AccessText Network is here to help! E-Text Accommodations 101.

Handouts Media

Presented at 10:30am in Penrose 1 on Friday, November 18, 2022.

#36205

Speaker(s)

  • Dawn Evans, AccessText Network Coordinator, AccessText Network
  • Carolyn Phillips, Co-Director of the Center for Inclusive Design & Innovation, Center for Inclusive Design & Innovation (CIDI)

Session Details

  • Length of Session: 1-hr
  • Format: Lecture
  • Expertise Level: Beginner
  • Type of session: General Conference

Summary

The AccessText Network (ATN) is an essential tool that all Disability Service Providers should be aware of and have at their disposal when seeking to accommodate students with print-related disabilities. ATN membership is free for Disability Services and it is the fastest and easiest way to get a publisher file of a college textbook. This session will give you a head-start in providing e-text accommodations to students with print-related disabilities.

Abstract

Students with print-related disabilities need their college textbooks and course materials in alternate formats. But what are the fastest and easiest ways to track down these accessible files and E-Text for your students? How will you know which file format to request for your students (PDF, EPUB, DOC)? How do you know if the file you received is fully accessible for your student's needs? What do you do if a file isn't available? This session will cover the basics of all these questions. We will begin with a demo of the essential (and free) tool that is the AccessText Network (ATN) – a site where Disability Service Providers (DSPs) can request files from publishers. We will also take a look at the 'Accessible Textbook Finder' and explore options for when a book isn't on ATN. Together, we will open up some files and discuss the characteristics that make them accessible or inaccessible. While this session may not make you an expert, it will provide you with the essential tools you need in order to provide E-Text accommodations, plus it will give you a solid foundation so you’ll know when to seek out further assistance and information.

Keypoints

  1. AccessText is the fastest & easiest way to get publisher files for students with print-related disabilities.
  2. Choosing the best file format for your student depends upon multiple factors.
  3. You can still accommodate your student even if the publisher doesn't have a file to provide to you.

Disability Areas

Cognitive/Learning, Mobility, Psychological, Vision

Topic Areas

Accessible Educational Materials, Alternate Format, EPUB Track, Uncategorized

Speaker Bio(s)

Dawn Evans

Dawn Evans has been with the Center for Inclusive Design & Innovation (formerly AMAC Accessibility) since 2008. She has been the AccessText Network (ATN) Coordinator since 2016 where she supports publishers and Disability Services Offices in colleges across the country to ensure the seamless request and delivery of publisher files on behalf of college students with disabilities. Prior to her position at ATN, she managed CIDI's E-Text Unit and is well-versed in creating accessible alternative formats. Dawn earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology and master's degree in Social Work from the University of Georgia.

Carolyn Phillips

Carolyn P. Phillips is internationally recognized in the fields of assistive technology, inclusive design, accessibility and disabilities. Carolyn serves as Co-Director of CIDI at Georgia Tech and Director & Principal Investigator of Tools for Life, Georgia’s Assistive Technology (AT) Act Program.

As a person living with specific Learning Disabilities, Carolyn has dedicated her time and energy to promoting independence of all people, including those with disabilities through advocacy, education, assistive technology and systems change. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia, her Master's Degree from the University of Kentucky and is currently pursuing her PhD at Texas Tech University.

Handout(s)