Accessible Media

Accessible media accommodations include alternative ways to access print and digital materials. These accommodations most often assist students with physical, visual, or learning disabilities who may experience difficulties accessing books, articles, readings, course materials, and web pages. Some examples of accessible media include large print, electronic formats, audio, screen-reader accessible webpages, and Braille. Using accessible media can enable students to cut down on their reading time and increase their comprehension.

Locating and/or producing alternate materials takes time. Students are encouraged to submit their alternate text needs to the SSD office as soon as they receive their course schedules. Complex materials, such as Braille, should be discussed at least 1-semester ahead of taking the course. Alternate Text Requests will be accepted after the due dates, but materials cannot be guaranteed in a timely manner.

For questions or support, please contact us at ssdalternatetext@vt.edu

Students who do not have an accommodation for accessible media may still benefit and obtain alternative formats from university wide resources. Students can access accessible media through the Ally tool in the Canvas learning management system, by using the advanced search for University Libraries e-text resources, or Internet Archive. To request adding this accommodation, please contact your Access Team Advisor (located on the AIM Student Dashboard).

Print Text

Some disabilities make it challenging to access digital materials. In that case, a student may be approved to receive print materials instead. This could take many forms such as printed copies of tests or other course materials. Determining what materials should be provided in print is part of the interactive process that takes place when students meet with their access specialist.

Large Print Text

Visual disabilities make it challenging to access printed materials and digital materials. While access to magnification software can help, it is not always sufficient for all materials. Providing large print text may take several forms depending on a student’s individualized needs. It may include resizing the text (including equations) of a printed test, quiz, assignment, handout, etc. and then printing it out. It might include printing materials onto a larger size paper before printing (for example scaling an 8.5 by 11 in. document onto 11 by 17 in. paper). It might include providing a digital copy of the materials in an editable format so the student can resize as needed.

Electronic Text

Students with print disabilities typically need to use a combination of digital formats and read aloud software (such as text-to-speech software or a screen reader) to access their textbooks, course materials, or research materials. Depending on the student’s individual needs electronic text might be provided by obtaining or creating a digital version. Sometimes the text needs to be digital AND screen reader accessible content. This accommodation might be provided through using Alternative Format Text Request form or finding digital copies of materials using the advanced search for University Libraries e-text resources. When all other options have been tried and failed, electronic text can be created by chopping the binding off a print book so it can be scanned. Please consult with us if you need assistance determining how to meet this accommodation. 

Audio Formats

Some students with print disabilities may rely on audio formats. This accommodation might be provided through using Alternative Format Text Request form or finding digital copies of materials using the advanced search for University Libraries e-text resources. Audio versions of course materials might be obtained by using the alternative format feature of Ally in Canvas. Audio versions of materials might also be provided through the use of read aloud software (such as text-to-speech software or a screen reader).

Braille

Some students with print disabilities, often visual disabilities, rely on Braille to access information. This may take the form of hardcopy Braille or electronic Braille depending on the student’s individualized needs. Typically, Braille readers use a combination of technology and methods for accessing print materials such as hardcopy Braille, tactile graphics, electronic Braille, audio, a screen reader, and/or a refreshable Braille display. This accommodation is typically provided through collaboration among the student, SSD, individual instructors, and Accessible Technologies.