November 22, 2009

“E-Text”, or electronic text, is the finished product of a process that scans textbook pages with high-speed scanners and then saves them as HTML documents to be posted on a secure website. This process enables persons with visual impairments or learning disabilities in reading to be more independent. It also provides the student with a valuable skill that can be used in the workplace. Text-to-Speech software can read material on the E-Text website and the browser's capabilities also allow students to enlarge documents for easy viewing. Text-to-Speech software is available in the Assistive Technology Lab and is installed on wireless laptops that are available in the Auburn University library.

The following should be carefully considered before signing up for E-Text:

• Do you feel comfortable working with computers?
• Do you have access to the internet?
• Do you like to both see the words and listen to them?
• Have you ever used screen reader software?
• Can the book be easily translated into E-Text? (images, mathematical or scientific formulas and equations cannot be translated)
• What format do I need?
  • HTML is primarily used in conjunction with screen readers
  • PDF is used only for enlarging text (math/images will be ok)

Many documents and books can be scanned quickly and placed on the web for easy access. Students must work in conjunction with the Assistive Technology Specialist in order to make sure the material is ready when needed. This means the student must communicate to them what books are needed for E-Text conversion and by what dates the chapters or pages need to be ready.

Every student must meet with an Assistive Technology Specialist before E-Text will be available.

How do I register and use E-Text?

1. Apply for services with the Program for Students with Disabilities and submit documentation of a print disability.
2. Meet with a Disability Specialist to determine if E-Text is a reasonable accommodation.
3. Meet with a Assistive Technology Specialist for a general overview of the service.
4. Register for classes for the upcoming semester, find out what books you need, and notify the Assistive Technology Specialist. NOTE: you must own a copy of the book before we can proceed. Books requested that are not already in our library or available from the publisher may have to be unbound by our office. They will be returned to you when processing is complete. NOTE: This means that you will not be able to sell your books back at the end of the semester.
5. Obtain a copy of your class syllabus (preferably before the semester begins) and figure out what chapters or pages need to be ready according to the weeks in the semester. For example, the syllabus might state that you are to have read chapters 1-3 by week two. Submit this information to the Assistive Technology Specialist no later than the first week of class to ensure the requested material will be ready when needed.
6. E-Text will be processed in the order received. Only materials from the point of the request will be converted to E-Text.
7. Contact the Assistive Technology Specialist in order to be given access to the secure web site and to learn how to use the site.
8. Go to the Program for Students with Disabilities web site, (http://www.auburn.edu/disability) click on the "My Services" link, and log on.
9. If you need screen reader software contact an Assistive Technology Specialist for further information.
10. If you already have the software, make sure it is running, and click on the link for your class. Select the chapter or pages you want to read.