The majority of the students with this accommodation at CU Boulder require the provision of accessible (readable) electronic files, which students access using software or apps on their computers, tablets and phones.

What is an alternate format accommodation?

Alternate format refers to the conversion of academic materials to accessible formats for students with a variety of disabilities.

Formats may include digital text, large print, Braille and tactile graphics.

The majority of the students with this accommodation at CU Boulder require the provision of accessible (readable) electronic files, which students access using software or apps on their computers, tablets and phones.

What is the Alternate Format Production and Access Center (AFPAC)?

The Alternate Format Production and Access Center (AFPAC) is located in the Disability Services office and is a production facility for the creation of alternate format class materials (textbooks, articles, class documents, etc.) for students with the accommodation. 

Who is responsible for creating the alternate format of course materials?

The AFPAC is responsible for creating alternate format textbook materials for students with this accommodation upon request. 

Please forward any requests from students for alternate format to dsafpac@colordo.edu. 

Does my course reading materials on Canvas need to be converted into an alternate format?

Yes, faculty are responsible for ensuring their course materials on Canvas are accessible with screen readers. Please visit Instructor Guidance: Alt Format Accommodations for information on how to check your materials for accessibility.

What else can I do to help a student with alternate format?

List all your course textbooks in the CU Book Store so that students and the AFPAC can begin converting materials ASAP.

Avoid adding new materials during the semester. If you need to add new materials to your course throughout the semester, ensure that you give them to students at least 2 weeks before they need to use them, in case the student needs to work with Disability Services to have them adapted into an accessible format.

Who is responsible for the cost of converting course materials into alternate formats?

The Alternate Format Production and Access Center (AFPAC) provides this service to faculty at no cost for students registered with the accommodation. 

What if a student needs an alternate format for an accommodated exam?

The AFPAC will prepare all alternate format materials for student exams as needed. Please submit materials directly to dsproctor@colorado.edu. 

Is there a campus resource for helping me learn how to produce my own alternate format?

There sure is! The Digital Accessibility team on campus has a plethora of resources for creating accessible content and incorporating universal design for learning (UDI) in the classroom. Please see the links below: