Alternate Media
Alternate media converts classroom materials such as textbooks and handouts into alternate formats for students with print-related disabilities. Alternate media can include electronic text, large print, audio materials and braille.
PLEASE NOTE: Textbook conversions can take up to 6 weeks to produce. Advance notice is very important. Please utilize the Alternate Media Guidelines as a reference to guide you through the process.
Step 1: Request Your Alternate Media
Fill out and submit an Alternate Media Request Form as soon as you schedule for courses. Should you decide to change your schedule (add or drop a course) after submitting your initial request, please be sure to submit the changes via a new Alternate Media Request form. Requests may be made before you purchase your textbooks.
Note: Students requesting alternate-media for the first time are required to do training with an Alternate-media staff member. To request an appointment, please utilize our Accessible Media - Student Appointment Request Form.
Step 2: Submit Your Proof of Purchase
Once you put in your request, after a few days you'll be given access to the "Alternate Media Textbook Pick-up" site on Blackboard. After access is granted, you will be required to submit proof of purchase before you are able to download your textbooks.
To access "Alternate Media Textbook Pick-up" organization via Blackboard
- Click on the "My Organizations" tab
- Click on Alternate Media Textbook Pick-up
- Click on "My Alternate Media" (left column)
To submit your proof of purchase via Blackboard
- Click on the "My Organizations" tab
- Click on Alternate Media Textbook Pick-up
- Click on "My Alternate Media" (left column)
- Click on "Proof of Purchase" link
- Below the textbox, click on "Browse my Computer" to the right of "Attach File"
- Locate an electronic copy of your receipt, a scanned copy of your receipt or a clear photo of your receipt
- Click Open (this adds the file name under Attach File)
- Click Submit
- Wait approx. 2 business days for approval
Step 3: Download Your Books via Blackboard
- Click on the "My Organizations" tab
- Click on Alternate Media Textbook Pick-up
- Click on My Alternate Media (left column)
- Click on folder with your name
- Click on textbook title to download
- Save to your computer (download)
- Extract/Unzip files, if necessary
Step 4: Using Your Alternate Media
Most converted textbooks can be read aloud using the software Read&Write. All Columbus State students, faculty, and staff can obtain Read&Write for free at the CSCC IT Help Desk, during an alternate media appointment, or can use the instructions below to download it from home.
Read & Write for Windows
Read & Write for Windows (PC) Video Tutorials
How to Install Read & Write for Windows
Read & Write for Mac
Read & Write for Mac Video Tutorials
How to Install Read & Write for Mac
Read & Write practice PDF - Grimm's Fairy Tales
If you need instructions on how to use audio during your exams, please review our
detailed guide for using Read & Write while testing.
For further information contact the Alternate Media Staff at 614-287-5910.