Alternative Text Formats

Alternative Text Options:

• E-Text – We offer digital versions of textbooks, like PDFs or Word docs.
• Book Scanning – If a digital copy isn’t available, we can scan your textbook and create a PDF. Some books may take 2–6 weeks, depending on the publisher.
• Large Print – We can enlarge printed materials if you give us at least 24 hours' notice.
• Braille – We can provide Braille versions of materials if you ask ahead of time.
• Tech Help – We’ll show you how to use tools that help you read alternative formats.
• Free Book Resources – You can also find books through sites like Learning Ally, Book Share, or Project Gutenberg.

How We Prepare Your Materials:

• If the publisher can’t give us a digital book in time, we’ll cut the binding, scan it, and make a PDF. This takes at least 2 business days.
• After scanning, we rebind the book so you can still sell it back to the BYUI Bookstore.
• We start scanning after a student with a certified disability brings in the book and no e-text is available.
• We usually process requests in the order they come in, but timing may change based on need.
• Your files will be saved on a CD and you’ll get an email when they’re ready to pick up.
• For enlarged text, give us at least 24 hours’ notice. We’ll try to help sooner if we can.
• Braille requests need at least 3 business days. Contact us early to talk about timing.
• We’ll teach you how to use tools that help with reading or listening to your materials.
• Our staff is trained to create alternative formats and help fix any problems that come up.

Steps to Get Alternate Text Materials:

1. Register with the Accessibility Services Office as a student with a certified disability.
2. Meet with the Assistive Technology Coordinator (ATC) to fill out paperwork and discuss your needs.
3. Provide the ATC with a clean copy of the course material to convert—no highlights, underlines, or notes.
4. Submit the syllabus or reading schedule for each textbook before we begin converting.
5. For in-class handouts, bring the materials to the ATC as soon as possible. Converted files will be emailed to your BYUI account.
6. Contact the ATC right away if you have any questions, changes, or concerns.

Alternative Text Guidelines:

• Conversion takes time and depends on your reading schedule. We work hard to get it done as quickly as possible.
• Alternate text is only for students registered with Accessibility Services who have accommodations.
• These materials are protected by copyright and should be used only by you.
• Sharing alternate text with others can cause you to lose your accommodation.