SAS Resources- Alternative Format Materials

Eligibility for the accommodation of alternative format materials (e.g. E-text, enlarged print, etc.) for qualified students with disabilities is determined on a case-by-case basis.

The office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS) coordinates the process of converting print materials into an accessible format for students eligible for the accommodation of alternative format materials.  The most common types of alternative format materials include:

  • E-text (Electronic Text, including PDF and Microsoft Word documents)
  • Enlarged text
  • Audio formats (MP3)
  • Braille
  • XHTML (used for converting math equations/symbols into a readable audio format)
  • Tactile imaging

Students will work with an Accessibility Specialist in SAS to determine the best method of delivering alternative format materials relative to the student’s specific need and the nature of the course. SAS will make every effort to provide the format preferred by the student; however, we cannot guarantee the material will be produced in the student’s first choice of format.

Converting textbooks and other print materials is a labor intensive and time consuming process. Please review and follow the steps outlined below to help ensure that your materials are provided in a timely fashion. We also encourage you to review the tutorials for accessing alternative format materials and the FAQs listed below. 

Student Responsibilities:

  • REQUEST: Students eligible to receive the accommodation of alternative format materials should request accommodation letters and any necessary alternative format materials through their profile in SAS Online Services after scheduling classes each semester.  SAS recommends requesting your alternative format materials a minimum of 2-4 weeks prior to the start of the class. Late requests for alternative format materials may result in delays in providing you with your accessible materials. 
  • AGREE: Students must read and electronically sign the Alternative Format Materials agreement located on the homepage of your profile in SAS Online Services each semester. 
  • PROOF OF PURCHASE: For purposes of copyright considerations, students are required to provide proof of purchase to SAS for textbooks, workbooks, and other purchased course materials before SAS will release the student’s alternative format materials. Please include your name, Student ID, the course and section number, and the title of your class on your receipt.

Proof of purchase may be provided to SAS in a number of ways, including:

  1. Drop off - An itemized receipt may be brought to the SAS office and a photocopy of the receipt will be made
  2. Postal mail - A copy of the itemized receipt may be sent through postal mail to the SAS office
  3. Email - a copy of the itemized receipt may be emailed to Danielle Baker-Rose at dbaker13@kent.edu.
  4. Fax – a copy of the itemized receipt may be faxed to Danielle Baker-Rose at 330-337-4122.
  • ACCESS ALTERNATIVE FORMAT MATERIALS:  Textbooks and other course materials will be shared with students primarily through Google Drive or Bookshare. For help using Google Drive or Bookshare, please review the tutorials below. 
  • COMPLIANCE: Eligibility and consideration for this accommodations assumes the following:

- Alternative format materials are intended only for the student for whom it is required and who has requested the materials. Further reproduction and/or distribution may be an infringement of the Copyright Revisions Act of 1976 as amended, as well as the student code of conduct.

- Students are also responsible for destroying the alternative format materials when they no longer own the book (e.g. student sells the book back, or otherwise returns it).

  • SCREEN READERS: Students needing materials in an audio format should download or purchase screen reading software.  Read & Write Gold, designed with struggling readers in mind, is a software program that reads text aloud and offers robust studying features, including virtual highlighters, mind mapping software, research tools and more.
  • Read & Write Gold is available to all students with a kent.edu email address at no cost. Students requesting Read & Write Gold for their desktop or laptop computers should schedule an appointment to meet with Danielle Baker-Rose at 330-337-4122. SAS does not currently support Read & Write Gold on tablets or mobile devices.
  • CLASS SYLLABUS:  Students may be required to provide SAS with a copy of their course syllabus and will be notified if a syllabus is needed, preferably 1-2 weeks in advance. Exceptions may apply.
  • HANDOUTS, ARTICLES, ETC:  Students should notify SAS and/or provide copies of handouts, articles, etc. provided in class, on Blackboard, or other course platforms.
  • CONTACT US: Students should contact Danielle Baker-Rose at 330-337-4214 or by email at dbaker13@kent.edu with questions or concerns. Students should also notify Danielle Baker-Rose immediately regarding any changes made to their class schedule. 

SAS Responsibilities:

  • Provide alternative formats to eligible students in a timely manner with the understanding that students have requested these services and provided the necessary information in a timely manner as well.
  • Provide e-text primarily via Bookshare or Google Drive. Note that some exceptions may apply.
  • Make every effort to provide alternative media in the format preferred by the student, however, SAS does not guarantee that the material will be produced in the student’s first choice of format.
  • Advocate on behalf of students who may not be able to access their requisite books due to faculty delays.
  • Respond to student (and faculty/staff) concerns in a timely manner

FAQs

  • Why do I have to show proof of purchase?
    Material in textbooks is protected under copyright laws; as such, students are required to purchase the textbook before an alternative format can be provided.
  • How long does it take to get my alterative format materials?
    There are a number of variables that influence the time frame, e.g., complexity of content, availability, length of materials, etc. Please allow plenty of time for the process to be completed.
  • What can I do to ensure I have my books in an alternative format prior to class beginning?
    Request your accommodation letters, identifying E-text as a desired accommodation, as early as possible.

