What is alternative media?

Alternative Media is a service where course documents or textbooks are formatted in a way that works best for students with disabilities.  
Sometimes the original format of a document or textbook is not easily readable. Some students using assistive technology may also have difficulty accessing the content in documents or textbooks, an alternative format would then be needed.  
Alternative Media is an accommodation for Moorpark College students registered with the ACCESS office. Students may receive alternative media accommodations by meeting with an ACCESS Counselor or Specialist. 

Alternative Media Examples       

•    Audio Books (MP3, M4B, Learning Ally) 
•    Braille (Embossed or BRF Files) 
•    Electronic Text (HTML, Microsoft Word) 
•    Kurzweil 3000 (Text-to-Speech – Reading, Writing, Studying) 
•    PDF (PDFUA – Universal Accessibility) 

Policies 

Eligibility for alternative media accommodations and services is determined by the ACCESS Coordinator, Counselors, or Specialists. The service is based in part on the professional documentation provided by the student and is an interactive process.  
Requests for materials in alternative format will be considered on a case by case basis. ACCESS will provide the format specified by the student. If the original request is unavailable, we will search for alternatives or provide actions to take.  

Proof of Purchase 

Required 

Requests for textbooks will require proof of  
purchase or proof of ownership. Proof of purchase or ownership can be physical receipts from the bookstore, emailed receipts from online purchases, or library rental slip.  

Not Required 

Proof of purchase is not required for course  
documents and free materials in the current semester. The course documents need to be emailed along with the request.  

Timeline 

Media requests have a 10 business day timeline.  

During the 10 business days 

It is the students’ responsibility to provide proof of purchase or the course documents. Alternative Media cannot be provided otherwise.  
If requested items are unavailable, additional options will be sent to the student’s email address.  

After the 10 business days

If there are no actions taken by the student or if no communication is sent from the student, the request will be cancelled.  
The requests may also exceed the 10 business days in some instances. It will depend on the scenario, but specific timeline completions will be communicated through email.  

Copyright 

Students will not copy, reproduce or distribute the Alternative Media to anyone else. Alternative Media is individualized for ACCESS students only. Distribution of the Alternative Media may result in termination of Alternative Media services or disciplinary action.  

Procedures 

1. Request alternative media 

2. Provide proof of purchase if required.

• Requests will be processed when submitted and will follow the 10 day timeline.
• Requests will be delivered based on proof of purchase requirements.  

3. Maintain communication through your campus VCCCD email address.             

Download Policies and Procedures 

Find Required Reading:

Methods to find required reading:

1. Find required reading iat the Moorpark College Book Store
2. Email instructor, inquiring the required reading for the semester.

Resource:

Guide to finding your course schedule, searching for books and a template for emailing your instructor. 

Types of Alt Media Requests: 

• Books 
  • The required textbook for the course can be requested in a preferred format. 
• Course Documents (Handouts or Files in the course)
  • Request documents in a preferred format.
• Audio or Video 
  • Request closed captions, transcripts or other enhancements.

Make a Alt Media Request

 Request Alternative Media 

Kurzweill 3000 

Overview

Kurzweil 3000 is award-winning educational software designed to provide literacy support for those who struggle with literacy in the classroom, at home, or in the workplace.

Kurzweil 3000 offers a multisensory approach and multiple means of access to text; whether in print or in digital formats. Kurzweil 3000 includes the highest quality Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software available, which reproduces scanned print documents with the exact layout and formatting found in the original.

Learn how Kurzweil 3000 supports individuals with learning disabilities, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, other learning disabilities, and English Language Learners in the school and the workplace.

Kurzweil 3000 Features: 

• Simultaneously listen to and read scanned text, image text (such as PDF files), digital files and Internet pages
• Access multiple file types that include: EPUB; TXT; HTML; PDF; TIFF; NIMAS; DOC; RTF; DAISY and ANY scanned paper with text and photos
• Visually track words and phrases on screen as they are read aloud
• Use colored highlighters and other visual prompts to identify important information
• Support strategies for text or recorded note taking, organization, editing
• Create MP3 audio files for use with iPods, iPhones and iPads
• Hear their own writing read aloud to them
• Take advantage of the language learning supports such as multiple English and bilingual dictionaries, Google® Translate and voice note tool
• Improve study skills by using the research and writing functionalities such as sticky notes, extraction of outlines and column notes, auditory spell check and word prediction
• Enter the writing process from multiple points: the graphic organizer, outline or draft views

Read more about Kurzweil 3000

Kurzweil 3000 Compatibility: 

Download Kurzweil 3000 for the following systems:

• Chromebook App
• Chrome Browser Extension “Read the Web”
• Mac (Subscription/Web License)
• Windows 10 (Subscription/Web License)
• Website: www.kurzweil3000.com

ACCESS will provide a username and password for using Kurzweil 3000.

Kurzweil 3000 Video Demo: 

• Reading on Kurzweil3000.com
• Creating a Study Guide

ACCESS provides books and documents in the Kurzweil 3000 format (.kes).

Make an Alt Media Request to receive your course materials in the Kurzweil 3000 format. 

Overview

With an extensive library of high quality, human-read audiobooks…our solution provides equitable access to…curriculum in a format struggling readers can easily absorb.

- Learning Ally

Students utilizing Learning Ally will receive a username and password for accessing the audio book library. 

Learning Ally Demo

Learning Ally Software

Learning Ally is available to use for:

• Apple App Store (iPhone & iPad)
• macOS (Apple Desktops)
• Chrome Browser Extenion
• Google Play (Android Devices)
• Windows Operating Sytsem
• Web App

Visit the Learning Ally AudioBook App page to download the software for a preferred device.

Learning Ally Account

Contact us for using Learning Ally with your course reading. 
We will provide a username and password for eligible ACCESS students. 

 

Overview

 

Activate Read Aloud:

1. Open a Microsoft Word document
2. Choose the “Review” ribbon
3. Choose “Read Aloud”

How Read Aloud Works

Two methods for using the Read Aloud feature:

1. Select/Highlight a specific phrase, sentence, word, etc of the document
   1. Press “Play”
   2. Only the words selected will read aloud
2. With nothing selected
   1. Press “Play”
   2. Reading will begin from where the typing cursor is placed.

Other Features:

• While reading, the words will be highlighted to offer tracking while the voice reads.
• There are options to slow down or speed up the speaking rate.
• The voice can be changed.

Download the Flyer