Disability Services and Programs for Students

Alternate Media

DSPS Alternate Media Procedures & Policies

Alternate media generally refers to text or other materials produced in a specialized format intended for use by persons with disabilities. Types of alternate media include, but are not limited to: braille, large print, audio material, certain types of electronic files, and video with closed and open captioning.

1. Eligibility for this service is determined by the Disability Services and Programs for Students Coordinator or by an LD Specialist and is based in part on the professional documentation provided by the student.
2. Alternate media must be requested through a DSPS specialist each semester it is needed.
3. Students requesting materials in alternative formats must own a physical copy of a textbook or other course material and have proof of purchase before the alternate media will be distributed. Some books might need to be unbound in order to scan them, and would be returned to the student with a different binding.
4. Requests for materials in alternative format will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Once a request is made, preference will be given to the format specified by the student. However, the recommendation of DSPS professionals will be used in determining the specific media format for each academic course.
5. Alternative format requests must be submitted as soon as the student learns of their need; late requests will be honored provided that the students making the request understand that the completion of the work may be delayed.
6. Turn-around times for alternative format requests are determined on a case-by-case basis. Upon review of material to be formatted and converted, the Alternate Media Specialist will notify the student of the projected completion date. DSPS will make every effort to complete the request in a timely manner.
7. Students will be provided with one alternative format copy for each item required for academic use. The student will not copy or reproduce any material provided by DSPS, nor allow anyone else to do so. Misuse of this material may result in disciplinary action by College of the Redwoods. (Refer to the Student Code of Conduct) Copyrighted material may not be reproduced or distributed in a format other than a specialized format exclusively for use by blind or other persons with disabilities. Any further reproduction or distribution in a format other than a specialized format is an infringement of Copyright Law.
8. Students failing to pickup completed alt media requests will not be eligible for alt media in the following semester
9. Student questions regarding alternative media should be addressed directly to the Assistive Technology & Media Specialist, Jason Brewer, by phone at (707) 476-4557 or by email to Jason-Brewer@redwoods.edu.