The majority of the students with this accommodation at CU Boulder require the provision of accessible (readable) electronic files, which students access using software or apps on their computers, tablets and phones.

What is an alternate format accommodation?

Alternate format refers to the conversion of academic materials to accessible formats for students with a variety of disabilities.

Formats may include digital text, large print, Braille and tactile graphics.

The majority of the students with this accommodation at CU Boulder require the provision of accessible (readable) electronic files, which students access using software or apps on their computers, tablets and phones.

Who is responsible for creating the alternate format of course materials?

The Alternate Format Team is responsible for creating alternate format textbook materials for students with this accommodation upon request. Please forward any requests from students for alternate format to dsafpac@colordo.edu. 

Do my course reading materials on Canvas need to be converted into an alternate format?

Yes, faculty are responsible for ensuring their course materials on Canvas are accessible with screen readers. Please visit Instructor Guidance: Alternate Format Accommodations for information on how to check your materials for accessibility.

What else can I do to help a student with alternate format?

Make sure all of your course textbooks are listed with the CU Bookstore. This ensures that students can see what materials they need and the Alternate Format Team can start remediating those materials before courses begin. Avoid adding new materials during the semester. If you need to add new materials to your course during the semester, ensure that they are available to students at least two weeks before they are needed, in case the accommodated student needs the Alternate Format Team to remediate the materials.

Who is responsible for the cost of converting course materials into alternate formats?

The Alternate Format Team provides this service to accommodated students at no cost.

What if a student needs an alternate format for an accommodated exam?

The Alternate Format Team will prepare all alternate format materials for student exams as needed. Please submit materials directly to testing@colorado.edu.

Is there a campus resource for helping me learn how to produce my own alternate format?

There sure is! The Digital Accessibility team on campus has a plethora of resources for creating accessible content and incorporating universal design for learning (UDI) in the classroom. Please see the links below: