audio books, obtained through the Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, can be accessed through the eClipseReader software program on the computers at Workstation I & II in the Loft- 5th floor of Stevens German Library or through a CD player at the Circulation Desk in the library. Students may purchase their own software/equipment directly from the Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic
6. Textbooks in e-file format can be accessed in audio format using a text to speech software program such as Kurzweil 3000, Universal Reader-Premier, Readplease or Text Aloud. Some of these software programs are also on Workstation I & II in the Loft. Hartwick College has limited Kurzweil programs that could be installed temporarily on a student's laptop per semester. Contact the Coordinator of Disability Service for additional information.
7. Some textbooks arrive from publishers in PDF format and can be read using Adobe Acrobat software that is already installed on Hartwick students' laptops. If you can copy and paste text into a test-to-speech software program, the flexibility to change voices, font and speed is easier through the software programs.
8. There are times when the Office of Disability Services needs to scan and convert textbooks to e-files when publishers do not supply the e-files. You must provide the textbook and we will scan the text and create a CD. This process can take up to 2 weeks to complete. The CDs become the property of Hartwick College and must be returned to Disability Services at the end of the semester. Failure to return tapes/CDs and equipment may result in a fee charged to your account.
9. The Office of Disability Services and Hartwick College work to ensure that appropriate and reasonable accommodations are provided for students with documented, qualifying disabilities. In order to maintain the integrity of the services offered and comply with applicable law, students using any of the equipment or alternative formatted course materials will need to sign an Agreement on Use of Recorded, Electronic, or Other Alternatively Formatted Course Material (see Forms) form and show proof of purchase of the books. It is very important that students attend a brief training session on accessing audio digital formats, e-text files and learn how to scan and save printed material.
10. Students are notified through campus email when alternate format books are available and should pick them up in the Loft in a timely fashion. Please view the information and demos of Text to Speech software programs prior to requesting books in alternate format.
Only for falls semester first year students who have been approved: You may send an email to disabilityservices@hartwick.edu listing your Name, ID, Course #/Section, Instructor and Preferred Format for alternate text.
