Alternate Format – I Do My Best With What I’ve Got and That’s Better Than Nothing

Proposal No: 1617

Bios & Handouts

Speaker(s)

• Susan Kelmer, Alternate Format Production Program Manager, University of Colorado Boulder

Disability Area: Cognitive|Learning   Mobility   Vision   Deaf|HOH   Other Disability  

Topic Area: Legal   Best Practices   Web|Media Access   Alternate Format   Campus Policy   Curriculum Access   Assistive Technology   Information Resources  

Summary of Session

Having a can-do attitude about alternate format production isn't enough. You must also have the resources to acquire that alternate format to students. This session will provide some of those resources, in addition to helping you in not saying "no" to your students.

Abstract

Some of us are used to saying no to students' requests for alternate format, when we can't easily get it or don't already have it. Doing the best with what you've got, and considering it to be enough, is not enough. There is more you can do. Learn about how to contact publishers, which publishers respond well and which don't, what to do when they don't, and what to do with the format once you get it (or don't). Remove the word "no" from your vocabulary when it comes to alternate format.

Kepoints

1. Why
2. Publisher and other resources for obtaining alternate format
3. What to do with it once you get it, and what to do if you don't get it

Speaker Bio(s)

Susan Kelmer

Ms. Kelmer has been working with alternate format and accessible technology for more than 25 years in a higher education environment. Currently she works at the University of Colorado Boulder in the Alternate Format Production and Access Center, where alternate format materials for students with print disabilities are produced. She also consults with other departments on campus and campuses around the country about alternate format and how to produce materials effectively. She has presented at multiple AHG conferences in the last 20 years.

Handout(s)