Textbooks and Materials in Accessible Formats

Accessible (alternate) Formats are core print or digital materials that are created or converted with universal design principles in mind which makes them more usable across a wider spectrum of user needs. 

These materials include, but are not limited to:

  • Digital materials printed for students who cannot use electronic materials

  • Large print for students with low vision

  • Documents containing text, images, tables, STEM content (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) that can be read aloud, and navigated, by a computer using screen reader technology

  • Documents containing text, images, tables, STEM content (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) that can be read aloud by text-to-speech tools

  • Contracted or uncontracted Braille

  • Nemeth Braille (math braille)

  • Tactile graphics

Copyright Statement

E-Text Reader Software

After meeting with an accommodation specialist, if you are approved for the e-text accommodation, you will be eligible to access and download the text to speech software, ClaroRead Pro, which we provide for students with the accommodation. 

Refer to these instructions: CIDI Login and ClaroRead Installation Instructions

There are many other free e-text readers available online, if you would like to try one out, NaturalReader https://www.naturalreaders.com/ is a great option.

Before Requesting Accessible Textbooks

  • Search for a digital version of your textbook(s) and opt to purchase those when possible, over a physical book.

  • If you are a member of Learning Ally (audio books) and/or Bookshare, search their libraries for accessible copies available.

Request Accessible Textbooks or Additional Required Course Materials

  1. For a first-time requests only, have met with your Accommodation Specialist and have alternate formats as an approved accommodation.

  2. Request your textbooks in an alternate format through your AIM portal. Instructions are available here: How to Request E-Text and Additional Materials in AIM

  3. Provide proof of purchase to the Office of Accessibility for each book requested as E-Text. This can be shown at the reception desk in 1228 Haley, emailed to your Accommodation Specialist, emailed to Clay Yarbrough rcy0001@auburn.edu, or uploaded through the AIM portal. Instructions are available here: How to Upload Book Receipts in AIM

Any questions about the process can be directed to Clay Yarbrough via email at rcy0001@auburn.edu. 

How to Request Interpreting and Cart

The Office of Accessibility provides interpreting and CART services for deaf/hard of hearing students registered with the office, as well as for visitors to campus who need the service. Sign language interpreting and CART services are available for all academic classes/meetings and university-related activities. Early notification is very important.

  • Register with the Office of Accessibility upon acceptance into Auburn University.

  • Indicate interpreting or CART services needed when establishing appropriate accommodations.

  • Upon registering for classes, please contact the Accommodation Specialist assigned to your college with a list of the classes in which interpreting, or CART is needed.

  • Report any change in schedule to the Office of Accessibility as soon as changes occur.

  • Absences: If a student is absent from a class two (2) consecutive times without notifying the Office of Accessibility, a meeting will be needed with the Accommodation Specialist assigned to the student's college to discuss the situation. The Office of Accessibility understands that it is the right of any student to miss class. However, prior notification is needed so interpreter and CART services/resources are not wasted.

  • If a student is late to a class, they must notify the Office of Accessibility so the interpreter or captionist will not leave, as outlined below. In the event prior notification has not been given, the interpreter will wait outside of class for Ten (10) minutes for a 50-minute class. Fifteen (15) minutes for a 1 hour and 15-minute class. Twenty minutes for a 2-hour class.

  • Discuss any interpreting problems with the interpreter. If additional assistance is needed to resolve a problem, make an appointment with your Accommodation Specialist.

  • Discuss any CART problems with the captionist. If additional assistance is needed to resolve a problem, email Clay Yarbrough (rcy0001@auburn.edu) with details for what course(s) you are encountering problems with captioning in.

  • For academic meetings with advisors, professors, etc., requests for interpreter services need to be made as early as possible, no later than five (5) business days in advance of the meeting.

Students Requesting Interpeting or CART Services for a University-Related Event

Students may request interpreting or CART services for university-related events such as concerts, speakers, programs, etc.

  1. Email accessibility@auburn.edu with the following information:

  2. Name, date(s) and time(s) of program/event

  3. Name/email address/phone number of the coordinator for the event

  4. Location of event

  5. Description of the program/event

  6. Is the request for interpreting or CART?

Vistors Requesting Interpreting or CART Services for a University Event or On-Campus Meeting

Please contact the Office of Accessibility at 334-844-2096. We will be happy to work with you.

Priority Registration

Certain functional limitations may help you to qualify for priority registration at Auburn University. The purpose of priority registration is to ensure that you have equal access to academic courses. Priority registration will be provided as an accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

Those receiving priority registration may include:

  • Students with mobility (paraplegia, quadriplegia, cerebral palsy, etc.) or health (multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.) impairments that adversely impact their ability to travel from class to class in a timely fashion.

  • Students who need to frequently arrange for on and off-campus service providers (personal care assistants, accessible transportation, etc.).

  • Students who cannot attend classes during certain parts of the day due to documented medical needs (chemotherapy, renal dialysis, etc.).

  • Students who use services requiring significant planning on the Office of Accessibility's part to arrange (Interpreting, Remote Captioning, etc.).

Assistance with Note Taking

How would note-taking as an accommodation be beneficial to me? When a disability impacts a major life activity, such as learning, it can often inhibit your ability to take adequate notes while also attending to:

  • Lectures

  • Classroom Discussions

  • Presentations

To provide equality in these areas, we also offer note-taking assistance as an accommodation.

Note Taking as an Accommodation

If note-taking assistance is one of your accommodations, you should schedule an appointment with your instructor after electronically submitting your accommodations to him or her. Typically, your instructor will arrange for a note-taker by asking for a volunteer. During your initial meeting with your instructor, you should discuss whether you want the note-taker to know your identity. If you choose to self-disclose, you and the note-taker can arrange when and how you would like to receive a copy of your notes. If you choose to remain anonymous, you should work with your instructor to determine a process for receiving the notes. If you are not receiving notes or no one volunteers, collaborate with your instructor to resolve this issue. Contact a disability specialist immediately if nothing is resolved.

After receiving your notes, meet with your instructor during the office to discuss the quality of your notes. Instructors are more than willing to ensure you have a quality set of notes. If your instructor feels the notes are inadequate, he or she will work to find you a new note-taker or help fill in the gaps.

If you are not currently receiving this accommodation and you feel this accommodation may help, please schedule an appointment with a disability specialist to discuss your options.

Students wishing to independently navigate the learning environment without the need for a fellow student to serve as a note-taker may wish to use the Livescribe Pen. Please visit Livescribe Pen for more information on acquiring and using this technology in the classroom.

Agreement with Instructor Form

In addition to the Attendance Accommodation Policy agreement in AIM, you now have access to an “Agreement with Instructor” form. The purpose of the agreement is to assist students and faculty in defining precise attendance guidelines for the course. We encourage you to complete this form with your instructor during your accommodation meeting. You can find a link to this form in your AIM Student Portal in the My Accommodations box. Once submitted, copies of the form will be distributed to the student, faculty, and OA.

Last updated: 10/30/2024