What is Alternate Media?
Alternate media is mainstream educational material presented in a different format. It provides access to those people who, due to a sensory or processing disability, cannot easily use the standard materials. Federal law (Section 504, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Title II of ADA) and State law (Title 5, AB 422 and SB105) require California Community Colleges to provide access to all programs and activities in a manner that is accessible to people with disabilities.
The goal of providing Alternate Media is to give students and staff access to media in different formats to meet a variety of instructional needs. Formats include, but are not limited to, Electronic text, ePub, large print, closed captioned video, Braille, tactile graphics, mp3 audio files, DAISY, etc.
How Do I Receive Alternate Media?
- Meet with a DSPS counselor to ensure that your AAP (Academic Accommodation Plan) indicates that Alternate Media has been deemed an appropriate accommodation.
- Meet with Alternate Media Specialist to discuss options and fill out the required request form which explains the Terms of Use.
- For Audio Books only, students may submit the Audio Book Request Form to the left of this page under Links. Please note that all correspondence will go through your student email.
Types of Alternate Formats
Electronic Text (Word, PDF, HTML, Epub, etc.)
mp3 Audio Files
DAISY - Digital Accessible Information System
Large Print
Braille (including Tactile Graphics)
Kurzweil 3000 (Literacy Support software)
- Text to Speech output (reads aloud)
- Highlights as it reads (for multi-sensory input)
- Built-in dictionary
- Read the Web (plug-in for Firefox and Chrome)
- Adjust the reading speed and select the voice
- Cloud storage for digital files
- Anytime, anywhere access via the Internet
- Writing support templates
Assistive Technology
- Dragon Naturally Speaking -- speech recognition software
- ZoomText -- magnification software with speech
- Items below available for checkout
- Echo and Livescribe pens -- notes and recorded lectures synced
- C-pen -- reader pen (scan text and it's read aloud)
- iPad Air
- Dell laptop
- Assistive Listening System
