Disability Services

Alternate Text Format Services

Boise State University will assist qualified students in receiving equal access to print course materials.

How the process works:

  1. Student meets with Disability Specialist and Alternate Text Format (ATF) is approved as an accommodation.
  2. Student completes a request for ATF for required textbooks and provides the following information to the DRC:
    1. A printed copy of their schedule of classes
    2. A printed copy of the book list provided by the BSU bookstore with the following information:
      • Text title
      • Author
      • Publisher
      • Copyright date
      • Edition/Version
  3. The DRC receives request then checks with RFB&D to see if title is already recorded. If title is not available:
    1. If e-text is requested as the ATF, the DRC contacts publisher for e-text.
    2. The DRC hires and assigns a Text Conversion Processor, (TCP), and begins conversion process
    3. TCP follow a reading schedule based on syllabus student provides the DRC.
    4. Student receives training to use Natural Reader for electronic file playback with speech.

PLEASE NOTE: converting textbooks into an alternate format is a time intensive process. It takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks for CDs to arrive from RFB&D, 2 weeks to 2 months for e-text to arrive from publishers and books produced on campus will be available in installments approximately 2 weeks after the request is received by the DRC. Students requesting materials should be prepared to use supplementary technology (scanning programs, CCTVs, etc) in the interim.

Student Responsibilities:

Students requesting textbooks in alternate formats must:

  1. Be qualified for this accommodation through the DRC.
  2. Have accommodation letters for the current semester.
  3. Complete a request for ATF for required textbooks including the following information:
    1. Class and section
    2. Text title
    3. Author
    4. Publisher
    5. Copyright date
    6. Edition
  4. Provide the DRC with a reading schedule by submitting a syllabus for their course.
  5. In order to comply with copyright laws students must agree to the following
    1. Purchase one new or like new condition copy of each required textbook or print material for each class and provide the DRC with proof of purchase. You must retain the print copy of the text for the length of time you have access to the alternate format. If you return or sell the book, you must delete all electronic copies and/or return the alternate format to the DRC. Returning/selling textbooks and continuing to use the alternate text is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
    2. You may not make and/or distribute copies of the alternate format.
  6. Make arrangements for access to appropriate playback equipment. Beginning Spring Semester 2008 the DRC will produce Alternate text format in MS Word and files will be e-mailed to students, unless otherwise noted. Natural Reader, a screen reading software, is installed on PC's in the Albertson's Library (401R, 401S). Electronic files are read with a high quality synthetic speech and can be saved to CD as an MP3 file with Natural Reader. Students may purchase this software on their own or a freeware version is available for download with a lower quality speech package. More information may be obtained at the DRC office, Admin.114.
  7. Frequently check your Bronco Mail for messages and electronic ATF files.
  8. Immediately notify the DRC if there is a problem with materials/readers.
  9. Immediately notify the DRC of any changes in the reading material or schedule.
  10. Meet with the AT Coordinator to receive training on Natural Reader for electronic file playback with speech.

Disability Resource Center (DRC) Responsibilities

The DRC will:

  1. Provide eligible students with alternate formats of print course material.
  2. Process requests for alternate formats in the order they were received.
  3. Order appropriate CDs from RFB&D for the students to use for the semester.
  4. For books not recorded by RFB&D, DRC will arrange for texts to be produced on campus. These texts will be scanned andproofed to ensure accuracy. Once this process is complete electronic files will be emailed to students. For requests that are received after the semester begins, TCP's will begin with the chapters the class is currently studying (according to the reading schedule). If time permits, TCP's will record the chapters covered at the beginning of the semester before finals.
  5. Provide training to students on the use of Natural Reader to playback electronic text documents.
  6. Arrange for students to meet with TCP's to provide feedback.
  7. Maintain a library of materials recently produced on campus.
  8. Train students in using supplementary equipment for short assigned "spur of the moment" readings and while materials are being produced or sent from RFB.



Division of Student Affairs