Textbooks in Alternative Format

Textbooks in Alternative Formats Procedure for Students:

Alternative formats refer to any instructional material designed to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Alternative formats include, but are not limited to, large print, audio, braille, and electronic texts.

1. Select “Alternative Formats” for each class in which you would like to receive alternative formats of required textbooks when customizing your accommodations via the AIM online portal at the beginning of each term.
2. Complete the “Reading Materials” sections under “Alternative Formats” in AIM for each textbook required. (Instructions below.)
3. Provide proof of purchase to the Testing and Accessibility Coordinator. You may bring in receipts to be photocopied, scan and email receipts, scan and upload receipts via AIM, or forward electronic receipts by email.
4. The Testing and Accessibility Coordinator will search for each textbook requested in an alternative format. If no alternative format can be found, then the text will be cut apart and scanned to create a PDF document. Every effort will be made to secure an alternative format before chopping and scanning.
5. Receive alternative format texts via the current web-based text-to-speech software in use or via a shared folder on OneDrive.
6. Contact the Testing and Accessibility Coordinator with any questions or concerns.

Textbook Information Submission Instructions

1. Login to your AIM dashboard and click "Alternative Formats" on the left-hand menu.

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2. If your book is listed and the details are correct, then click "Select." If your book is not listed or the details are incorrect, then enter textbook information in the "Reading Materials" section. Complete as much information as possible about each textbook you are requesting. It is especially important to enter the ISBN, a 10- or 13-digit identification number. SAS suggests referring to the Juniata online bookstore for textbook information. You may submit proof-of-purchase by uploading your receipts via AIM or emailing them to the Testing and Accessibility Coordinator.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What information do I need to submit about my textbook?

You will need to supply the textbook title, ISBN number, publisher, author(s), and edition. The ISBN is a 10- or 13-digit number unique to the specific textbook required.

When should I submit my textbook requests?

Textbooks requests should be submitted at least two weeks before the start of each semester but as early as possible. This allows time for the Testing and Accessibility Coordinator to search for and procure textbooks before the beginning of classes.

How can I find out which textbooks I need before classes start?

Required and optional course textbooks can be found on the Juniata College Online Bookstore. Please also refer to your syllabus for textbook information.

What do I enter on the request form if my textbook does not have an edition number?

If there is no edition number listed then enter 1, one, or 1st.

What happens if my textbook is not available in an alternate format?

While every effort will be made to procure a textbook in an existing alternative format, there are times when alternative formats will not exist. With student permission, the Testing and Accessibility Coordinator will arrange for the Print Shop to cut the binding and scan the textbook as a PDF for use with text-to-speech software. The textbook with be glued back together and returned, but it will be missing the spine.

Am I still responsible for any assigned reading while I am waiting for my alternate format textbook?

Yes, you are responsible for any reading that must be completed while the alternate format textbook is being procured.

Can I give my alternative format textbook to a friend or classmate?

No. Alternative format textbooks are intended for the original recipient only. You may not share, duplicate, or distribute any textbook received from Student Accessibility Services.

I prefer to use the digital only version of textbooks. Do I still need to purchase a print copy?

No! If you prefer a digital version, you may purchase your book in a digital format and forego the process of submitting the textbook information in AIM.

I like to have a hard copy to read along with when I am listening to my textbooks. Can SAS get hard copies if I purchase a digital version?

No. You should purchase a hard copy and submit the required book information so that SAS can locate a digital accessible version for use with text-to-speech listening software.