Accessibility Resources

Class Materials

If you use assistive technology (like a screen reader, text‑to‑speech, or magnification tools), some course materials may not work as well for you right away. This page explains how to request your textbooks and course materials in formats that better meet your access needs.

Terms of Use

Alternative format materials:

  • Are for the student's sole academic use only
  • May not be shared, distributed, or altered
  • Are protected by copyright law

Misuse may violate the Student Code of Conduct.

Alternative Textbook Formats

Step 1: Get Your Book Information

  • Course and section numbers
  • Book title, author, edition, and ISBN
  • Proof that you purchased or rented the book (screenshot or saved email, etc. that lists the book title and date you obtained it)

Step 2: Submit the Textbook Request Form

Submit the Alternative Format Textbook Request Form (one form per book).
This starts the process for Accessibility Resources to obtain or create an accessible version.

Step 3: Work with Accessibility Resources

Our team may need more information from you to fulfill your request. We will communicate with you using your UC email.

Other Course Materials

For articles, handouts, or instructor‑provided files:

  • First, contact your instructor with details about what materials aren’t accessible, and what you need to be able to access them.
  • If you would like support with contacting your instructor, contact your Access Coordinator.
  • If needed, you can request a consultation with Accessibility Resources to talk through access barriers and next steps.

Communication Expectations

Accessibility support works best when everyone stays connected and communicates clearly.

  • Students are expected to submit requests and respond to follow‑up questions and/or requests for consultation in a timely fashion
  • Accessibility Resources coordinates communication, production and delivery when instructors cannot fulfill the accommodation on their own

Let your Access Coordinator know right away if deadlines are approaching.

FAQ

This process is for students who are approved for the following accommodations:

  • Class Materials in Accessible Digital Format
  • Class Materials in Embossed Braille
  • Class Materials in Large Print
  • Class Materials in Standard Print

If you’re not sure whether you have this accommodation, contact your Access Coordinator through Accessibility Resources.

Alternative formats are versions of course materials that have been formatted to work with assistive technology. These may include:

  • Screen‑reader compatible files
  • Text‑to‑speech friendly documents
  • Accessible digital versions of textbooks or readings

The goal is to help you read, study, and complete coursework independently.

You should request materials when

  • The material is required for a course or academic requirement, and
  • You can’t independently read or interact with the content

If you’re unsure, an Accessibility Resources staff member can help you decide.

You can request alternative formats for:

  • Textbooks
  • Required readings (articles, book chapters)
  • Course documents (assignments, handouts, instructor‑created files)
  • Other required academic materials used in your course

Alternative format materials may take time to produce. Submitting requests early helps ensure access when you need it.

Retroactive requests cannot be guaranteed fulfillment.

Production timelines vary depending on the material and format needed. The expected lead time for production of textbooks in alternative format is 10 business days from the date of request.

Some requests for longer publications may be fulfilled in parts according to the class assignment schedule, especially if they involve complex content.

Students can request assistance from Accessibility Resources to obtain information about course materials to plan for accommodations in advance.

Possibly. Accessibility Resources may work with your instructor to provide, revise, or clarify materials and course expectations.

You may be included in the communication if your input is needed to fulfill your request.

Once ready, materials are delivered to you by your instructor or Accessibility Resources. They will let you know where and how to access the materials. Materials are provided in formats compatible with your approved accommodation.

Every effort will be made to fulfill as requested, but some materials may be limited to specific formats based on availability or copyright restrictions.

Delivery methods may include:

  • Posting in Canvas
  • Link to a file
  • Access to digital content on an ebook platform

Canvas Alternative Format generator

Students can download alternative formats of documents and content in their Canvas courses on demand using the Alternative Formats generator.

Please note: The alternative formats provided in Canvas are not intended to replace the accommodation process, but are offered as one of many options for students to access content independently.

For step-by-step instructions to use this feature in Canvas and resources to help you get started, see the following:

For more details about the alternative format options available via Ally and guidance on selecting the format that works for you, see the resources linked below.

Need Help?

If you:

  • Aren’t sure what to request
  • Have trouble accessing course materials assigned by your instructor
  • Need help submitting a request

Reach out to:

  • Your Access Coordinator, or
  • the Digital Access Team for guidance and support

A member of our team can support you with getting textbook information if:

  • there is not an instructor listed for your course,
  • an instructor has not responded to your request for textbook or course material support,
  • you need to review course materials in advance of class starting to determine whether you need to make an alternative format request, and/or
  • you have concerns about the options you have identified in your search for textbooks.