ALTERNATE FORMATS

All printed and audio material produced by UND or distributed via University sponsored programs must be available to people with disabilities upon request, including members of the public. This INFO Sheet was developed to assist University programs and services to respond appropriately to requests for alternate formats.

What are alternate formats?

The conversion of information to a medium a person with a disability can use, e.g., electronic text or “E Text” from which large print, Braille, and captioning on visual media are produced.

DSS recommends all printed material/publications include a disability access statement. For example:

To request an alternate format, contact (name, department and phone number).

Who is responsible for providing alternate formats?

IN THE CLASSROOM -DSS either provides the material directly to the student or works with the professor to provide the requested format, such as a large print copy of a test or class handouts in electronic format.

OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM - Departments are responsible for providing the alternate format. DSS is available for consultation and assistance.

How do I know if the request for an alternate format is legitimate?

DSS provides the student with a verification letter listing the specific format as an approved classroom accommodation.

For non-classroom materials, the accommodation is typically provided without asking for proof of disability. DSS will assist, if needed.

How do I convert printed material?

DOCUMENTS: Producing large print or electronic format from a print document is more easily accomplished when the original is a text file. If not available, scan the document and save as a text file. Proofread scanned documents for accuracy. The text file can be emailed to the student or converted into the requested format.

WEBSITES: Make sure graphics have “alt” tags and wallpaper does not visually compete with the text. Resources on website accessibility include:www.w3.org/WAI and www.washington.edu/doit/Resources/accessweb.html

POWER POINT PRESENTATIONS: Information on creating accessible power point slides http://ncdae.org/tools/factsheets/powerpoint.cfm.

LARGE PRINT: Ask the person requesting to designate font size and style. Large font is typically 16 or larger. Font styles should be plain, such as Arial, Tahoma or Verdana. Avoid italics, script and other elaborate fonts.

How do I make visual media accessible?

MEDIA such as DVD’s, CD’s, MP3 files and the old VHS tapes need to be captioned. DSS will check video tapes to see if they are captioned. DSS will also assist with getting the media captioned.

MEDIA ON THE WEB, such as videos and youtubes, can be captioned free at: http://www.youtube.com/t/captions_about

DESCRIPTIVE VIDEO makes television programs, films, DVDs, and other visual media accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired by providing descriptive narration of key visual elements, such as actions, costumes, gestures and scene changes. For more information: http://main.wgbh.org/wgbh/pages/mag/services/description/

Remember to request captioning when ordering new audio-visual products