Accessible Text

The Accessible Materials Team at the Disability Resource Center (DRC) provides support so you can access course materials in formats that meet your disability-related needs.

What We Do

If you have been approved for accessibility accommodations by the DRC, our Accessible Materials Team can help you in the following ways:

• Provide Accessible Textbooks: We source accessible versions of your textbooks so you can use them with assistive technology tools like text-to-speech readers.
• Remediate Course Materials: We remediate documents, lecture notes, PDFs, and other course materials into accessible formats and upload them to your Canvas courses so they are ready for you to use. Moreover, we modify the Canvas pages to accessible formats so that they are compliant with assistive technologies.
• Provide Assistive Technology Resources: We offer resources on screen readers (such as JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver for blind and low-vision students) and other assistive technologies (such as NaturalReader and Read Aloud) to help you access digital content independently.

Getting Your Textbooks Through Aggie Access

Utah State University's Aggie Access program provides all eligible students with access to required textbooks through a flat rate fee each semester. This is one of the most accessible options available to you.

How Aggie Access Works

When you register for courses each semester, you are automatically enrolled in Aggie Access unless you choose to opt out. Here's what you get:

• Digital Textbooks in Canvas: Your textbooks are available through BookShelf, which is built directly into Canvas. You can access them as soon as you're enrolled in a course.
• Print Books (if needed): Physical copies can be picked up from the Campus Store or shipped to you if you are a statewide student.

Note: Aggie Access enrollment counts as proof of purchase for our accessible materials services. If you need an accessible format of a textbook covered by Aggie Access, you do not need to provide a separate receipt.

Using Bookshelf's Built-In Read Aloud Feature

BookShelf includes a free Read Aloud feature that can help you access your textbooks. This built-in accessibility tool is available to all students.

To use Read Aloud in BookShelf:

1. Log in to Canvas and open your course
2. Select Bookshelf from the left sidebar
3. Sign in with your USU credentials
4. Find your textbook and click Open Book
5. Highlight any text you'd like to listen to
6. Click the three dots in the upper-right corner, select Read Aloud, and press Play

You can also watch a short demonstration video to see how the Read Aloud feature works.

Accessing Accesible Formats Of Your Textbooks

If your digital textbook is not available in BookShelf, the DRC will assist in sourcing a version of the book to a more accessible format. Before this more accessible format can be shared with a student, the student must first provide proof that they have purchased a copy of the book.

Provide Proof of Purchase to DRC

Proof of Purchase can be provided by emailing the receipt for the book to drcmaterials@usu.edu. Students may also bring the receipt for a book to the Disability Resource Center between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Disability Resource Center is located in University Inn Suite 101.

After a student has provided proof of purchase, the DRC will share the book as soon as possible. The DRC works to share books within two weeks of the date proof of purchase has been provided.

Using Textbooks with Assistive Technology

Listen to Textbooks Using NaturalReader

The DRC uses NaturalReader to share books with students who have provided proof of purchase. A student's NaturalReader account is created by the DRC and is accessible via a browser or mobile app. A student's account information will be emailed to them immediately after an account has been created. The student has to complete the registration before logging in.

Instructions for logging in to NaturalReader and listening to books can be found on the Listen to Books and Documents Using NaturalReader page. A student may also listen to their own documents by uploading them to NaturalReader. Instructions for doing that are also included on the previous link.

Listen to PDFs and Other Documents

The following tools are provided by the DRC to assist students in listening to course readings and other materials. If these tools are not sufficient for a document, contact the DRC for further assistance.

Listen to Online Material Using Chrome Extensions

Tips For Success

• Start with BookShelf's built-in Read Aloud feature before requesting additional assistance
• Explore Canvas Ally to download materials in accessible formats
• Plan ahead. Contact us early in the semester if you know you'll need an accessible format beyond what's available in BookShelf
• Use highlighting, notes, and study tools available in digital textbooks to enhance your learning
• Ask for training if you're unsure how to use any tools or features
• Let us know if your needs change during the semester so we can provide additional support

Questions

The Disability Resource Center is available to answer any questions regarding book and document requests, how to access books, or help using the tools previously mentioned. Students may email, call, or visit the DRC to have their questions answered.

• Email drcmaterials@usu.edu
• Call (435)797-7361 to speak with the Accessible Materials Coordinator
• Visit the Disability Resource Center Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.