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What is Alternate Media?

Alternate media is mainstream educational material presented in a different format. It gives students and staff access to media in different formats to meet a variety of instructional needs. It provides access to those people who cannot easily use the standard materials due to a sensory or processing disability.  

Legal requirements 

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 people with disabilities to all programs and activities.  

Eligibility for Media Service(s)  

Access to alternate media is determined with your DSPS counselor. Specific appropriate alternate media services and equipment will be   outlined in your Academic Accommodation Plan.  

Getting Alternate Media and Services  

Once you have an Academic Accommodation Plan completed, make an appointment with the Alternate Media Access Specialist. They will review your plan and demo relevant equipment and software. This allows you to find the best fit for your needs.  

During your meeting you will also receive training on completing required request forms and documentation if necessary.   

Formats 

Instructional materials can be adapted to a number of formats. These include:  

  • electronic text (PDF, ePub, Word, HTML, etc.)  
  • DAISY - Digital Accessible Information System  
  • large print  
  • braille and tactile graphics
  • audio files
  • closed-captioning 

Services 

Alternate media services provide multiple ways to interact with educational materials.  

  • Kurzweil 3000  
     Literacy support software for digital texts. Provides read-aloud service with visual support and embedded reference tools. Also provides digital notetaking and organization functions.  
  • SensusAccess  
     Online service to convert files into accessible formats. Available within Canvas (when activated by the instructor) or to student email through a webpage.  
  • Deaf interpreting  
     Provides certified ASL interpreters either in-person or via remote connection.  

Assistive Equipment for Checkout  

Equipment is available for checkout for the entire semester; specifics must be included in the student’s Academic Accommodation Plan.  

  • Digital recorders  
     Recording device that generates audio files for later listening and review.  
  • EchoPens and Livescribe pens  
     Digital pen that records lectures and syncs audio with written notes.  
  • C-pen  
     Reader pen that scans physical text and then reads it aloud.  
  • Tablet or laptop  
  • eInk device  
     Tablet-like reading experience, without eye strain due to refresh rate.  
  • Assistive Listening System (FM transmitter, Loop-coil system, ###)  

Assistive equipment and software in the High Tech Center  

  • Dragon Naturally Speaking  
     Speech recognition software to write out text and control the computer’s interface.  
  • ZoomText  
     Software that magnifies the screen and reads screen elements out loud.  
  • Accessible keyboards  
     With large letters and high contrast keys  

Other Equipment  

There is other equipment available  

  • UbiDuo  
     Device allowing two-way communication with the deaf or people who are hard-of-hearing. People can communicate by typing with real-time updates.  
  • Kubi  
     Telepresence robot that allows remote attendance in the classroom. The student’s face is shown on a tablet and the student can control where the robot’s camera is pointing. Allows for a more immersive learning experience.  
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