    Be prepared to provide textbook information if requested, e.g., title, edition and ISBN number. If you do not know the book information you can request it from your professor or contact the bookstore.
  • How can I have the text read aloud?
    There are multiple software options that offer screen reading technology. Some common technologies include, but are not limited to: JAWS (typically used by students who are blind/low-vision), Read & Write Gold and Adobe (Read Aloud function).
  • Can I get alternative formats of my texts anywhere else?
    There are a number of options for securing electronic versions of textbooks. A short list of available options is below:

*Please note: Not all electronic textbooks are accessible as not all work with screen reading software. Before purchasing an electronic version of a textbook, be sure that it is compatible with the software of your choice.

  • Bookstore – Select the “Buy Digital” option via website
  • Bookshare is an accessible online library for people with print disabilities. Bookshare is a free service to U.S. Students who meet Bookshare’s qualification. For more information, visit their website
  • Learning Ally Is an online service that provides audio textbooks and other literature to students and veterans. Learning Ally is a fee based subscription, the cost can be found on their website
  • What if I drop a class and no longer require the textbook that I have requested?

Please notify Danielle Baker-Rose at 330-337-4214 or by email at dbaker13@kent.edu as soon as possible so production of your textbook can be halted.

  • Why won’t Read & Write Gold read my document aloud?
    Read & Write Gold is compatible with Microsoft word and PDF. Please make sure you are using compatible sources.

Check to see if you can highlight your document. If not, it may be an image file. Image files are not accessible through Read & Write Gold. Please contact Danielle Baker-Rose to have the document converted into an accessible format. 

Tutorial #1:  How to Access Books on Bookshare

Please follow the steps below to access books shared with you via Bookshare:

  1. Go to
  2. Click, "Log In" (located in the upper, right corner of the page)
  3. Enter your username and password. Your username is your Kent State email address.  Your temporary password is: password1
  4. Locate the title of the book that you would like to read and click, "Read Now".
  5. To view the book's table of contents, click on the "Table of Contents" button (located in the upper, right corner of the page)
  6. To activate the Read Aloud option, click the "Play" button (located in the upper, right corner of the page). This action will prompt the text to be read aloud with synchronized highlighting. 

Please contact Danielle Baker-Rose at 330-337-4214 or by email at dbaker13@kent.edu with questions or concerns.

Tutorial #2:  How to Download Files from Google Drive

Please follow the steps below to download files shared with you via Google Drive:

  1. Sign into FlashLine with your Kent State username and password.
  2. Click on the "Drive" button (located under "More Links" in the upper, right corner of the page).
  3. Click the "Share With Me" tab (located on the left side of the page).
  4. Double click on the file that you would like to download. Next, click the "Download" button.
  5. Save the file to your computer (e.g. the desktop or a specified folder).

Please contact Danielle Baker-Rose at 330-337-4214 or by email at dbaker13@kent.edu with questions or concerns.

Tutorial #3:  How to Use Speech-to-Text in Read & Write Gold with PDF Files

Please follow the steps below to use the speech-to-text feature of Read & Write Gold with PDF files:

  1. Open Read & Write Gold by double-clicking on the icon. 
  2. The Read & Write Gold toolbar will open. To view more options on the toolbar, drag the toolbar to the top of your screen.
  3. Next, click "Nonviewable Toolbar Buttons" (located on the right end of the toolbar).
  4. Click, "PDF Aloud."  A new window will open which will allow you to choose the document that you would like to read.
  5. Open the document and navigate to where you would like to begin reading, highlight the text, and click the "Play" button to begin listening to your book.

Please contact Danielle Baker-Rose at 330-337-4214 or by email at dbaker13@kent.edu with questions or concerns.

Tutorial #4:  How to Use Speech-to-Text in Read & Write Gold with Microsoft Word

Please follow the steps below to use the speech-to-text feature of Read & Write Gold with Microsoft Word documents:

  1. Open Read & Write Gold by double-clicking on the icon. 
  2. The Read & Write Gold toolbar will open. To view more options on the toolbar, drag the toolbar to the top of your screen.
  3. Next, open a Microsoft Word document that you would like to read.
  4. Click the "Play" button to begin listening to your book.

Please contact Danielle Baker-Rose at 330-337-4214 or by email at dbaker13@kent.edu with questions or concerns.

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