All students must return all materials by the last day of final examsSSWD does not allow students to keep alt-format materials for the next semester. [*If you require alt-formats the following semester, we will collect your discs and identify your player so that you can check out the same one in January.]
SSWD staff will not issue any new materials until the week of January 11 (after the first expunge); students must have a schedule in place (indicating tuition paid) before signing out any new materials. Additionally, we require students to complete and submit an official Alt-format Request Form (DOC, PDF) each term.
Services for Students With Disabilities (SSWD) provides audio-texts (books-on-tape, Digital Talking Books) electronic-texts (e-texts on CD), and Braille to all qualified students. SSWD purchases an Annual Institutional Membership to Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D). This service allows us to obtain pre-recorded educational textbooks for students with a documented print disability (visual, perceptual, mobility) at no cost to the student. These AudioPlus/DAISY format CDs and downloads require specific playback devices which are available for student loan.
RFB&D cassette tapes are no longer distributed. Instruction in the use of Humanware's Victor Vibe and Wave CD players and other computer software is provided by SSWD staff. SSWD loans players to students on a first come, first served basis each semester.
Textbooks not available from RFB&D in audio format are obtained directly from publishers in electronic format. These e-texts contain the electronic files of printed pages. The file type may be Adobe PDF, Word, or text. Students must provide proof of textbook ownership (e.g. bookstore receipt) prior to being issued publisher's e-texts. Importantly, students must sign a Permissions Agreement and follow the publisher's stated terms and conditions. E-texts can be enlarged and/or read with the appropriate tools such as a screen reader (text-to-speech software, TTS). Various screen readers are provided on the assistive technology computer in the ERC at each campus. For home and personal use, free and low-cost screen readers are available to download online.
To request class textbooks and class materials in alternate format contact Don Amos (dwamos@pstcc.edu, 694-6751). Please call ahead to schedule an appointment to pick up alt-formats and to obtain assistive technology training or technical assistance.
*Beginning with the Spring 2010 Semester Pellissippi State Services for Students with Disabilities (SSWD) is implementing the following procedure to improve our alternate format request process:
Students must complete and submit an alt-format request form (Word .doc) requesting alternate format materials and provide a copy of their schedule listing the classes they are registered for in the upcoming semester. SSWD will only accept requests made in this manner. Completed forms and schedules may be submitted by email to Don Amos at dwamos@pscc.edu or in person to any of the SSWD staff. Students will be notified of the arrival in materials through their PSCC email accounts only. Students are responsible for checking their PSCC email accounts to see if materials have arrived.
It is important to participate in priority registration and to submit your requests for alternate format (alt-format) materials as early as possible. Plan ahead! Typically, at least six weeks notice is necessary to ensure timely delivery of requested material, depending on the format. Students must first register with SSWD and provide appropriate documentation to be eligibile for alternate formats. Alt-formats may not be readily available or exist in your preferred format--please be patient and flexible. Remember, the earlier you sign up for classes the sooner a particular resource can be obtained and issued.
All items checked out for the semester must be returned by the last day of final exams. Unreturned materials will result in a hold being placed on your grades and registration for future semesters.
Updated March 10, 2010