If you have alternative formats as an accommodation, the DRC will work with you to convert your print materials into a digital format that works for you. Before you make your request, you need to sign the Alternative Format Agreement.. This acknowledges that you are not permitted to share, distribute, copy materials, or otherwise violate federal copyright law.
How do I request alternative formats?
The earlier you can make the request, the better. Note that you can request your textbooks before you purchase them.
- Log into DRC Online and submit your service requests before the start of the term.
- Submit your e-text requests:
- Select “Alternative Formats” from the “My Accommodations” menu on the left side of the screen.
- Select the term for which you need alternative formats.
- Under “Requesting Alternative Formats” you will click the “select” option next to the books you need in E-text.
- If your book is not listed, or you have additional readings, please submit a custom request in the “Additional Books or Reading Materials” section, which appears below the textbook list.
- Submit your proof of purchase or rental by emailing it to format@pdx.edu.
Email format@pdx.edu if you have any questions about the process, or need help requesting your textbooks.
When will I receive my E-Texts?
After you enter your requests, we submit a request to the publisher for an E-Book version of your reading materials. If the publisher nave an E-Text version available within seven (7) business days, we will request that you submit a hard copy of your textbook to be cut, scanned, and converted. We will re-bind your book with a spiral binding if you request it.
Once we have the E-Text, we usually deliver it to your Google Drive folder within 3 business days.
NOTE: Fully accessible text for screen reader users (text that contains accessible equations, descriptions for images, graphs, diagrams, etc.) may take longer to convert. Our team will work with you and your instructors to edit and distribute course materials over the course of the term.
How do I access my E-Texts?
The Alternative Formats team will assign a PSU Google Drive folder to you each term. If you are a screen reader user, we recommend that you install the Personal Backup and Sync desktop application for Google Drive. This is the most accessible way to access Google Drive and the only user-friendly way to access it using a screen reader. You can reach out to us at adaptivetech@pdx.edu if you have questions about getting this set up.
The Alternative Formats team will deliver digital versions of your textbooks through your PSU Google Drive. If you are a screen reader user, we recommend that you install the Personal Backup and Sync desktop application for Google Drive. You can reach out to us at adaptivetech@pdx.edu if you have questions about getting this set up.
Can I listen to my E-text?
The Adaptive Technology team can provide recommendations and training for several text-to-speech software programs and applications. In addition to reading your E-Book books out loud, some of these software programs and applications allow you to:
- Convert image PDFs so that the text becomes readable.
- Create audio files of your E-Text.
- Highlight and annotate your E-Text using built-in note-taking and word processing tools.
For recommendations and one-on-one training, please email us at adaptivetech@pdx.edu or schedule a meeting on the Adpative Tech booking page.
How else can I access digital formats of my textbooks?
The PSU Library has a lot of course materials available in E-Book format, and county libraries have large collections of books and materials you can check out. There are also ways to purchase E-Book books, or access free material from online resources. You can learn more about options for accessing E-Book materials and choose what works best for you.